sleeping in the heat: top tips
The nights are heating up, and you’re not alone in feeling it. With over 25,600 Google searches in the UK for “how to sleep in hot weather,” it’s clear we’re all looking for cooler, more restorative nights.
The good news? Just a few small lifestyle tweaks can make all the difference. From breathable bedding to bedtime rituals, here’s how to create a sleep sanctuary that helps you drift off, even during the warmest summer nights.
use cotton or linen bedding
Because our bodies aren’t very good at keeping our temperatures constant during the REM stage of our sleep cycle, the bedding we choose to sleep in is extra important. When the nights get warmer, switching to bedding made from natural fibres is one of the easiest ways to stay cool and comfortable. Materials like 100% cotton and pure linen are naturally breathable, helping your body regulate its temperature far better than synthetic blends. We really mean it when we say there’s nothing better than slipping into cool, crisp cotton or light, airy linen after a sun-soaked day.
cotton
Cotton is a natural material, and a long-time favourite when it comes to summer sleep. Its breathable weave allows air to flow freely, helping you stay cool, calm and collected, even on the warmest nights.
Still love the feel of a duvet even in the summer? Opting for cotton bedding gives you that soft, familiar comfort whilst minimising the chance of you ending up stuck to it!
Both of our organic cotton weaves are thoughtfully designed to support the deepest, most restorative zzz’s. But for the ultimate cooling feel, try our Cool & Crisp weave. It’s cool to the touch, just like the flip side of your pillow, all night long. Pure bliss.
linen
100% linen bedding is another summer sleep hero, especially on the most humid nights. Naturally breathable and highly absorbent, linen has the impressive ability to hold up to 20% of its weight in moisture before it even feels damp. So, if you tend to sweat a lot during the night, linen is your go-to for wicking away perspiration, staying dry and comfortable.
Linen’s unique weave is slightly different to cotton, allowing air to circulate even more freely around your body. And thanks to its slightly stiffer texture, it’s even less likely to cling to your body.
avoid day-napping
While the hot weather can make us feel lethargic (as our bodies are expending more of it to regulate our internal temperature), this may make it difficult for us to sleep come night-time. And sleepiness can be precious, especially when it’s hot, so try and save it for bedtime!
At the same time, ensure you stick to your normal wake-up and bedtimes. Often the hot weather has us staying up later, but this can disrupt our bodies’ sleep routine.
keep curtains closed
It might go against instinct, but one of the best ways to keep your bedroom cool in summer is to keep the windows and curtains closed during the day. Blocking out direct sunlight helps prevent your space from turning into a mini greenhouse. By evening, your room will feel noticeably fresher.
For extra effect, keep the bedroom door shut to stop warm air from other parts of your home creeping in. Cracking the window open slightly in the evening will also allow cooler night air to circulate.
distraction free sleep
We know the temptation, just one more scroll before bed. But screens stimulate the brain, making it harder to wind down properly. Try to get into the habit of leaving your phone away from arms reach, or even in another room for your best chance of dozing off quickly.
what to wear to bed
Should you be sleeping in your Birthday suit? No layers means fewer barriers to heat release. But some experts argue that lightweight nightwear (like 100% linen or cotton pyjamas) might actually help by drawing sweat away from your skin. Whichever camp you fall into, the key is breathable, high-quality fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
side-sleeping
Here’s a simple tip with surprising impact: sleeping on your side can help reduce how much heat your body retains. Less skin contact with your duvet means less chance of getting hot and sticky. And if you share a bed, creating a bit of space between you helps too. Our bodies radiate heat while we sleep, so a little separation can make a big difference to staying cool.
So, there you have it. Our top tips for staying cool, calm, and well-rested all summer long. Sweet dreams await!
