Do Cooling Sheets Really Live Up to the Hype? A Sleep Expert Breaks Down the Science

If you've ever crawled into bed on a hot, muggy night and wrapped yourself in cooling sheets, you know the unique comfort they offer. These sheets are a marvel of modern technology, helping both warm-weather sleepers and those who run hot to settle into a more comfortable temperature.

But how do cooling sheets actually function? Read on to discover the science behind cooling sheets and what you should consider before buying a set.

The Science Behind Cooling Sheets

Cooling sheets serve two primary functions to keep sleepers cool: they enhance airflow through the fabric and actively wick moisture away from the skin. According to Natalie Dautovich, PhD, an environmental fellow at the National Sleep Foundation, 'This airflow and moisture management help prevent overheating and discomfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep.'

Thanks to their quick-drying nature, cooling sheets feel cooler than traditional fabrics. Typically light and breathable, they support your body's natural temperature regulation, whether it's due to external heat (like during summer) or internal temperature fluctuations (such as when running a fever).

Are Cooling Sheets Suitable for Everyone?

Cooling sheets are a great investment for anyone looking to stay cool at night, whether you tend to run hot while sleeping or are simply dealing with warm weather.

"Cooling sheets are especially helpful for hot sleepers, those prone to sweating at night, or people experiencing hot flashes," says Dautovich. "Moreover, those living in warmer climates or anyone who prefers to maintain a cooler bedroom temperature can also enjoy the benefits of cooling sheets."

Maintaining a cool temperature at night can aid in falling asleep—and staying asleep. "In some cases, they may even reduce the need for sleep aids since the key to better sleep could simply be the right temperature," writes Dr. Maryam Syed, a family medicine practitioner at Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, in a blog post.

However, cooling sheets are only one component of a healthy sleep environment, as Dautovich notes. Creating a dark, quiet, and cool space is essential to fully benefit from their cooling properties.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Cooling Sheets

Fabric Choices

The type of fabric is one of the key factors in finding the best cooling sheets. Dautovich recommends opting for materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo, which help regulate your body temperature by promoting heat dissipation.

• Cotton: Brooklinen’s Classic Percale Sheets were first introduced in 2014 and have become a favorite among hot sleepers over the years. These sheets exemplify the cooling power of cotton, thanks to their weave. "Our Classic Sheets, made with a cotton percale weave, offer a crisp, cool feel," explains Katie Elks, Brooklinen’s design director. "Percale is a simple weave that gives the sheets a matte, crisp finish, much like fresh hotel linens."
• Linen: Linen sheets are among the most breathable fabrics available. "Linen fibers have natural moisture-wicking abilities that make these sheets feel even cooler than cotton," says Elks. "Opt for high-quality linens made from long-staple cotton for a smooth and durable result."
• Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are typically crafted from viscose, rayon, or lyocell, all derived from bamboo fibers. Known for their softness, they are also cooling to the touch due to their breathability. Many sleepers prefer bamboo for its durability, as these sheets can last for over a decade with proper care.

Airflow

For optimal cooling, sheets must be highly breathable, and thread count plays a key role in achieving that. However, when it comes to thread count, more is not always better. "A thread count above 200 strikes the ideal balance of durability and softness," says Dautovich.

Avoid sheets with a thread count higher than around 400 if you want to keep cool, as a higher thread count results in a denser weave. Ideally, look for sheets with a looser weave to allow more airflow.

Moisture-Wicking Features

If you tend to sweat while sleeping, look for cooling sheets with moisture-wicking abilities—such as those made from cotton, bamboo, or linen. These fabrics pull moisture away from your skin and draw it to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can dry quickly. The result is sheets that don't stay saturated with sweat through the night.

What Are the Benefits of Cooling Sheets?

Cooling sheets do more than just help regulate temperature—they promote overall comfort. A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that sleeping in cooler conditions leads to deeper rest, and better sleep has been linked to improved health.