Hot sleepers and anyone who tends to sweat overnight might appreciate the breathability and moisture-wicking of cotton sheets, especially those with a percale weave. Shoppers on a budget may be able to find a more affordable set of cotton sheets than bamboo sheets.
The short answer: Yes. Organic bamboo threads provide a very breathable and lightweight sheet fabric, keeping you cool throughout the night. On average, bamboo sheets are known to keep the body temperature about 3 degrees cooler than cotton bedding would during the night.
For people who get hot during sleep, choosing sheets made of bamboo, cotton, or linen — breathable fabrics that wick away moisture from the body and help maintain a comfortable temperature — can help.
And with its popular reputation of being eco-friendly, they can charge high prices for it. Bottomline: Compared to cotton, bamboo sheets are more absorbent and anti-microbial. They're not more quick-drying, softer or more eco-friendly. The best bamboo sheet we found is Second Skin, after testing over 800 sheets.
Bamboo sheets are a type of bedding that's made from bamboo fibers, which are highly breathable and lightweight. This makes them ideal for hot sleepers because the fabric is better able to move moisture away from your body while you sleep.
However, the resulting fabric tends to be somewhat coarse and prone to wrinkling. Our guide to the best bamboo sheets highlights some of the best options available.
Bedding made from bamboo, eucalyptus, linen, or even cotton with a percale finish has natural cooling properties that will help hot sleepers stay cool and everyone else sleep well during hot weather. Just as you may flip your pillow to the fresh side, these cooling bed sheets will feel crisp to the touch.
Material. Most of the sleep experts I spoke to agreed that sheets made of natural fibers, like cotton and linen, are your best bet for sweaty sleepers because they're the most breathable (and therefore cooling).
No, bamboo sheets do not cause night sweats. In fact, bamboo rayon is most remarkable for its cooling properties. A 100% viscose from bamboo sheet set is even cooler than regular cotton sheets. For those prone to perspiring profusely, it becomes even more important to use cool bed sheets.
Opt for natural sheets: Just as cotton pyjamas are better than polyester at keeping you cool, 100% cotton sheets and duvet covers are more effective than synthetic alternatives. From sheets to duvet covers and pillowcases, aim for an all-natural sleep environment to help manage menopausal night sweats.
Bamboo is an incredibly sustainable plant to grow. It requires less water than cotton, produces much higher crop yields per hectare, and doesn't require chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides to thrive. There's even more, you can read about 15 ways bamboo is better for the environment here.
Durability – Viscose from bamboo fabric is known for its durability. It is less likely to pill with use, especially if you take proper care of your bedding. Meanwhile, Egyptian cotton is also easy to take care of, much like regular cotton, but tends to wear out faster than bedding made of bamboo viscose.
The fiber's micro-gaps and micro-holes allow for more ventilation and moisture absorption than other fabrics. Plus, bamboo viscose dries extremely quickly, making it ideal for night sweats or humid weather -- it won't stick to your skin and keeps you dry and cool!
Because bamboo sheets are delicate and soft, it's advised that you air dry them, to avoid damaging the fibres and maintain elasticity and colour. However, it is possible to machine dry bamboo sheets, so long as you choose a low heat and remove your bedding from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.
However, the natural fibres that make bamboo sheets soft, hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking are susceptible to heat damage. Tumble dryers can shrink sheets and create stubborn wrinkles. Drying on a low setting helps avoid shrinkage and wrinkles, but your best option for drying bamboo sheets is always on a line.
Bamboo Sheets Care Recap: Use Gentle Cycle & Low Heat
Hang them outside to dry, or stick them in the dryer on the gentle cycle with low heat setting. Remove quickly to avoid letting them get wrinkly.
Wear damp socks or a damp t-shirt
Cooling your feet with damp socks will lower your overall body temperature and help you sleep. With extreme heat, try soaking a t-shirt, wringing it out and wearing that too bed. Some may find it hard to sleep with a damp t-shirt, but it's worth a try.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so.
There are a few different types of sheets that may be considered “cooling.” Some are simply made with breathable fabrics, such as eucalyptus sheets or cotton percale sheets. Others have moisture-wicking properties.
Hot sleepers may also appreciate Egyptian cotton's breathability and moisture-wicking. Individuals who like a silky feel and finish might find sateen sheets more comfortable. Since sateen sheets tend to be heavier and warmer, they could also be ideal for people who often sleep cold.
Compared to regular cotton, bamboo will always be softer to touch. Remember that thread count is important in assessing the quality of cotton fabrics a high thread count is needed for it to be considered really soft.
Comfort. Both bamboo and cotton sheets can be incredibly comfortable, depending on the thread count and weave of the fabric. Bamboo sheets tend to be softer and more luxurious than cotton, but some people find cotton sheets' crispness to be more comfortable.