Linen: This material retains less heat than cotton due to a looser weave. Percale: This closely woven cotton or polyester is cool to the touch. Eucalyptus fibers: Sheets in this material will naturally regulate temperature and be breathable. Microfiber: Microfiber is absorbent and wicks moisture away effectively.
Percale sheets made from long-staple Egyptian-cotton are famously lightweight sheets. This naturally cool and breathable cotton is the best bed sheet material for night sweats. Also worth noting, the soft-to-the-touch material will have you sleeping better in general as well.
From a sweaty person's perspective, your best bet is to look for natural materials and fibers such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and wool (particularly merino wool), as these fabrics absorb moisture.
Best cooling Tencel sheets
The fabric is “better at absorbing moisture than most other fibers, making it great for sweaty sleepers,” according to Trapskin, who adds that Tencel is “naturally wrinkle-resistant and a sustainable material.” Trapskin recommends this set from Molecule that's made from a Tencel-cotton blend.
Choose Breathable Fabrics: Opt for moisture-wicking sheets and pajamas made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo. These can help keep you cooler and manage sweat better.
Wash your bed sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases once a week to keep your bed linen fresh. If you suffer from night sweats, then you may need to wash your bedding more often, such as twice a week.
The best material I've found for night sweats are natural fibers like cotton and linen, particularly cotton percale, since it gently drapes over the body and allows for more air movement underneath, which in turn helps sweat to evaporate more quickly.
Avoid sheets with a high thread count, as the tightly woven threads don't allow air to pass through. Opt for percale sheets, which are cool and lightweight due to their simple weave. These breathable sheets alleviate your night sweats, protecting your mattress and helping you have a more restful night of sleep.
Temperature Regulating
Satin sheets are perfect for use in both hot and cold weather because they're made from synthetic materials that regulate temperature. In hot weather, satin sheets will help to keep you cool by wicking away moisture from your body.
All Season Wool Comforters
A study by the University of Leeds also shows that wool is more effective at regulating body temperature than either feather/down or cotton, meaning that it can help you to avoid overheating – the main cause of sweating at night.
Bamboo viscose bedding is an excellent option to minimize night sweats because it can help keep you comfortable at night since the material is temperature regulating. Bamboo viscose can help maintain a consistent body temperature by wicking away excess heat and moisture.
Cotton percale, linen, and bamboo are all great choices. Cotton percale is light and crisp, linen allows for excellent airflow, and bamboo is soft and regulates temperature well, especially in humid conditions.
Our research indicates that polyester and microfiber sheets often exacerbate night sweats because both are synthetic materials. Unlike natural fibers, these synthetic materials are not as breathable. They tend to trap heat and moisture against the skin, preventing effective evaporation of sweat.
Linen is a popular choice and is quite breathable, whereas other materials have moisture-wicking and temperature-regulation properties. After sleeping on nearly every sheet there is for weeks, I've concluded that linen and cotton percale make some of the best cooling sheets.
Linen: Linen is a good option if you prefer a textured feel. While not as cool as cotton, linen tends to hold more water and is an excellent choice for light to moderate sweating. TENCEL™ Lyocell: This linen fabric is super soft and breathable—an ideal choice for people who prefer linen sheets.
Other medications can also help with night sweats. These include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, clonidine, megestrol, and oxybutynin. You can also take steps at home to help you rest in more comfort such as using specialized cooling sheets or even gel mattresses.
If you tend to sweat while you're sleeping, cooling sheets with moisture-wicking properties—like cotton, bamboo, and linen varieties—can help keep you dry. They work by drawing moisture to the outer surface of the fabric (and away from the skin), allowing it to dry quickly.
Threshold also offers a 250-Thread Count Organic Percale Sheet Set, which could be more comfortable for hot sleepers and is GOTS-certified. The Threshold 800-Thread Count Solid Sheet Set is an elevated version of the sheet set I have, made out of 100% cotton sateen with a higher thread count.
Adjust the thermostat, use fans, open windows (if it's cold outside), wear breathable pajamas and use lightweight bedding. Cool yourself down. If you wake up in a sweat, uncover your feet and neck, drink a glass of cold water, place a cool washcloth on your head or run cold water over your wrists.
Latex mattresses retain less heat than memory foam beds due to the naturally breathable structure. Natural latex, such as Dunlop and Talalay, is also usually aerated, which promotes a ton of airflow and breathability.
Regularly changing your sheets not only maintains a clean and hygienic sleep environment but also ensures that you're sleeping on a fresh surface each night, promoting better sleep hygiene. Using moisture-wicking, breathable sheets can also help minimize the discomfort caused by night sweats.