Depending on your body weight, the climate where you live, and whether or not you sleep with a partner, staying cool throughout the night can be a challenge. Of course, no one enjoys waking up to a moist bed and realizing they’ve perspired throughout the night, but the ability to stay cool can also be an indicator of your sleep quality.

According to sleep experts, your body temperature should decrease to initiate sleep, and things like your bedroom temperature, pajamas, and bedsheets can help facilitate that process. Whether you’re interested in cooling sheets for personal preference or for your health, we’ve rounded up the best sheets to keep you cool at night to help. We’re also sharing key details to pay attention to when shopping, how to determine if you need cooling sheets, and how to care for them after purchase.

Best Cooling Sheets

What to Look for When Shopping for Cooling Sheets

The ideal cooling sheet set will allow your body to settle into a temperature that’s comfortable for sleep and remain that way throughout the night. They’re a must-have during the hot, muggy months of summer or if you live in a place that’s warm year-round. We also recommend them if you tend to sleep hot regardless of the season, which can be an issue for tall or overweight individuals, and those with a partner who sleeps hot. When shopping for cooling sheets to help induce a deep night’s sleep, there are a few things to understand about cooling sheets that will help you pick the best set for you.

Material

Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to their ability to help you reach the ideal sleeping temperature, which is roughly 65 degrees. Hot sleepers need extra-breathable materials like cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, microfiber, and tencel, which, when not blended with other materials, sleep much cooler than other fabrics. Egyptian is the most popular cotton choice, but it is also the most expensive. Linen comes in even cooler than Egyptian cotton and can be found at a wide variety of prices. Fabrics like microfiber, Tencel, and bamboo can be even more affordable.

Thread Count

Thread count is most often associated with softness, with higher thread counts indicating a softer feel. This number can also indicate a sheet’s cooling properties. Higher thread count sheets have more threads per square inch, which may leave you warm and sweaty. A thread count of 200 to 400 is a nice range to aim for when looking for cooling sheets, but the ideal number will vary depending on the fabric you choose.

Natural and Organic Options

‘Organic’ and ‘natural’ are becoming common terms in the bedding industry as manufacturers warm up to consumers who are environmentally conscious. Natural and organic products can hike up prices a fair amount, so you’ll want to check the label for certifications regarding these claims.

Weave

The term weave refers to how the fabric is stitched together. The weave affects the breathability of the fabric as well as its texture, two qualities that, in turn, impact how much moisture the end product will retain and how it will feel to the touch. Here are the weaves that are best for cooling, breathable sheets:

• Percale – These are lightweight, breathable, and a favorite among hot sleepers. They have a matte finish that’s crisp and cool, and the weave pattern helps improve durability and reduce pilling. 
• Sateen – Sateen has an aesthetically-pleasing sheen but a friendlier price point than it’s sister fabric, silk. It feels slightly heavier than percale but still airy to the touch.
• Satin – This is a pricier, luxurious material with a weave that allows breathability and coolness. 

Who Might Need Cooling Sheets?

Since you sleep on your sheets every night, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be happy with your decision for a long time. It’s important to consider whether or not you need cooling sheets in the first place since the decision to buy them can significantly narrow your bedding options. Cooling sheets have increased greatly in popularity over the last few years, but here’s a list of individuals they may be appropriate for to help you evaluate whether they’d be a good fit for you:

• If you live in a warmer climate, like Florida, where temperatures are high throughout the year. 
• If you live in a place where spring and summer are particularly hot and humid.
• If you or your partner are overweight and tend to sleep hot throughout the night.
• If you frequently wake from perspiration in the middle of the night or often wake to a moist, sweaty bed.
• If you work out regularly and experience slightly higher body temperatures throughout the night, regardless of climate or bodyweight. 
• If you’re a woman going through menopause and experiencing unexpected hot flashes, or if you’re a woman and regularly experience an increase in body temperature around your menstrual cycle. 
• If your home or apartment has a weak air-conditioning system, or you’re trying to cut energy costs and avoid turning on fans or lowering the thermostat.

Whether you have night sweats year-round, occasionally sleep hot on a particularly warm evening, or anticipate hosting guests who you suspect to be hot sleepers, owning at least one set of sheets with proven cooling properties is a good idea.

Care and Maintenance

When shopping for the best cooling sheets for your bed, you’ll likely notice the variety of styles, colors, patterns, sizes, and materials available. While each sheet set will come with its own unique instructions for care, most cooling sheet sets are machine washable. To play it safe, we recommend washing sheets on a cool setting and drying on a low heat or air dry setting. Some manufacturers may recommend hang-drying sheets.

Pay careful attention to labels when treating stains. Some sheets may take bleach well, but it could ruin others. When in doubt, use the least chemically aggressive method possible. Most bedding companies also have cleaning details on their websites, if the tag on the product doesn’t provide clear instructions or warnings.