Cooling Bedding for Hot Sleepers (2024 update)

Nothing sends me into a rage quicker than waking up at 3:00 a.m. and feeling HOT. If I had it my way, we’d all live in a tundra with no protection from the elements, and I’d slumber in subarctic temperatures. I don’t care if the rest of the tribe survives as long as I have my deep sleep.

The only problem is Matt is a very hot sleeper. He’s an inferno.

I need a tundra, and he runs hot as the Gobi desert.***

***Edited to add: since original publication I have been informed the Gobi desert is actually very freaking cold like it gets to negative 40 degrees F. Just though you should know!***

Tale as old as time.

It doesn’t necessarily mean we need to end our relationship, per se, but it certainly factors into how much time I spend thinking about cooling bedding. And now that summer is just a month away, and it’s already starting to feel hot hot hot, I thought it would be a wonderful time to share my picks for bedding that will keep you feeling cozy and temperature regulated all throughout the night.

For what it's worth, experts recommend replacing bed sheets every two years, but I think that’s capitalist propaganda. You can probably get away with three to four years assuming there’s no major wear and tear. So if it’s time for a new set, or if you just hate your current bedding, keep on reading. We’ve used several of these items ourselves and notated which ones we’ve personally tested below, so we know a thing or two about the primary materials you’ll see here: Linen, percale, and bamboo.

Linen is breathable, makes removing stains easy, and I personally love that washed linen crinkle look that just screams ~ slow living ~. If 2015 Instagram was a type of bedding, it would be linen.

Percale is cotton bedding that is woven in a specific way that is boring to talk about but nonetheless results in a cooler night’s sleep. I love cotton clothing and bedding and appreciate how it gets softer with each wash and how easy it is to clean.

Bamboo does not sound comfortable, yet, it is. In fact, it’s considered to be softer than linen, and I can attest the bamboo bedding we linked below is some of the softest bedding we’ve ever slept in. It’s wrinkle resistant and has a bit of a sheen to it, which isn’t my preferred look, but is perfect for anyone who loves that smooth finish.

Let us know if you have any questions about anything below, and as a bonus hot tip: it’s low key nasty to wash your bed sheets less than every two weeks. Plus, regular washing keeps the face and body acne at bay. Wash your sheets!

Linen

Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set (Probably This used and approved!) | Easy, breezy, beautiful linen that softens with each wash.

Avocado Organic Linen Sheets | Keep cool in certified organic linen.

Parachute Linen Bed Bundle (Probably This used and approved!) | The perfect bundle for the hottest of sleepers.

Percale

Molecule Percale Performance Sheets | Wrinkle-resistant and cooling for an all-around better sleep.

Casper Percale Sheet Set (Probably This used and approved!) | For that breathable, crisp cotton feel we know and love.

Parachute Percale Bed Bundle (Probably This used and approved!) | Made with 100% Egyptian cotton and oh so luxe.

Duvets

Casper Humidity Fighting Duvet (Probably This used and approved!) | The name says it all! A layer of merino wool wicks away moisture for a cooler sleep.

Parachute Percale Duvet Cover | Lightweight and durable, this 100% Egyptian cotton cover gets better with time.

Simple & Opulence French Linen Duvet Cover | A linen blend set at a great price point.