Sleeping in summer can be quite uncomfortable. Sticking sheets, a hot mattress, and a warm pillow make it hard to get a good night's rest.
While cooling your bedroom is essential, it may not completely eliminate the discomfort caused by warm sleeping conditions. So, what steps can you take to keep your bed cool during those hot summer nights? We consulted experts in sleep and bedding for their advice.
Ways to Maintain a Cool Bed in Summer
Experts suggest that maintaining a cool bed is crucial for a restful night's sleep, ideally around 50°F. This helps in sustaining good sleep hygiene throughout the warmer months.
1. Choose Natural Fiber Bedding
When looking for cooling sheets, prioritize natural fibers. They tend to be more breathable than synthetic options and effectively wick away moisture. Parima Ijaz, a bedding expert, highlights some excellent choices:
'Natural fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo allow for better airflow, keeping your skin cooler. However, bamboo may involve harmful chemicals during processing, which could be a concern for eco-conscious shoppers.
'Although linen and hemp are breathable and regulate temperature well, they can wrinkle easily and may feel coarse. Linen can tear more easily, too.
'Thus, cotton is a great choice. It conducts heat effectively and is highly absorbent. Egyptian Cotton, in particular, is more breathable due to its porous structure, allowing air and moisture to flow through easily, which enhances its cooling properties.'
Sheet weaving also impacts comfort. According to Parima:
'The Percale weave is the most breathable, featuring a one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under design that enhances airflow, resulting in a lighter and crisper feel.'
2. Consider a Cooling Mattress Topper
If replacing your mattress isn't feasible, Dr. Chelsea Perry recommends investing in a cooling mattress topper. She states:
'Cooling toppers can be transformative! Many are made with gel-infused memory foam or latex, designed to stay cool. You can enhance your bed without buying a new mattress.'
Additionally, consider gel cooling pads that fit inside your pillowcase for extra head and neck comfort during hot nights.
3. Chill Your Sheets Before Bedtime
If a cooling topper isn't sufficient, try chilling your sheets in the fridge before bed for a refreshing start to your sleep, as suggested by Molly Freshwater:
'Wrap your sheets tightly in plastic to avoid odors and moisture. The cool sensation might be just what you need for a comfortable night's sleep.'
4. Replace Comforters with Lighter Options
In warmer climates, many opt for simple sheets instead of heavy comforters, facilitating better airflow. If you prefer some weight for comfort, be mindful of the tog rating you need for summer.
'Even in summer, it's essential to choose lightweight comforters,' advises Dr. Perry. 'Options with light down or alternative fillings provide warmth without trapping heat, striking a balance for a comfortable night.'
5. Explore Bed Climate Systems
If enhancing your sleep experience this summer is a priority, consider a bed climate system. Although it can be a significant investment, it effectively keeps your bed cool at night and warm during winter.
These systems function similarly to small, discreet air conditioning units, allowing you to adjust the temperature of your mattress and sheets at any time of year. As weather patterns become increasingly erratic, this option may be worth the investment.
Bedjet 3 Climate Comfort for Beds offers on-demand cooling, heating, and sweat-drying comfort directly in your bed. The powered ventilation cooling effectively removes body heat and moisture for refreshing relief.
FAQs
Why Does My Bed Feel Hot?
If your bed feels warm throughout the year, it might be due to a heat-retaining mattress or warm bedding unsuitable for your sleep style. Mattresses with multiple foam layers often trap heat more than thinner models. Synthetic bedding and thick comforters can worsen the situation by raising your temperature. Simple bedding adjustments can help alleviate this issue quickly.
How Can I Cool Down My Bed Quickly?
For a rapid cooling effect, consider using an ice pack as a makeshift water bottle under your sheets. However, this is not a long-term solution since it will eventually melt. Pair this trick with other cooling methods, like choosing the right sheets and toppers, for sustained comfort.
As you look to enhance your sleep environment, avoid common heatwave sleeping mistakes, like late-night exercise or heavy meals that can raise your body temperature.
