The Best Bed Sheets For A Cooler Night’s Sleep

Warming up to the idea of cool sleep

Spring is here and it’s time to ditch your flannel sheets for something cooler. With warmer temperatures approaching many of us won’t be sleeping as comfortably as we were just a few short weeks ago. Is too much sweating and damp sheets waking you up in the middle of the night? The proper bedding accessories are often a crucial key cooler and more comfortable sleep in the spring and summer seasons.

When it comes to dressing your bed with sheets that will keep you cooler go for natural fibers like cotton bed sheets. Cotton sheets are cooler to the touch and don’t retain heat. Sheets made from 100% cotton release moisture effectively, wicking away perspiration and keeping you drier through the night. Cotton and cotton blend sheets made from percale, sateen and jersey are ideal for warmer weather conditions. Linen sheets also breathe well and have a natural cooling effect. The only drawback to linen sheets are the wrinkles. But for those of us who refuse to make the bed every day, wrinkled sheets may be the least of our worries.

Sheet industry taking a play right out of the athletes play book

If night sweats and allergies are of concern, consider making your bed with bamboo sheets. Silky-soft, bamboo sheets are extremely breathable and quickly absorb moisture. Made with natural bamboo fibers, bamboo fabric is antifungal and has antimicrobial properties that reduce bacteria in bed sheets. Bamboo sheets are also odor-resistant, don’t trap body heat, with bed temperature kept consistent. Many folks are also turning to cooling sheets that were specifically created to cool the body. Inspired by athletic fabrics that wick away moisture, cooling sheets keep you 50% drier than traditional cotton sheets because they transfer body heat and moisture better. Cooling sheets consist of a cotton, polyester and spandex blend.

How much do your sheets weigh?

When choosing the best bed sheets for a cooler night’s sleep, you should also consider weight. Sateen and silk sheets, while light in weight, are natural insulators, trapping in heat while draped closely to your body. Percale sheets are more preferable during warmer months because the material is crisper and allows for more circulation. A common misconception about bed sheets is that the higher the thread count, the more luxurious the sheets. Trouble is, sheets with higher thread counts don’t let air pass as freely and trap the heat underneath which causes you to sweat. For warmer months choose bed sheets with 300-400 thread counts for a more comfortable night’s sleep.

If your bedroom has a south facing window, you’ll want sheets that are light in color so that they reflect rather than absorb the light. Besides, white and light colored sheets are easier to bleach. Laundering your sheets should be done with lukewarm water and dried on a low to medium heat to keep them in the best condition. With the warmer weather also comes the opportunity to dry your sheets outside for that fresh, one of a kind spring smell.

In addition to choosing cooler bed sheets, it’s also a good idea to place a bed fan at the foot of your bed for good air circulation. Avoid eating spicy food, caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. Keep a glass of ice water on your nightstand if you wake up hot. Sleeping in loose, cotton fabrics and using our sheets suggestions will help keep you cooler on those hot spring and summer nights.