During the warm summer months, it can feel nearly impossible to fall asleep comfortably. What’s more, the challenge of staying cool through the night is something many people face, especially in regions with intense summer heat.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep your bed cool and ensure a good night's rest, even on the hottest nights. With some simple adjustments, you can beat the heat and sleep soundly through summer. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best bedding to keep you cool and other tips to help you survive the summer.
Choose breathable bedding materials
The fabric of your bedding makes a significant difference in how well it regulates temperature. If you're searching for the best bedding to keep you cool, you'll want to go for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, linen or bamboo that allow air to circulate freely. These fabrics are known for their moisture-wicking properties, which help absorb sweat and keep your skin dry throughout the night. Cotton and linen, in particular, are great choices because they are both breathable and soft, providing comfort without trapping heat.
On the other hand, thick flannel or down comforters tend to retain heat and can make you feel warmer. When temperatures rise, consider sleeping with just a thin cotton sheet or even nothing at all for ultimate breathability.
Opt for lighter colours
Darker colours like navy, charcoal or burgundy are lovely for fall and winter bedding, but they can feel too warm come summer. Instead, choose lighter linens in white, grey or light blue, which will reflect light and heat better than dark shades. The lighter colour allows you to keep a bed cool at night against your skin. If your entire bedding collection is dark, now is a great time to freshen it up with some lighter sheets, pillowcases or a comforter specifically designed to keep a bed cool during the warmer months.
Try a mattress topper with cooling fabric
When the summer heat sets in, getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. A mattress topper with cooling fabric can be your secret weapon against those sweltering nights. These toppers are designed with advanced materials that actively draw heat away from your body, helping to regulate your temperature as you sleep. The cooling fabric works by wicking away moisture and promoting air circulation, ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. By creating a cooler sleep surface, these toppers help reduce night sweats and prevent you from tossing and turning due to overheating.
Use breathable cotton sheets for summer comfort
Breathable cotton sheets are the best bedding to keep you cool during the hot summer months. Unlike heavier bedding that can trap heat, these sheets are crafted from lightweight, natural materials that allow proper airflow. This enhanced ventilation is key to how to keep a bed cool by helping to disperse body heat and moisture. Cotton’s natural moisture-wicking properties and ability to regulate temperature make it ideal for those looking to keep their bed cool at night. For both comfort and practicality, breathable cotton sheets are a great option for the best bedding to keep you cool and comfortable as you sleep.
Take a cool shower before bed
Taking a cool shower before bed is a simple yet effective way to lower your body temperature and set the stage for a restful night’s sleep. As the water cools your skin, it helps to reduce your core body temperature, making it easier for you to fall asleep in the summer heat. This cooling effect not only prepares your body for sleep but also promotes relaxation by easing tension and washing away the stresses of the day. The cool water can also help to close your pores and reduce sweating, leaving you feeling fresh and comfortable as you slip into bed.
Combined with a cooling mattress topper and a breathable bedsheet, a pre-bedtime cool shower can be the final touch to create the perfect sleep environment, ensuring you’re able to keep a bed cool at night.
Move your bed
Where you position your bed in the room can have an impact on its temperature overnight. If possible, move your bed a few feet away from windows to avoid direct sunlight heating up the area as you sleep. Also, consider rotating your mattress if you normally sleep on one side more than the other — switching sides can keep it from getting worn down in one spot and retaining more body heat. Some people even find sleeping with their head towards the cooler part of the room helps, like an exterior wall rather than facing inside the home. Experiment to see what setup feels coolest.
Use fans strategically
A window or ceiling fan is a must-have for keeping air circulating around your bed at night. Place a fan directly in front of your body to keep a bed cool, blowing towards you on a low setting. This creates a subtle breeze but also moves the air around, which speeds up the evaporation of sweat from your body. You can also put fans in your windows, set to exhaust hot air out while drawing in fresher air from outside. Box or tower fans placed next to the bed on the floor work for focused airflow right where you need it most.
Consider using blackout curtains
Heavy blackout curtains are a summer bedroom essential for blocking out heat-inducing sunlight. During the day, make sure all windows are covered completely to prevent light and warmth from penetrating into your bedroom space. Compared to uncovered windows, blackout curtains reduce ambient temperature significantly. At night, crack your windows open an inch to let in a cross breeze while keeping your room pleasantly shaded and cool with the curtains drawn.
Invest in air conditioning
For truly sweltering summer nights when nothing else seems to cut it, your best option is to use air conditioning when looking for a quick solution for how to keep a bed cool. While not the most environmentally friendly choice long-term, a portable AC unit, window unit or central air system can significantly lower your bedroom temperature so you stay cool enough to sleep soundly. Most people find that temperatures around 18.3 degrees Celsius are needed for good sleep, so don't feel guilty using AC judiciously on dangerous heat-wave nights for health and safety reasons. The upfront costs are worth getting a full night's rest.
Create your cool sleep sanctuary today with the help of Super Sleeper Pro
The combination of cooling your sheets in the wash, choosing breathable fabrics, moving your bed, using fans effectively and blocking out sunlight during the day with curtains will go a long way in keeping your bed comfortable all summer long.
Take the first step towards better sleep by exploring the range of mattress toppers designed to keep you cool all night long at Super Sleeper Pro. Then, pair it with one of our breathable bedsheets to ensure you stay comfortable, even on the warmest nights.
Need help selecting the best bedding for your room setup? Contact our sleep experts — they’ll be happy to assist.