These 5 Tips Will Help Hot Sleepers Get Quality Rest This Summer

1. Say Goodbye To Stuffy Bedding

Anna Nekrashevich

One of the quickest ways to cool things down at night is to rethink your bedding.

Traditional sheets and pillows usually trap heat and moisture, making you feel like you’re suffocating. Instead, spring for breathable fabrics like linen, bamboo, or lightweight cotton because they wick away moisture and allow for better airflow. If linen feels too rough (or the wrinkles start to bother you), bamboo is a softer, hypoallergenic alternative that still helps regulate temperature.

Also, if you’re sleeping on a dense memory foam pillow, consider switching to one made from down or latex, which are much more breathable. Washing your sheets more frequently can make an impact, too, since fresh and clean bedding is less likely to trap heat.

2. Get Some Cool Accessories (Literally)

Katrin Bolovtsova

The right accessories can also make a huge difference when it comes to staying cool. Wearable ice packs, for instance, can lower your body temperature in just 15 to 20 minutes. All you have to do is place them on pulse points, such as your wrists, ankles, or behind your knees.

Or, you can try a cooling eye mask that doubles as a puffy eye or headache reliever. Just pop it in the freezer for a couple of hours before bed!

Of course, you can’t forget about lightweight pajamas, either. Breathable fabrics like bamboo or moisture-wicking cotton are game-changers, allowing for airflow and stretch. Plus, they won’t cling to your body if you start to sweat!

3. Make Lifestyle Switches

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What you do before bed can seriously impact how hot you feel when your head hits the pillow.

So, start by skipping late-night workouts. Even though exercise is great for your health, doing it too close to bedtime will just raise your core temperature and heart rate, making it a lot tougher to cool down when it’s time to sleep. That’s why giving yourself at least two hours to wind down after exercise is ideal.

Additionally, you should consider taking a warm shower or bath before bed. It might sound strange, but as your body cools off afterward, it’ll signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Other lifestyle alterations that help hot sleepers include avoiding heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine late in the evening since they all contribute to overheating.

4. Invest In A Dehumidifier

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Is there anyone out there who actually enjoys humidity? I prefer to think not because it’s one of the most frustrating culprits behind hot, restless nights.

When the air is thick with moisture, your sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, leaving you feeling sticky and uncomfortable instead of cool. However, that’s where a dehumidifier (like this one from Frigidaire!) can save the day.

Running one for around an hour before bedtime can help pull excess moisture from the air, making it easier for your body to regulate its temperature naturally. And you don’t need to get anything fancy; even a small dehumidifier can really help decrease mugginess in your bedroom.

5. Buy A Cooling Mattress

Marcus Aurelius

Finally, your mattress could potentially be the hidden reason why you’re overheating at night. Dense memory foam is especially known for trapping heat and hugging your body a little too tightly.

So, if you’ve tried all the usual tricks and still wake up sweaty, it might be time to consider upgrading to a cooling mattress made with breathable materials. Some even offer dual temperature zones, which is convenient if you share a bed with someone who runs colder. Or, for a more affordable alternative, a cooling mattress pad could be the way to go.