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.
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These sheets, made from polyester microfiber, have excellent breathability that’s achieved through the microfiber’s lightweight feel and moisture-wicking properties. They feel light, are wrinkle-resistant and are a nice alternative to those who sleep hot but don’t like the feel of cotton. Brooklinen offers this set, which consists of a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases, in six colors.
These percale sheets are 270 thread count and offer a “cool and crisp ‘hotel bed’ feel,” according to Brooklinen’s website. They’re made from 100% long-staple cotton, are Oeko-Tek certified for chemical safety, and are available in 14 color and pattern options for twin-sized mattresses and larger. One reviewer from Southern California commented that she experiences “no more waking up sweaty” and gets a good night’s sleep every night.
These Tencel sheets, made from eucalyptus fibers, are soft, absorbent, and cool to the touch. West Elm claims that Tencel can be more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk, and cooler than linen. A few night’s sleep on this 300 thread count sheet set, which includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, will prove whether or not that’s the case. These come in at just under $120 for a full-size set and the company often runs promotional discounts on this product.
Starting at $210 dollars, this sheet set costs a pretty penny but is worth every one. Made from 360 thread count percale in a simple pinstripe pattern, Boll & Branch sheets are ethically made using fair trade cotton, have 17” deep pockets to fit tall mattresses, and feature double-ply fine yarn cotton that’s structured but lightweight. The percale one-over, one-under weave makes them exceptionally breathable. This set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and a laundry bag for storage.
This is an eco-friendly, 100% certified organic option that won’t break the bank. The set is “crisp like your favorite white shirt,” according to the company, and is a single-ply percale that’s lightweight and breathable. These sheets come in three neutral colors and are available for twin-sized mattresses and larger, and the company also offers a 30 night trial with free shipping.
Evident in the name, this sheet set is designed to provide the best moisture-wicking benefits possible. They’re made from a poly-nylon blend, similar to what you might experience in dry fit athleticwear. This blend wicks moisture away from the skin throughout the night. The company claims that this set wicks away six times more moisture than cotton sheets. Available in three neutral color options, this set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
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. And, if you want to make a big change to keep yourself cooling, consider checking out our list of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
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 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.
‘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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
We already mentioned the best cooling mattresses, but there are plenty of other options for those who tend to get uncomfortably hot at night. You could try a cooling pillow or a cooling pillowcase, which are two relatively affordable options. If you’re in the market for a new blanket, consider a cooling weighted blanket or a cooling comforter. Or, if you want a more substantial change but don’t feeling like buying a whole new mattress, check out our list of the best cooling mattress toppers. Remember, your thermostat may not be the only problem when it comes to overheating at night. A simple change to your mattress and its accessories can make a world of difference.
