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One thing people don’t talk enough about is the fluctuation of good and bad sleep in the summer. Living in a heat-dominant climate where temperatures reach 100°F or higher in the summer, staying cool at night is a challenge.
As someone who has to have a very cool environment to sleep well, I’ve learned to adapt my sleep habits in the summer. In addition to drinking a glass of ice water before bed and switching on my ceiling fan, I’ve also learned to make several bedding swaps to stay cool throughout the night. It’s all about making changes to the material, weight, and color tones of your bedding.
If you struggle staying comfortable in the heat of the season, these summer bedding swaps have the potential to change your sleep game and have you catching more z’s. Keep reading to learn more about how to get your best night’s sleep.
What bedding material is best for summer?
- Cotton Percale: Cotton percale is our top-rated material of choice for the summer. It’s a crisper texture and is very breathable. It creates a “tent-like” feel over your body to help regulate body heat better.
- Linen: Linen is a great lightweight material for bed duvets and shams. Swapping out a thick duvet or quilt with a linen material makes all the difference.
- Bamboo Viscose: Bamboo viscose has a silkier texture. It is also breathable and incredibly moisture-wicking for nights when you get overheated.
Easy Summer Bedding Swaps
1. Cool Cotton Sheets
One of the best things I did last year was invest in high-quality cotton percale sheets. As someone who struggles to stay cool at night, this was an immediate game-changer. Not only will cotton sheets keep you cool, but they are also incredibly breathable.
A set of white sheets is always great to have on hand, but having a couple of patterned cotton sheets for the summer adds personality and character to your bedding setup.
2. Lightweight Duvet Insert
There’s nothing better than a thick duvet comforter, but in the summer, it can make you feel warmer than you’d like. If you feel your comforter is making you too hot at night, then you probably need to swap out your insert for a lightweight duvet.
If you’re desperate and looking for an even cooler option that still provides you with some weight on top, there are some amazing duvet inserts with cooling technology. High-quality cooling comforters help to cool your body temperature and remove humidity under the covers.
Buffy Breeze Comforter
HydroCool® Cooling Down Alternative Duvet Insert
3. Cooling Pillows
I’ve sworn by cooling pillows since I was in high school. They are a true game changer. Pair one with a satin pillow case, and you’ll instantly feel cooler at night. What’s even more amazing is that the technology in high-quality cooling pillows reduces bacteria build-up by 99%, which is something traditional cotton pillows can’t provide.
Cloud Cooling Pillow
Cool+ Adjustable Pillow
4. Summer Quilts
Want to opt for a cooler bedding cover than a duvet for the summer months? Swapping out your diet or comforter with a light summer quilt is a great option. Not only will this make your bed feel more breathable at night, but it’s a lighter option that still provides a bit of weight to keep you comfortable.
Blossom Quilt & Shams
Caroline Z. Hurley Blockprint Quilt
5. Linen Duvet
Linen is a popular fabric in the summer because of its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities. It helps draw heat away from the body to help keep you cool as you sleep. Plus, it’s a cooler alternative to a cotton duvet — making it a great bedding swap for the season.
Additionally, a premium blend linen duvet makes your bedroom feel like a luxe, calming oasis in the summertime. Whether you’re lying on top of the covers reading a book or underneath in the evening, you’ll instantly feel the light and airy difference.
Linen Duvet Cover & Shams
10+ color options
Washed European Linen Duvet Cover
10+ color options
6. Summer Decorative Pillows and Blankets
Adding decorative pillows and blankets to your bed doesn’t make you feel any cooler in the summer; it is a fun way to change the aesthetic of your bedroom. Personally, I love adding a bright pop of color or a fun summer-themed pillow or patterned blanket to make my bed feel intentionally styled for the season.
Luxe Linen Blend Pillow
10+ color options
Surya Yellow 20″x20″ Soft Textured Pillow
5 color options
Beachscene Pillow
Apsen Peaks Throw
9 color options
