8 Tips Every Hot Sleeper Should Know

While some enjoy being cool as a cucumber in bed, others love to feel all toasty and warm but what if you feel the mattress too hot. Being comfortable in your bed, resting well, and recharging your batteries is fundamental to your physical and mental wellbeing.

If you’re sleeping too hot at night, allow these tips to bring some cooling relief and help you find the best mattress for cool sleeping.

What Is a Hot Sleeper?

A hot sleeper is someone who feels uncomfortably warm in bed and will wake up numerous times in the night. If you’re a hot sleeper you could be at risk of suffering insomnia due to your inability to get a full night’s sleep. Therefore, if you feel like you’re a hot sleeper, the following tips could help you get better cooling sleep tonight.

Why Do I Get So Hot When I Sleep?

There are some simple environmental explanations if you’re sleeping hot such as; your blankets are too warm or the thermostat has been turned up. Additional reasons for sleeping too hot include;

• Exercise Before Bed: If you prefer exercising at night, you could try some gentle exercises that will not raise your body temperature too much rather than strength training or running, yoga, a gentle walk, and light stretching could be less strenuous and could help you sleep a little cooler.
• Menopause: Women going through the menopause will experience hot flashes at night, these could be alleviated by diet changes and hormonal therapies.
• Low Blood Sugar: Insulin-dependent individuals may experience more night time sweating.

How to Stay Cool While Sleeping: 8 Tips for Hot Sleepers

1. Turn Off Your Electronics

Your electronic devices emit heat (think how hot your laptop gets when it’s on your lap). If you’re using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet in bed, the blue light from the screen can also keep you awake. Not allowing electronic devices in your bedroom ensure your bedroom is calming and sleep inducing.

2. Repurpose Your Hot Water Bottle

Using a hot water bottle in winter can make your bed super warm and cozy. In the summertime, it can be used as a cold water bottle. Fill the water bottle halfway with tap water and put it in the freezer, this will give you a homemade icepack that could keep you cool in a warm bed.

3. Take a Cold Shower

A cool shower at night before you get into bed is a great way to lower your temperature a little. It also is very relaxing, getting into fresh clean pajamas is also comforting, so not only can a cool shower help you sleep cooler, but it can also help you sleep better by helping you to relax.

4. Avoid Cuddling

We all love a good snuggle, whether you’re sharing your bed with your partner, pet, or letting your child on board for a cuddle. The body heat from another person or pet will make you feel warmer. Relegate children and pets to their beds and your partner to the other side of the bed, after some snuggles, of course.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking fresh clean water every day is just as fundamental to your physical health and wellbeing as quality sleep is. Sipping water throughout the day eases anxiety, helps your body flush out toxins, and gives your body a boost of energy while keeping you cool. Drink water during the day rather than just before you go to bed.

6. Choose the Right Pajamas

If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want to wear cooling fabrics such as cotton and linen that are more breathable. Some pajamas such as flannel or fleece will be far too hot and uncomfortable. Ensure your pajamas are loose-fitting as this will provide more sleep comfort and could help to regulate your nighttime temperature.

7. Ventilate Your Bedroom

Air ventilation is vital to keeping your bedroom cool and fresh. If you open your bedroom window for a few hours every day, it creates a clean and fresh environment. An open window also allows fresh air to ventilate your mattress which could prolong your mattress lifespan too.

8. Invest in a Cooling Mattress

Some mattresses are known to sleep hot due to the nature of its materials and construction. The best mattress for hot sleepers are made of breathable materials like Nolah AirFoam™ or natural latex, which provide cooling comfort, pressure relief, and durability. If you aren't ready for a new mattress, you can also consider a cooling mattress topper.

How to Make Your Bedroom Cooler

• Use Thick Curtains: Thick curtains could keep direct sunlight out of your room to keep it a little cooler.
• Open a Window: Fresh air is vital to keeping your bedroom cool and fresh, it also keeps your mattress fresh too.
• Use a Fan or Icepack: An electric fan on a low setting is a great alternative if you’re unable to open the window. An icepack wrapped in a towel under your blanket could also offer some cooling relief.

What Are the Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers?

The best sheets for hot sleepers are made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials like Tencel™ and linen. These options all have a lightweight feel and temperature-regulating qualities, making them the perfect cooling sheets year-round. Check out our Tencel™ sheets with a luxuriously soft and smooth sateen weave here.

What Is the Best Pillow for Hot Sleepers?

The best pillow for hot sleepers will be made from cool, breathable materials such as our Talalay Latex Pillow. This comfortable pillow also has a hole-punched design and Tencel™ cover for maximum airflow and moisture-wicking action.

What Is the Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers?

The best mattress for cool sleeping will be constructed of a breathable material. Although coil spring mattresses are somewhat breathable because of the innerspring system, many find these too bouncy, these may not be the best mattress for hot sleepers who share their bed with a partner due to the high motion transfer.

The best mattress to keep you cool should be designed using modern sleep science and technology. For example, Nolah offers cooling mattresses with advanced materials like our copper-infused AirFoam™ ICE, which actively draws heat away from the body.

Conclusion

The best mattress to keep you cool is breathable, pressure relieving, cooling, durable, and importantly affordable. You should never have to overspend on a quality mattress, there are many fine options out there for you.

Ensure you allow fresh air into your bedroom every day as this will help to keep your bedroom fresh during the night. Avoid the use of electronics in your bedroom to permit relaxation and enjoy a cooling shower before bed, wear cotton or linen pajamas and use breathable bedding. Cooling, restful sleep can be yours with these helpful tips.

Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.