5 best cooling sheets for hot sleepers, according to experts
Breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo help regulate body temperature and keep you cool while you sleep.
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
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$269.00
When it comes to cooling sheets, the right fabric can go a long way. The experts we spoke to recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
Below, we’ve rounded up expert-recommended cooling sheets and Select staff favorites to help you have a restful, temperature-regulated sleep.
Bamboo sheets, like this option from Cozy Earth, are a favorite among Dr. Harris and NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who tried them for NBC Select’s Wellness Awards. “I’m a very hot sleeper and they’re the most cooling ones I’ve tried,” she says. “They’re also super soft and lightweight without feeling like I’m slipping around.” The sheets are made from 100% viscose from bamboo fabric and fit both regular and deep pocket mattresses up to 20 inches. They are available in seven neutral colors, like white, driftwood or oat.
Sizes: Twin to Split King | What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases | Oeko-Tex certified: Yes
Made of 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, these percale weave sheets were Select’s 2023 Wellness Award Winner for the best overall sheets. The Oeko-Tex certified sheets are structured, yet smooth to the touch, says associate updates editor Zoe Malin and Parachute says they get softer with each wash. The set comes in eight colors with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases but no top sheet.
Sizes: Twin to California King | What’s included: One fitted sheet and two pillowcases | Oeko-Tex certified: Yes
These linen sheets, which are made from 100% European flax fibers, are another cooling option for those who run hot. “I’m such a hot sleeper and I love these sheets,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider who tested this linen set from Brooklinen. They’re stonewashed and woven with a breathable and cooling pattern, according to the brand, which makes them ideal for particularly warm evenings.
Sizes: Twin to California king | What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases | Oeko-Tex certified: Yes
These linen sheets from Parachute come recommended by Harris, who says that they’re “made using natural lightweight materials that promote airflow and wick away heat.”. The Oeko-Tex certified sheets, also a favorite of Select editorial director Lauren Swanson, are made of European flax and are currently available in 12 colors.
Sizes: Twin to California King | What’s included: One fitted sheet and two pillowcases | Oeko-Tex certified: Yes
Swanson is also a fan of this linen sheet set from Riley Home. They’re made from euroflax Belgian linen and have a super soft garment-washed finish, according to the brand. The sheets are only available in white with the option to add a flat sheet.
Sizes: Queen to King | What’s included: One fitted sheet and two pillowcase | Oeko-Tex certified: Yes
We included this sheet set in our roundup of the best bed sheets. The sheets, which have a 4.4-star average rating from 3,388 reviews on Amazon, are made of a cooling, moisture-wicking fabric that helps prevent sweating and regulate body temperature, according to the brand. Plus, they get softer after each wash and don’t shrink, fade or pill, according to the brand.
Sizes: Queen to King | What’s included: One fitted sheet and two pillowcase | Oeko-Tex certified: n/a
When looking for cooling sheets, it’s important to pay attention to the weave and whether they are designed with phase-change materials.
If you run hot, you should look out for breathable materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo, according to Harris, who says they “allow for better airflow and temperature regulation.” Materials that have moisture-wicking capabilities also can help “pull moisture away from the body and promote a cooler and drier sleep environment.” She also recommends avoiding synthetic materials, such as polyester or acrylic, as they have poor breathability, or heavy fabrics such as flannel, velvet, or fleece, which are designed for warmth and insulation.
Harris says cooling sheets with an open weave, like percale, wick moisture away. Separately, some sheets may also incorporate natural or synthetic cooling technologies such as phase change materials or cooling gel-infused fibers (though we did not include these in this guide).
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Christina Colizza is a former editor at NBC Select and has been a product reviewer since 2018. She covered a range of self care and skin care topics like shampoos, eyebrow serums and more.
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select, where he writes about cooking, cleaning, wellness and other lifestyle topics. He updated this article.
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