If you often wake up sweaty and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Overheating at night can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling restless and tired the next day. But the good news is that the right bedding can make a huge difference.
From breathable sheets to cooling pillows and moisture-wicking comforters, this guide will help you find the best bedding for hot sleepers—so you can stay cool and comfortable all night long.
1. What Causes Overheating at Night?
Before we dive into the best bedding options, let’s understand why some people sleep hot:
🔥 Body Temperature – Some people naturally run hotter due to metabolism or hormones.
🔥 Room Temperature – A bedroom that’s too warm can make it harder to stay cool.
🔥 Bedding Materials – Heavy, non-breathable fabrics trap heat and moisture.
🔥 Mattress Type – Memory foam mattresses tend to retain heat, making sleeping conditions warmer.
The solution? Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable bedding that helps regulate temperature and improve airflow.
2. Best Cooling Bedding Materials
1. Bamboo Sheets 🌱
✅ Moisture-wicking and ultra-breathable
✅ Soft and silky feel
✅ Naturally hypoallergenic
💡 Why It Works: Bamboo fabric pulls moisture away from the skin, keeping you cool and dry. It’s also softer than cotton and naturally antimicrobial, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
2. Linen Sheets ☁️
✅ Extremely breathable and moisture-wicking
✅ Temperature-regulating (keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter)
✅ Durable and softens over time
💡 Why It Works: Linen has a looser weave, allowing for better airflow. It absorbs moisture quickly and dries fast, preventing that sweaty feeling.
3. Tencel (Lyocell) Sheets 🌿
✅ Made from eucalyptus fibers
✅ Cool to the touch and moisture-wicking
✅ Sustainable and eco-friendly
💡 Why It Works: Tencel is known for its cooling properties and ability to regulate temperature better than cotton. It’s also softer than silk, making it a great luxury option.
4. Percale Cotton Sheets 🏖️
✅ Crisp, lightweight, and breathable
✅ Matte finish with a cool, fresh feel
✅ More breathable than sateen cotton
💡 Why It Works: Percale cotton has a tight weave but stays lightweight, making it one of the best cooling options for hot sleepers.
3. Best Comforters & Duvets for Hot Sleepers
1. Lightweight Down or Down-Alternative Comforters
✅ Soft, breathable, and airy
✅ Ideal for people who want a fluffy feel without overheating
✅ Choose a lower fill power (400-600) for a cooler experience
💡 Tip: Look for a summer-weight down comforter to prevent heat retention.
2. Cooling Weighted Blankets
✅ Provides calming pressure without overheating
✅ Made with breathable fabrics like bamboo or cotton
✅ Filled with glass beads instead of plastic for better airflow
💡 Tip: Choose a lightweight weighted blanket (10-15 lbs) with cooling fabric to avoid excessive warmth.
3. Eucalyptus or Bamboo Duvet Covers
✅ Naturally cool and moisture-wicking
✅ Hypoallergenic and soft
✅ Helps regulate body temperature
💡 Tip: Pair with a lightweight insert for the ultimate cooling effect.
4. Best Cooling Pillows for Hot Sleepers
1. Memory Foam Pillows with Cooling Gel ❄️
✅ Contours to your head and neck for support
✅ Infused with cooling gel to reduce heat buildup
✅ Ideal for side and back sleepers
💡 Tip: Look for ventilated memory foam to improve airflow.
2. Bamboo or Tencel Pillows 🌿
✅ Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking
✅ Soft and hypoallergenic
✅ Great for all sleep positions
💡 Tip: Bamboo pillows with shredded memory foam allow better airflow than traditional solid foam pillows.
3. Latex Pillows 🛏️
✅ Naturally breathable and supportive
✅ Doesn’t trap heat like memory foam
✅ Durable and resistant to dust mites
💡 Tip: Choose a low-loft latex pillow for a cool and comfortable sleep experience.
5. Additional Tips to Stay Cool at Night
✅ Choose a Breathable Mattress – Opt for a latex or hybrid mattress instead of heat-trapping memory foam.
✅ Use a Cooling Mattress Protector – A breathable, moisture-wicking mattress pad can help regulate temperature.
✅ Keep Your Room Cool – Set your thermostat to 60-67°F (16-19°C) for optimal sleep temperature.
✅ Use a Fan or AC – Position a fan near your bed for added airflow.
✅ Sleep in Lightweight Pajamas – Wear moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo, cotton, or silk.
✅ Try a Cooling Sleep Mist – A light spritz of eucalyptus or peppermint mist on your pillow can enhance the cooling effect.
Final Thoughts: Sleep Cool & Wake Up Refreshed
The right bedding can make all the difference for hot sleepers. By choosing breathable sheets, lightweight comforters, and cooling pillows, you can create a sleep setup that helps regulate temperature and prevents night sweats.
Whether you opt for bamboo, linen, Tencel, or percale cotton, investing in cooling bedding will ensure a better, more restful sleep—without overheating.
