Stay Cool at Night: Summer Bedding Tips That Work

Why Transitioning Your Bedding for Summer Matters (And How to Do It Right)

Hot nights. Restless sleep. Kicking off the covers, only to wake up sweating again an hour later. For many people, summer heat leads to poor rest, and your bedding could be to blame.

Body temperature plays a key role in sleep cycles. The optimal temperature range for high-quality sleep is 60–65°F (15.6–18.3°C). However, most bedding setups tend to trap heat and moisture, especially those designed for colder months.

Here’s how to rethink your bed for summer using breathable materials, smart layering strategies, and cooling fabric choices. We’ll show you what to look for, what to ditch, and how to create a space that helps, rather than hinders, your sleep.

Read Ahead:

• Why You’re Not Sleeping Well This Summer
• How to Build a Summer-Ready Bed
• Top Cooling Materials to Look For
• Smart Storage: What to Do With Winter Bedding
• Sustainable Comfort That Works All Season Long

Why You’re Not Sleeping Well This Summer

Waking up covered in sweat or unable to fall asleep as temperatures rise is a frustrating, but common experience. Seasonal shifts often call for a change in how we dress, eat, and spend time outdoors. So why wouldn’t your bedding routine need a refresh, too?

At night, our bodies naturally lower their core temperature to help us wind down. But bedding made with heavy insulation or synthetic fabrics can interfere with this process, causing overheating and discomfort. If your sheets or comforter are designed for warmth rather than airflow, you’re likely trapping heat that keeps your body from cooling properly.

When your body can’t cool down, it interrupts your sleep. Even if you spend eight hours in bed, overheating can prevent you from reaching the restorative stages of sleep you need.

Roughly 14% of adults report being too hot when trying to sleep, so it makes sense that Summer is an especially difficult time for many.

How to Build a Summer-Ready Bed

Building a summer-ready bed doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. It simply means optimizing your setup to support airflow, reduce insulation, and wick away moisture, all without compromising aesthetics.

Start with the layers closest to your body. Choose sheets that feel crisp and cool to the touch, and prioritize materials designed for breathability and moisture-wicking.

• Sobel at Home’s Luxury Satin Sheet Collection offers a sleek, cooling surface with a silky feel that glides over the skin. This is ideal for warm nights.
• For a crisp, hotel-style experience, try Sobel’s HEIQ Sheets, designed to promote optimal airflow and all-night comfort.

Next, re-think your top layer. If you’re using a thick down duvet or layered blankets, switch to a lightweight quilt or summer-weight duvet. Add a breathable throw for cooler nights without trapping excess heat.

Additional tips to stay cool:

• Opt for open-weave or waffle blankets that improve airflow.
• Use mattress toppers and protectors made from natural fibers.
• Reduce the number of pillows and skip dense decorative cushions that retain heat.

These subtle swaps help create a sleep surface that feels fresh, dry, and cool—even during the hottest nights.

Top Cooling Materials to Look For

The fabric your bedding is made from plays a huge role in how cool and comfortable your sleep environment feels. Focus on materials with natural cooling and moisture-wicking properties:

• Cotton percale – Crisp, breathable, and cool to the touch with a matte finish.
• Linen – Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and ultra-breathable. For luxury linen, explore the 
• Bamboo – Naturally antimicrobial, silky-soft, and excellent at pulling moisture from the skin.

For a crisp, breathable option from Sobel at Home, consider the Egyptian Cotton 600 Thread Count Sheet Set. It's made from 100% combed, ring-spun Egyptian cotton in a smooth percale weave, perfect for warm Summer nights.  

Smart Storage: What to Do With Winter Bedding

Don't let winter bedding take up space—or gather dust—during the off-season. Proper storage preserves its quality and keeps it fresh for colder months:

• Wash all blankets and comforters before storing to prevent mildew or musty smells.
• Store in breathable cotton storage bags or vacuum-sealed containers to reduce bulk.
• Use cedar blocks or sachets to prevent pests without harsh chemicals.
• Label your storage bins by size and item for easy access next season.

Sustainable Comfort That Works All Season Long

Cooling bedding doesn’t just improve sleep—it supports energy efficiency, too. A naturally cooler sleep setup can reduce your dependence on air conditioning.

Why it matters:

• Raising your thermostat just 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can cut cooling costs by up to 10%. 
• Breathable bedding helps maintain comfort at higher room temperatures.

Looking for sustainable luxury? Sobel Westex features hotel-quality bedding trusted by world-class destinations, crafted with both performance and comfort in mind.