Tips for hot sleepers: how your sheets can impact your sleep

July 08, 2022

Tips for hot sleepers: how your sheets can impact your sleep

Are you a hot sleeper? Here’s how Eucalypso can help.

Author Eucalypso Staff / Category Hot Sleeper / Published: July-08-2022

We all know the feeling: It’s the end of a long day and nothing excites you more than hopping into bed, cuddling up under some cozy blankets, and drifting off into a peaceful slumber. All of a sudden, however, you find yourself awake in the middle of the night covered in sweat. The natural feelings of bliss associated with sleep have been rudely interrupted by a wave of unbearable heat. Why is this happening, and what are some solutions for hot sleepers?

Why are some people hot sleepers?

Instances of overheating and night sweats are extremely common -- and almost anyone can relate to the dreaded feeling of waking up in the middle of the night due to overheating or sweating!

Internal factors like changes in hormones, medications, body temperature and overall physical and mental health can all lead to night sweats or hot flashes at night. Over 80% of women going through menopause, for example, experience hot flashes and night sweats that interfere with their daily life.

In addition to causes from within the body, external factors such as humidity, room temperature, and one’s mattress and bedding can all lead people to struggle with being hot sleepers. Especially for those living in hotter climates, overheating at night can be a year long nuisance that impacts their ability to get a full and restful night’s sleep!

In particular, synthetic fabrics (such as polyester) or high-count fabric linens tend to trap heat, leading to excessive sweating and discomfort throughout the night. Higher thread count sheets are woven so tightly that they trap heat and can turn any sleeper into a hot sleeper. In contrast, Eucalypso’s TENCEL lyocell bedding are 3x more breathable and wick moisture 70% better than regular cotton bedding -- making it a great solution for hot sleepers!

Did you know?

The ideal sleeping temperature is around 65 degree F

So next time you go to bed, set your room temperature lower and get some breathable sheets that will wick moisture well when you start getting warmer.

How do my sheets impact my sleep?

When you're sleeping, your body is cooling off by releasing heat. As we all know from science classes, heat rises. So the material that is covering your body, be it a top sheet or duvet, is very critical for helping release heat. If the fabric for your sheets is not breathable or do not wick moisture well, it will inevitably trap heat. This leads to night sweats.

In particular, synthetic fabrics (such as polyester) or high-count fabric linens tend to trap heat, leading to excessive sweating and discomfort throughout the night. Higher thread count sheets are woven so tightly that they trap heat and can turn any sleeper into a hot sleeper. In contrast, Eucalypso’s TENCEL lyocell bedding (produced by environmentally responsible processes from the sustainably sourced natural raw material wood like eucalyptus) are 3x more breathable and wick moisture 70% better than regular cotton bedding -- helping you stay cool and comfortable all night long!

What are ways to reduce night sweats and promote better sleep?

Regardless of where your night sweats are coming from, here are some easy solutions to help you prioritize better sleep by staying cool throughout the night!

Lower the room temperature. This one may seem obvious, but if you’re struggling with night sweats and hot flashes, considering lowering the room temperature to promote better sleep. If you’re trying to avoid ridiculously high energy bills or are trying to live more sustainably, you can utilize a ceiling or standing fan to promote circulation and create a more comfortable sleep environment.

Try to keep your body temperature low before you go to bed. You can do this by staying hydrated (but avoiding hot tea or coffee before bed) and avoiding exercise before bed. Though it may seem counterintuitive, one of the best ways to lower your body temperature before bed is actually to take a warm bath or shower. Not only will it lower your body temperature, but it will promote relaxation and is strongly associated with better quality sleep!

Invest in breathable pajamas. What you’re wearing to bed may be inhibiting your ability to sleep well at night. Put aside your bulky, cotton and polyester sweatpants in favor of lighter and naturally moisture wicking fabric options such as TENCEL lyocell or silk.

One tip for hot sleepers: Switch up your bedding. If you’re struggling to stay cool at night, it might be time to try out more breathable bedding options. Foam mattresses and high thread count fabrics are heat trappers, which can turn any sleeper into a hot sleeper! Try out Eucalypso’s naturally cooling sheet set and duvet cover for a naturally cooling and temperature regulating option.