What Are Cooling Sheets? A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Summer Bedding
From sweat-soaked regrets to breathable bliss—here’s everything you need to know about sleeping cooler (without cranking the A/C).
The Night I Woke Up Stuck to My Pillow
I’ll never forget the first summer I moved into my "charming" third-floor apartment. No central air. Just a dusty ceiling fan and optimism. I thought my cotton-blend sheets would suffice. Until I woke up—3:17 a.m.—drenched in sweat, my pillowcase practically velcroed to my cheek. That night, I learned something valuable: not all sheets are created equal, especially in the summer.
Enter: cooling sheets.
So, What *Are* Cooling Sheets?
Cooling sheets are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. They don’t have magic powers—but they come close. Materials like bamboo viscose, TENCEL™ lyocell, linen, and lightweight cotton percale all allow for better airflow and sweat evaporation.
- Bamboo: Soft, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial.
- TENCEL™: Sustainably sourced, silky smooth, temperature-regulating.
- Linen: Naturally textured, breathable, gets softer over time.
- Percale Cotton: Crisp, matte finish; great for that “hotel bed” feel.
“Cooling sheets help dissipate heat more efficiently by maximizing airflow and minimizing sweat retention. For hot sleepers or summer months, they’re a game changer.”
— Dr. Alyssa Granger, Sleep & Textile Researcher
Cooling Sheet Materials: Which One’s Right for You?
Bamboo Viscose
Known for its ultra-soft feel and moisture-wicking properties. Great for sensitive skin and tends to stay cool all night long.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
Silky smooth and sustainably made. TENCEL™ is naturally breathable and resists odor build-up—perfect for sweaty sleepers.
Linen
A bit of texture, a lot of airflow. Linen may feel stiff at first but becomes a lifelong favorite as it softens. Ideal for ultra-humid nights.
Cotton Percale
If you love that crisp, classic sheet feel, this is your pick. Lightweight and breathable, especially when made from long-staple cotton.
The Stats Don’t Lie
- 85% of people sleep better in a cooler room, according to the Sleep Foundation.
- 60°F–67°F is the ideal sleep temperature—cooling sheets help you stay in that range.
- 40% of sleepers say they overheat in the summer even with A/C.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sweat It
Whether you're a hot sleeper year-round or just tired of waking up drenched from summer heat waves, cooling sheets are one of the simplest, most satisfying upgrades you can make. They're the secret sauce to a better night’s sleep—and once you try them, you won’t go back.
Are You a Hot Sleeper?