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.
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.
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 naturally breathable favourite for warmer nights. Its airy weave allows heat to escape and encourages air to circulate, helping you feel cooler, fresher and more comfortable as you sleep.
Both of our organic cotton weaves are designed for beautifully breathable sleep, but for the freshest feel, choose our cool & crisp percale. Smooth, light and naturally cool to the touch, it feels like the freshly flipped side of your pillow, all night long.
linen
Linen is another warm-weather sleep hero, particularly on hot, humid nights. Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, it draws perspiration away from the body and dries quickly, helping you stay fresh and comfortable until morning.
Its relaxed weave allows air to move freely, while the fabric’s lightly structured texture means it is less likely to cling to warm skin. Wonderfully airy yet reassuringly comforting, linen creates an effortlessly cool sleep environment, and becomes softer and more inviting with every wash.
So, there you have it. Our top tips for staying cool, calm, and well-rested all summer long. Sweet dreams await!
