Want Temperature Regulating Sheets? Choose Cotton
Learn why cotton is the best material for temperature-regulating sheets, and enjoy a comfortable sleep year-round.
When you’re shopping for new sheets, you might first focus on features like colour, material and thread count. But, while it’s less glamorous, temperature regulation should also be a key consideration.
Research indicates that temperature plays a significant role in our sleep cycles and overall sleep quality. Choosing a bedding material that supports temperature regulation can not only ensure you feel comfortable in your bed but also contribute to your overall sleep health.
How temperature affects sleep
According to the Sleep Foundation, ‘the temperature of your bedroom can make a significant difference to your sleep quality.’
Each person’s sleep cycle is ruled by their internal ‘body clock’, or circadian rhythm — a 24-hour cycle that gets cues from the environment in order to regulate bodily processes. Circadian rhythms regulate several functions including those related to your immune system, metabolism and sleep cycle.
As part of this cycle, body temperature drops in correlation with sleep. ‘The drop in temperature starts about two hours before you go to sleep, coinciding with the release of the sleep hormone melatonin,’ explains the Sleep Foundation. Additionally, cooler environments at night can ‘work in tandem with these natural temperature fluctuations, signalling to the body that bedtime is approaching.’
So while it may be tempting to snuggle up in your warmest pyjamas and pile on the blankets, you may be doing your sleep a disservice, depending on your body temperature.
What is the ideal temperature for sleep?
According to sleep psychologist Michelle Drerup, the ideal bedroom temperature is 15 to 19 degrees Celsius. She recommends thinking of your bedroom like a cave: ‘It should be cool, dark and quiet to enhance your sleep.’
By keeping your room within this temperature range, you can avoid overheating (which can disrupt REM sleep) or getting too cold (which can put extra pressure on your body to warm itself).
Beyond bedroom temperature, it’s also important to consider bedding. Even if your sleeping conditions are perfectly cave-like, bedding can make or break your sleep environment.
If your bedding is too lightweight, you risk getting chilly and uncomfortable during the night. On the flip side, if you opt for a material that isn’t breathable, you may overheat regardless of bedroom temperature.
Temperature regulating properties of cotton
One of the benefits of cotton bedding is its ability to regulate temperature. As an organic fibre, cotton can wick away moisture and remain breathable in ways that synthetic materials can’t. These properties make cotton a great bedding option for both warm and cool climates — keeping you cosy in cool temperatures but remaining breathable enough that you won’t wake up sweaty.
Does cotton keep you cool?
Cotton is much cooler than synthetic alternatives because it transfers heat to the surrounding environment. Cotton percale, in particular, is especially good for hot sleepers — even compared to other natural fibres — because of its loose weave which creates a cool-to-the-touch sensation.
In fact, Wirecutter has deemed percale ‘our favourite cotton fabric for hot sleepers because it has a loose, plain weave, it’s lightweight, it doesn’t cling to the body, and it allows lots of air to circulate.’
Is cotton warm?
While cotton sheets can be part of a warm, snuggly bedding setup, the material itself is not known for its warmth. If you’re using cotton bedding in the winter, it’s best to layer up with a thick duvet and extra blanket for added heat.
Despite not being an overly warming fabric, many people nevertheless prefer cotton bedding to other cosy options, even in winter. Unlike other materials, cotton’s ability to circulate air makes it a more versatile choice.
In terms of warmth, here’s how cotton compares:
- Cotton Vs. Polyester: Polyester is generally warmer but less breathable since it’s a synthetic fibre.
- Cotton Vs. Fleece: Fleece is generally warmer but, as it’s typically made from polyester, also less breathable.
- Cotton Vs. Wool: Wool is generally warmer than cotton because it’s more insulating. This makes it less versatile for year-round use, as it can easily become too hot in warmer temperatures.
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