If you’ve ever tossed and turned through the night, waking up in a sweat, you know how frustrating it can be. The best sheets for hot sleepers can make the difference between restless nights and truly restorative sleep.
At Olive + Crate, we understand the struggle of overheating at night, and we’re here to guide you through how to choose bed sheets that promote airflow, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation.
Why Do Some People Sleep Hot?
Your body naturally cools down as you enter deeper stages of sleep, then warms again toward morning. If your bedding traps heat and blocks airflow, it interferes with this cycle. The result?
Waking up hot, restless, and sweaty.
A few key culprits:
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Dense fabrics with overly high thread count that limit breathability.
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Synthetic materials that don’t allow moisture to evaporate.
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Weaves that block airflow, like overly tight sateen when used in non-breathable fibers.
The solution? Sheets that prioritize breathability, moisture-wicking, and cooling properties. For a deeper dive, see our ultimate guide to cooling bed sheets.
Think of your bedding as part of your sleep ecosystem. Choosing the best type of sheets for hot sleepers means finding fabrics that allow airflow, absorb excess heat, and feel lightweight against your skin.
The Best Sheet Materials for Hot Sleepers
When it comes to the most comfortable sheets for hot sleepers, the material is everything. Here’s how the top contenders compare:
When choosing the best sheet material for hot sleepers, natural fibers are your best friend. Let’s explore the top contenders:
1. Eucalyptus & Tencel™
- Known for their silky smoothness and temperature regulation.
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Are Tencel sheets cooling? Yes—Tencel and eucalyptus sheets wick moisture away from your body and allow airflow, keeping you cooler throughout the night.
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Sustainable and eco-friendly, making them perfect for conscious shoppers.
2. Bamboo
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Exceptionally soft and most breathable sheets for many.
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Naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, bamboo sheets help reduce night sweats.
- Curious how bamboo compares to cotton and eucalyptus? Check out our comparison guide.
3. Linen
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The best linen sheets for hot sleepers are prized for their durability and cool temp bed sheet qualities.
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Linen’s naturally textured fibers increase airflow, creating that crisp, breathable feel.
4. Cotton (Percale & Sateen)
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Percale weave: lightweight, crisp, and one of the best breathable sheets for summer.
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Sateen weave: smooth and silky, offering luxury comfort while still breathable when crafted with natural cotton fibers.
5. Modal
A type of rayon made from beech tree pulp, Modal is exceptionally soft and smooth.
Like Tencel, it has excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, making it a solid choice for hot sleepers. It’s less durable than Tencel but offers a luxurious drape and ultimate softness for those who value comfort above all else.
👇 Tip:
Use this chart to find the best breathable sheets for your needs — whether that’s crisp cotton, luxurious linen, or silky Tencel with long-lasting temperature regulation.
Thread Count and Weave: What Hot Sleepers Should Know
When it comes to cooling sheets, thread count is often misunderstood. Many assume “higher is better,” but that’s not the case for hot sleepers.
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Best thread count for hot sleepers: 250–400
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Too low (<200): Can feel rough and wear out faster
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Too high (>500): Dense, heavy, and more likely to trap heat
Weave matters just as much as thread count:
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Percale weave → Crisp, cool, lightweight, and breathable. Ideal for summer.
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Sateen weave → Silky, smooth, with a slight sheen. Luxurious, but warmer.
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Linen weave → Naturally textured, airy, and the most breathable sheets option.
👉 For hot sleepers, look for percale or linen in the 250–400 range for maximum airflow.
Features to Look For in Cooling Sheets
When shopping for the top rated cooling sheets, focus on these essentials:
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Breathability for constant airflow
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Moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from your skin
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Temperature regulation to adapt to your body’s needs
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Lightweight construction for less heat retention
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Deep pockets for a secure fit that won’t bunch and trap heat
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Sustainable and eco-friendly production where possible
👉 Prioritize breathability and moisture-wicking over thread count if you often wake up sweaty.
Cooling Technologies Worth Considering
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Phase-change materials (PCMs): Adapt to your body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat as needed.
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Advanced moisture-wicking: Draws sweat away quickly, much like performance athletic wear.
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Coolmax fabrics: Designed for enhanced cooling and airflow.
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Antimicrobial treatments: Keeps sheets fresher longer, reducing wash frequency.
Product Recommendations & Comparisons
When choosing the best cooling sheets, think about your budget and lifestyle:
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Budget-friendly options that use performance fabrics.
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Mid-range picks like Tencel blends for balanced performance and luxury.
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Premium options like linen or eucalyptus sheets for maximum breathability and sustainability.
👉 Pick based on your priorities: affordability, a balance of comfort and cooling, or ultimate luxury.
Optimizing Your Sleep Environment
Even the coolest sheets to sleep on work better as part of a full cooling strategy:
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Keep your room at 60–67°F for optimal sleep.
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Use fans for extra airflow.
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Pair sheets with lightweight blankets.
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Consider cooling pillows or mattress toppers for all-around temperature regulation.
👉 Sheets are just one piece of the puzzle. Combine them with cooling sleep habits for the best results.
Seasonal & Couple Solutions
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Summer: Go for lightweight percale or linen.
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Winter: Layer breathable sheets with a light quilt.
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Couples: Try dual-zone bedding so each partner can control their side’s warmth.
Key Takeaways
For the best sheets for hot sleepers:
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Choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, Tencel, or eucalyptus.
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Prioritize breathability, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation.
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Avoid overly high thread count in favor of performance fabrics and weaves.
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Look for deep pockets and eco-friendly, sustainable materials.
Ready to sleep cooler? Olive + Crate’s premium TENCEL™ eucalyptus fiber sheets are lightweight, breathable, and sustainably made — designed for hot sleepers who want softness, performance, and peace of mind.
