Sleep doesn’t always come easy when the temperatures start to rise, and it can be very frustrating when you can’t get a good night’s rest. Often, the bedding we sleep in can be the reason we overheat, because of the materials, the composition, or the thickness. So what type of bedding is best for hot weather? Here we will explore your options.
Opt for natural materials
The key attribute that makes natural bedding best for hot weather is breathability. Natural materials are far more breathable than synthetic options such as memory foam. Breathability is one of the main contributors to temperature control when sleeping and doesn't just apply to bedding but your mattress as well. This means that even with lightweight bedding, you may still find yourself overheating if your mattress is trapping heat beneath you.
Some natural materials you should look for are organic wool, organic cotton, duck feathers, goose down, and natural latex. All these materials have brilliant temperature-regulating qualities and are free of chemicals which are harmful to your health and the environment.
Picking the best duvet for hot weather
The duvet is the first thing we think about changing when we get too hot during the night. It can quickly feel claustrophobic with a heavy duvet on top of us when we’re already overheating!
There are a few different options when it comes to breathable, natural duvets. Duvets made from duck feathers and down provide air flow when you need it most. Goose down duvets are soft and fluffy, providing plenty of comfort, but they are also great at releasing heat when it gets too hot. Finally, Organic wool duvets trap heat when you need it and disperse it when you don’t, which can make it a great choice for both heatwaves and cold snaps.
If you have the storage space, you could also consider having seasonal duvets - one lower tog duvet for hot weather and one higher tog duvet for the colder months. After all, we don’t wear the same clothes all year round, why should our bedding be any different? Our wool duvets can also be tied together, meaning you can mix and match the tog depending on the time of year.
Choosing the best pillows for hot weather
When it comes to choosing pillows to cool you down in the heat, the same principle of natural, breathable materials applies, as this will stop you from overheating. Another consideration when it comes to pillows, however, is firmness.
The choice of firmness is all about what you find most comfortable and relaxing to prevent you from becoming frustrated and raising your body temperature even further. An organic wool pillow will disperse heat when necessary and is also a firmer option. A pillow with a mixture of organic wool and duck down will provide a medium firmness while also allowing good air flow. For those who like a really soft pillow, goose down is a great option that still has excellent temperature controlling properties.
Picking the right bed linen for hot weather
The linens you choose to cover your duvet, pillows and mattress also play a role in keeping you cool. Organic cotton bed linen is a great choice for summer and hot weather bed linens, but be mindful of the thread count. Very high thread counts, such as 1000 TC, are very tightly woven, making the sheets warmer.
A thread count of 500 is a good choice as it provides plenty of breathability but still has enough durability, meaning your bed linens will last for a long time.
Mattresses and mattress toppers for hot weather
As mentioned earlier, your mattress also plays a huge role in your temperature control while sleeping. You can read more about how to choose the right mattress if you are a hot sleeper here, but the same principles apply - natural materials such as mohair, coir, organic wool and natural latex are far superior to synthetic products which are often not breathable and contain harmful chemicals.
If you’re not ready to invest in a brand new mattress, choosing a quality mattress topper can make your old mattress feel like new. Our mattress toppers allow you to add an extra layer of natural and organic fibres to your existing mattress, providing you with breathability and comfort even if your mattress isn’t the best.
A final note on comfort and temperature
Comfort is also hugely important for your temperature control. If you are constantly moving around trying to find the most comfortable position, then you will only be raising your body temperature. This is why it is important to pick a mattress (or mattress topper) and pillows that provide you with your preferred level of firmness, contouring and support, as well as natural bedding that feels comfortable on your skin.
