Are You a Hot Sleeper? Discover the Real Reasons—And the Bedding That Helps

Waking up sweaty. Tossing the covers. Flipping your pillow—again.
If that sounds like your nightly routine, you might be a hot sleeper. And you’re not alone—we’ve noticed it too, and it’s more common than you’d think.

No-Fluff Summary

Sleeping hot isn’t just uncomfortable—it can seriously impact your sleep quality. Often, it’s a mix of body temperature, hormones, and heat-trapping bedding. The fix? Choose breathable, cooling materials like percale sheets and swap out synthetic pillowcases or heavy protectors. Small changes can make a big difference.

But what actually causes some of us to overheat at night? And more importantly, what can you do to stay cool and sleep better? Let’s walk through the reasons behind hot sleeping and explore simple, proven ways to create a cooler, more restful sleep environment.

What Is a “Hot Sleeper”?

A hot sleeper is someone who regularly feels too warm during the night, sometimes to the point of waking up sweaty or uncomfortable. It can happen in summer or winter, and often has nothing to do with your thermostat.

The thing is, this isn’t just about feeling a little toasty. When your body can’t cool down properly, your sleep quality takes a hit. You wake up more often, feel less rested, and may even struggle to fall back asleep.

Why Do Some People Sleep Hot?

There are a few reasons why some of us just run warmer than others while sleeping:

1. Body Temperature Rhythms
Your body naturally lowers its core temperature at night to help you fall asleep. But if that cooling process doesn’t kick in properly—whether from stress, certain foods, or just how your body works—you end up sleeping hot.

2. Hormones and Metabolism
Hot sleepers often have faster metabolisms, which produce more body heat. Hormonal changes like menopause, pregnancy, or even a monthly cycle can also lead to night sweats.

3. Health Conditions
In some cases, overheating at night can be linked to medical issues like sleep apnea, infections, or thyroid imbalances. If this is a new or intense change for you, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider.

Why Temperature Matters for Sleep Quality

You’ve probably noticed—cooler conditions make it easier to fall asleep. That’s not a coincidence.

Your body needs to cool down to enter deep sleep. When your bedroom, bedding, or even your own body is trapping heat, it disrupts your sleep cycle. You may toss and turn more, or experience those mini wake-ups that leave you feeling groggy, even if you don’t fully remember them.

In short: sleeping cool isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for real rest.

What’s Making You Sleep Hotter?

Sometimes it’s not your body—it’s your environment. A few things that tend to make hot sleeping worse:

• Warm bedrooms: Anything above 68°F (20°C) can be too warm for deep sleep.

• Heavy meals or late workouts: Both can raise your core body temperature right before bed.

• Alcohol and caffeine: These can mess with your sleep and your internal thermostat.

• The wrong bedding: Synthetic sheets, plastic-backed protectors, or thick comforters trap heat and block airflow. We see this a lot.

What Bedding Actually Helps Hot Sleepers?

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer through hot nights. With the right bedding choices, you can create a cooler sleep setup almost instantly.

1. Choose Percale Sheets for a Crisp, Cool Feel
We swear by percale for hot sleepers. It’s not a material—it’s a weave. A percale weave is lightweight, breathable, and has that cool, hotel-sheet feel. Ours are made with 100% Turkish cotton, so they’re soft but still let air move freely. No cling, no stickiness—just breezy comfort.

2. Stick to Natural, Cooling Fabrics
Besides percale, look for bamboo, Tencel, or linen. These materials naturally wick away moisture and allow airflow.
What to avoid? Synthetics. They might feel smooth at first but trap heat quickly.

3. Reconsider Your Mattress
A lot of heat builds up from below. Memory foam—especially older styles—tends to hold warmth. Try a hybrid mattress with coils for airflow or latex for a cooler sleep surface. If replacing your mattress isn’t an option just yet, a breathable mattress topper can still help.

4. Swap Out Pillowcases for Breathable Covers
Even something as simple as your pillowcase can affect how hot you feel. Cooling pillowcases made of cotton or linen allow for better airflow and reduce heat buildup around your neck and head—no need to keep flipping the pillow.

5. Don’t Forget Mattress Protectors and Layers
A thick, plastic-backed protector can create a sauna effect. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable protectors that still shield your mattress but don’t trap heat. Every layer counts when it comes to staying cool.

Final Thoughts: Stay Cool, Sleep Deep

If you’re a hot sleeper, it’s not all in your head—and it’s not something you have to put up with. From body chemistry to bedding choices, there are real reasons behind night sweats and disrupted sleep. But with a few mindful upgrades—starting with breathable, cooling materials like percale sheets—you can reclaim your nights.

At Merrily Loom, we believe better sleep starts with better bedding. That’s why we craft our 100% Turkish cotton percale sheets to keep you cool, comfortable, and sleeping soundly.