Several of the sleep experts I spoke to suggested linen sheets. According to Dr. Joshua Tal, a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders, they are very breathable and “pick up cool air.” Oks says that since linen is made of a looser weave than, say, a cotton sheet with a high thread count, it traps less heat.
Coolest Temperature
Crisp, percale cotton sheets are the best sheets for hot sleepers. They're a common choice for hotels and guesthouses, thanks to their fresh feel and cooling properties. And you, too, can enjoy a hotel quality of sleep with these cool, white percale cotton sheet sets.
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.
Percale Bedding
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.
Linen and cotton are both great options for hot, sweaty sleepers. Both fabrics are breathable (and therefore, cooling). "Fabrics like bamboo are breathable and cool, even in warmer seasons," Holliday-Bell explains.
If the satin sheet is crafted from rayon / polyester / other synthetic material, then cotton sheets will feel cooler than satin, especially if its a percale cotton sheet.
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.
Cotton sheets are the most popular natural sheets
You can't go wrong with cotton sheets for coolness. Cotton's two biggest strengths are: it transmits heat well, and it absorbs moisture well. It cools you down better than any other natural material. It is also more durable and affordable than most alternatives.
Bamboo is a great choice because it's naturally moisture-wicking and cooling. Linen, cotton, and Tencel (a type of rayon made from wood pulp) can also be excellent options for cool sheets.
Instead of sticking to you all night, the heat moves away from the body, allowing for better airflow and helping you avoid overheating. 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.
Materials. Some materials are more breathable than others. Fleece and polyester, for instance, are known to trap heat next to the body for a warmer night's sleep. However, a material can be breathable but not moisture-wicking, leaving you humid and hot.
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.
Linen and cotton are both ideal fabrics for sleeping in the heat. They are woven from natural fibers (cotton is cotton, while linen is woven from the flax plant) that breathe remarkably well, which is key for staying cool. In the summer you may want a percale weave.
Disadvantages. Satin is a very cool material, which might make your sheets too cold in the winter. It's harder to clean than cotton and other cheaper materials. Satin sheets are more expensive.
The Disadvantages of Satin
Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture. Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction.
Yes, bamboo is a very breathable fabric. In most cases, you'll find that bamboo sheets keep you cooler throughout the night. Bamboo stays about 3 degrees cooler than cotton on average. It's breathable enough to allow your body heat to easily escape.
What is a hot sleeper? For those of you lucky enough not to have not heard the term, a 'hot sleeper' refers to people who constantly feel hot when they're in bed and struggle to cool down during the night. This can be incredibly frustrating and lead to a disruptive and uncomfortable night's sleep.
Things like alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and smoking can be sweating triggers. Keep your bedroom cool and sleepwear light. Adjust the thermostat, use fans, open windows (if it's cold outside), wear breathable pajamas and use lightweight bedding. Cool yourself down.