IDEAS & ADVICE

How to stay cool at night

From clear blue skies and colourful flowers to long, sun-filled days, there’s nothing quite like summer. But while the days can be blissful, the warm nights can sometimes make it difficult to fall – and stay – asleep.

If you often find yourself tossing and turning in a bedroom that feels uncomfortably hot during the summer months, then you'll benefit from these handy tips. Read on to learn how to cool down to sleep, and discover some of our hand-picked favourite cooling products perfect for a warm bedroom.

How to create a cool bedroom

Set the scene with a bedroom that’s optimised for summer weather. Tick these three boxes for a cool bedroom.​​​​​​

Keep your curtains closed during the day

Regardless of the season, blackout curtains and blinds are a game-changer. They block out the sunshine, allowing you to sleep in a pitch-black room. With the sun rising earlier in the summertime, blackout curtains can prevent you from waking up early.

During a heatwave, we suggest keeping the curtains closed all day. This stops the sun from shining through windows, helping to reduce heat transfer.

Pick lightweight duvets and pillows

Some prefer to sleep with thin sheets in summer, but if you love snuggling up to a duvet, why not look for a lightweight alternative? Low-tog duvets are made from fine microfibres to help you keep cool at night.

In the warmer months, pillows made from cooling gel or hollow fibres can regulate your temperature, keeping your face and head nice and cold.

Shop our Silentnight collection to find innovative duvets and pillows. Explore clever technology like Cool Touch, designed to maintain a cooling surface throughout the night.

Use linen and cotton sheets

Linen and cotton sheets are lightweight and breathable, the perfect bedding option for summer. To get the best night’s sleep, avoid synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, known for poor heat ventilation. Instead, choose 100% cotton or linen sheets that haven't been made with heat-trapping fabrics.

How to cool down before bed

Before bed, it’s best to start at a pleasant, cool body temperature. Trying to fall asleep while overheating is a real challenge, so here are some tips to help you cool down before bed.

Pat skin with a damp cloth

To help cool yourself down, pat your face and body with a damp face cloth before heading to bed. You can even leave the cloth in a cup of ice water or on top of a cooling pack to use later on.

Eat light meals near bedtime

Heavy meals that are difficult to break down generate more body heat. So if you want a late-night snack, look for a light option. Foods like popcorn and dark chocolate are great bedtime snacks.

Limit alcohol before sleeping

Alcohol can cause hot flashes and night sweats; not ideal for sleeping in summer. If you fancy a glass of wine, try to drink it a few hours before bedtime. When you want a drink before you drift off, stick to water or decaf tea for a better night’s sleep.

Tips to keep cool at night

If you’ve tried everything else and still struggle to fall asleep, here are some quick tips to keep cool at night.

Turn on the fan

Fans are a great way to keep cool at night. Set up a pedestal or desk fan for a welcome breeze. Many people find they sleep better with a constant sound running throughout the night, so the gentle hum of a fan might be just what you need to fall asleep quickly.

Slip into cooling pyjamas

It can feel counterintuitive to wear anything to bed when it’s hot, but a pair of cooling pyjamas can make you feel more comfortable, preventing you from sticking to your bedsheets. Choose lightweight materials such as linen, bamboo or cotton and avoid thick fabrics that trap heat.

Keep hydrated with a bedside water bottl

There’s nothing worse than waking up parched in the middle of the night and having to leave your bed to fill up a glass. Get in the habit of leaving a water bottle on your bedside table to help you stay hydrated.

Now you know how to keep cool at night, you’re in for a dreamy night’s sleep. For more expert guidance, read our latest home edits.