The Best Bed Sheet Material to Sleep Cool This Summer
What’s not to love about summer? There’s plenty of sunshine, it’s easier to exercise outdoors, take more walks, and maybe even fit a vacation in.
But there are a few reasons why summer may not be everybody’s favorite season. With all that sunshine comes hot days and warm nights. It can be hard to cool the house down after a scorching afternoon, and in turn can make for an uncomfortable night of sleep.
Most experts agree that a cool environment can help people fall asleep and maintain deep sleep. A 2021 study that looked at environmental factors affecting sleep quality in summer found that hot air temperature can contribute to poor sleep quality.
While some of us can steer clear of sweaty, uncomfortable nights by investing in cooling technologies like air conditioning, sometimes that’s just not an option. The next best thing that’s both more affordable and can still have a positive impact during summer nights is the kind of bedding material you use.
What to Look for When Selecting Summer Bedsheets
Here are some things to look out for when getting bedsheets for the season.
- Durable: Look for bedsheets made with resistant and durable material to last you through the season and the next, even when you wash them more often than you usually would in other seasons.
- Breathable: Choose breathable materials that support airflow, wick away heat, and can protect you from getting drenched in your sweat at night.
- Hypoallergenic: If you’re prone to allergies, consider looking out for materials that are hypoallergenic to protect you from allergic reactions from allergens like dust mites, dander, and bed bugs that can disturb your night’s rest.
- Lighter color: Unlike darker colors, lighter colors don’t absorb heat. They reflect it, making them suitable for keeping the beddings cool during summer.
Six Bedsheet Materials to Keep You Cool During Summer
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most commonly used materials for making bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding materials. Cotton fabrics are soft, breathable, cool, lightweight, absorbent, and can withstand heat. All of these properties support airflow and comfortable cool during sleep.
According to experts, cotton provides better cooling than many other materials. Researchers also recommend using cotton materials during summer to support cooling contact.
Linen
Linen is a high-value material that can keep you cool in the hot weather months. This material is durable, heat-resistant, and feels smooth and comfy to the touch.
Research shows that linen materials can provide cooling comfort through their moisture-wicking and airflow properties and are, therefore, suitable for the summer season.
Although steeper in price, opting for a linen bedsheet can give a luxurious feeling that also supports cooler sleep.
Silk
Silk is another textile material that can provide instant cooling to the touch. This material is lightweight, breathable, soft, durable, absorbent, and helps regulate body temperature.
Lyocell
Lyocell is an eco-friendly material and a great alternative to silk and cotton. This material is moisture-absorbent, breathable, light, soft, elastic, and durable.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an eco-friendly material suitable for supporting cool nights’ rest. This material is softer than cotton, hypoallergenic, light-resistant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, highly absorbent, breathable, and supports air circulation.
According to some reports, dresses made with bamboo are often described as “air conditioning” dresses because of their ability to wick away moisture and keep the body cool.
This fabric is another excellent bedsheet material choice for health and sustainability-conscious people.
Want to check out our favorite SleepScore-approved bedding options for temperature regulation and comfort? Check them out here.
Other Ways to Keep Cool During Summer
- Prioritize hydration: Try to maintain hydration by drinking lots of water and regularly having water-rich fruits and vegetables. Consider limiting diuretic substances that remove water from your body and make you prone to dehydration like caffeine and alcohol.
- Invest in other cooling technologies: You can also make your room cool and sleep-friendly by bringing in fans or even cooling mattresses.
- Have a warm bath before sleep: Taking a warm bath before bedtime can reduce your body temperature, make you feel cool and relaxed, help you fall asleep, and promote deep sleep.
- Open your windows in the evening: You can promote air circulation and cross ventilation by leaving your windows open in the evening time. Leaving your room windows open helps keep your room breezy and airy.
- Wear light-weight night wears: Wear light and comfortable sleepwear that won’t make you retain heat during summer nights. You can also sleep nude if you feel comfortable doing so.
Want more ideas for getting better sleep during the hot summer season? Check out more here.