Introduction
Tossing and turning on hot summer nights is more common than you might think. Overheating while you sleep not only causes restlessness but can also interrupt deep sleep cycles, leaving you groggy and irritable the next day. The good news? The right bedding can make all the difference.
Cooling sheets are specially designed to help regulate your body temperature, wick away moisture, and keep airflow moving throughout the night. In this guide, we’ll break down the best fabrics for cooling sheets, how to choose the right set for your needs, and why sustainable choices like TENCEL™ Lyocell are becoming the go-to option for hot sleepers.
Why Cooling Sheets Matter for Summer Sleep
Sleep quality is closely tied to body temperature. As your body prepares for rest, it naturally cools down. If your bedding traps too much heat or moisture, you can end up tossing, sweating, and waking throughout the night.
Cooling sheets help maintain an optimal sleeping environment by focusing on three key things:
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Breathability: Open fibres allow heat to escape and air to circulate.
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Moisture-wicking: Certain materials draw moisture away, preventing that sticky feeling on humid nights.
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Lightweight comfort: Instead of heavy, dense fabrics, cooling sheets use softer, more breathable weaves that keep you comfortable all night long.
This makes them essential for hot sleepers, people living in warm climates, or anyone who struggles with temperature regulation. Think of them as a small investment with a big impact on your overall wellbeing.
Fabrics Compared: Which Sheets Keep You Coolest?
Not all sheets are created equal. Some fabrics naturally excel at keeping you cool, while others trap heat. Here’s a closer look at the best materials for summer nights:
TENCEL™ Lyocell Sheets
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Why they’re cooling: TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating. They actively pull heat and moisture away from your body, keeping you comfortably cool.
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Other benefits: Hypoallergenic, silky soft, and sustainably produced from renewable wood sources.
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Perfect for: Hot sleepers, sensitive skin, and eco-conscious buyers.
Explore our TENCEL™ Lyocell Sheet Set here for the ultimate combination of breathability, luxury, and sustainability.
Linen Sheets
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Why they’re cooling: Linen is naturally airy, with a looser weave that allows maximum airflow. It absorbs moisture well and dries quickly, making it great for humid summer nights.
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Other benefits: Extremely durable and becomes softer with every wash.
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Considerations: Linen has a more textured feel - rustic and casual, rather than silky smooth.
Organic Cotton Sheets
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Why they’re cooling: Cotton is naturally breathable and widely available. Percale cotton, in particular, is crisp, lightweight, and excellent for hot sleepers.
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Other benefits: Soft, versatile, and easy to care for.
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Considerations: Not all cotton is created equal. Look for GOTS-certified organic cotton to ensure both sustainability and quality.
Silk Sheets
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Why they’re cooling: Silk is naturally thermoregulating, helping keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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Other benefits: Luxurious softness and a smooth texture that’s gentle on skin and hair.
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Considerations: Silk is more delicate, requires extra care, and is less sustainable compared to plant-based fibres.
Other Factors That Affect Cooling Sheets
Fabric choice is key, but there are other details that can make a big difference when it comes to staying cool at night:
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Thread count: Higher isn’t always better. The sweet spot for cooling is around 300–400, where the weave is tight enough for softness but still breathable.
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Fit and drape: Sheets that are too tight can trap heat, while looser draping allows for better airflow.
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Colour: Lighter shades like white, cream, or pastels reflect heat and sunlight better than darker colours.
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Care routine: Over time, detergent buildup can reduce breathability. Washing in cool water and avoiding harsh chemicals keeps fibres performing at their best.
For tips on maintaining your bedding, see our guide on How to Wash TENCEL™ Sheets.
Best Sheets for Different Sleepers
Still not sure which cooling sheets are right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown by preference:
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For hot sleepers: TENCEL™ Lyocell is the gold standard - silky soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
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For eco-conscious sleepers: Choose TENCEL™ or organic cotton for sustainable, planet-friendly comfort.
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For luxury lovers: Silk offers indulgent softness and a smooth finish.
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For texture enthusiasts: Linen brings a natural, relaxed feel that improves with age.
Conclusion: Sleep Cooler, Sleep Better
Overheating doesn’t have to ruin your summer sleep. By choosing breathable fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell, linen, or organic cotton, you can create a sleeping environment that feels fresh, light, and comfortable - even on the hottest nights.
The best cooling sheets combine softness, moisture-wicking, and sustainability, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Explore our collection of sustainable cooling bedding here to find your perfect match for summer nights.
