Do Cooling Sheets Actually Work? A Sleep Coach Weighs In

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Now that summer is headed our way, it’s time to invest in a set of cooling sheets. If you’re wondering if these things work, you’re not alone. We also questioned their ability to actually get and keep you cool during the hottest months of the year, so we tapped Kaley Medina, a certified sleep coach and owner of Live Love Sleep, for her expert opinion on the matter.

“A significant advantage of cooling sheets is their ability to prevent night sweats, which occur when our body becomes too hot during sleep,” she points out. “Excessive sweating not only disrupts our sleep but can also leave us feeling dehydrated and dizzy the next day.” We’ve definitely been there, so consider us captivated by the advent of cooling sheets. “Night sweats can also soil our bed sheets, causing major inconvenience. And while changing or washing sheets every day may not be feasible, avoiding night sweats by way of a cool sleeping environment is possible,” Medina adds.

She’s not wrong. Unless you have several sets of clean sheets on hand, don’t waste your time or your efforts swapping them out every day. Instead, get yourself one or two sets of cooling sheets that will actually keep you cool. No, these aren’t marketing gimmicks; they’re the real deal. “There are two things to look for when selecting the right cooling sheets for you: The first is moisture-wicking properties, and the second is the material,” Medina notes. “While most cooling sheets are breathable, individuals who sweat during sleep should prioritize bedding that not only facilitates airflow but also draws away and absorbs excess moisture from the body.”

Eucalyptus Sheets

Buffy's eucalyptus sheets are a dream. They're also eco-friendly—an important fact we'll never overlook—because they use a lot less water to produce than typical cotton sheets do. Plus, the fabric is softer than linen and designed to be cool to the touch. Did we mention they come in a whopping 14 colors and six sizes? If you can't find something that suits your space here, we don't know what to say! You can even add a Breeze duvet cover (also cooling) for just $126.65.

Bamboo Sheet Set

"My Cozy Earth sheets are a game-changer," according to Senior Shopping Editor, Isis Briones. "With unpredictable temperatures, I tend to sweat more in the spring so I switch to my bamboo sheets right away and it makes a huge difference." Here's why they're so great in layman's terms: They feature an oversized fit and easy drape (meaning you won't be tugging on the edges to cover your bed), a temperature-regulating mechanism, and a unique ability to become softer with each wash. They also come in seven earthy hues, all of which match pretty much any style and palette.

Original Performance Sheet Set

These polyester blend sheets really take the word "performance" to another level. They feature what the brand calls "thermo-regulating, quick-drying temperature control," meaning they're well-ventilated and have maximum moisture-wicking capabilities. In short, night sweats don't stand a chance.

Oh, and they have more than 2,100 five-star ratings with reviewers confirming that they don't wrinkle and truly keep you cool.

Percale Sheet Set

Parachute is a customer favorite for a reason: Its products are just that good. The Percale sheet set is ideal because it's lightweight and soft, yet crisp at the same time. We guarantee you'll feel like you're sleeping at a fancy, five-star hotel.

Linen Core Sheet Set

If you're a big fan of linen sheets and want to stick to your favorite material, try Brooklinen's sheet set. These sheets are the perfect mix of cozy and lightweight, so they'll keep you warm in the winter and cool on those hot summer nights.

Not to mention, these sheets have tons of rave reviews. One customer wrote: "I got it as an anniversary gift for my husband, and we both have loved the softness and lightweight feel of these sheets! We both are hot sleepers and have had no issues since getting these sheets. I'm looking forward to having them this summer in the southern heat."

Celeste Percale Fitted Sheet

Essential Sheet Set

These award-winning sheets are a game-changer for couples who find themselves on opposite ends of the sleep temperature spectrum. Slumber Cloud's specialized technology adjusts to each sleeper's body temperature—it's a win-win.

Pro Shopping Tip: Sign up for the brand's e-mail newsletter and snag $15 off your order!

Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set

These sateen-weave sheets, which are made of 100% bamboo lyocell, are a must-have. The best part? They're available in a range of colors and bed sizes all the way up to a California king. This specific type of fabric is also the only on that's entirely free from harmful chemicals and plastics, making them hypoallergenic in all the best ways.

One shopper even compared the softness of the sheets to butter. "Personally, I own two colors and alternate them with the seasons," the customer shared. "Their cool and smooth comfort makes for a delicious sleep... and the occasional reason for hitting an extra snooze button."

Hyperlite Sheets

As Casper's coolest sheets yet, our next set rec promises softness and a crisp finish. Plus, it features a grid weave for maximum breathability. Reviewers describe the sheets as light as air and claim they no longer wake up in a pool of sweat.

One reviewer explained: "They were put to the test this summer on our hot Arizona nights and passed with flying colors. So soft, so light, so comfortable! I smile every time my head hits my pillow!"

Layla Bamboo Sheets

You can count on these sheets to have a silky-smooth feel. They're thermal-regulating, moisture-wicking, and ward off unwanted odors. "These sheets are a life changer," a reviewer said. "I'm considering buying a third set just to travel with. So silky! So comfortable! Literally nothing compares."

AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set

What to Consider When Buying Cooling Sheets

For starters, you have to pay attention to the material and weave of the sheets. According to trusted sleep company Casper, "breathable fabrics (cotton, TENCEL, bamboo) are better choices for cold sheets than heat-retaining materials like flannel." Basically, more of your body heat can escape if the material allows for more airflow.

In addition, the way the material is woven plays a crucial role in how much airflow it allows and the weave affects other factors like softness and style. If you're after a silky-soft feel, a sateen weave is your best bet. For anyone who wants to introduce a subtle pattern into a bedroom, a cooling sheet set with a grid weave like Casper's Hyperlite sheets makes an excellent pick.

When factoring in thread count, Casper adds a mid-range thread count from 200 to 400 is best. "A higher thread count yields tighter weaves which equal less breathability and less cooling," the company noted on the site.

Other features to consider are temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking technology. Infused directly into the material, temperature-regulating capabilities absorb and disperse heat as you sleep. On the other hand, moisture-wicking technology is limited to specific materials and weaves. It only cools the body once it starts sweating by pulling moisture away from the body to evaporate. Nevertheless, it's important for your sheets to have one or the other, or better yet both!

Why trust us?

Kaley Medina, is a certified sleep coach and the owner of Live Love Sleep, an agency with a team of over 10 pediatric and adult sleep coaches across the U.S. She studies and researches sleep all day everyday, so she knows what to look for when it comes to picking out the most important essentials.

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