If you’re struggling to sleep better in hot weather, you’re certainly not alone. As temperatures climb, getting a good night’s sleep can suddenly feel impossible. One minute you’re kicking the duvet off, the next you’re reaching for it again, and somehow you still wake up feeling exhausted.
The good news is that a few small changes can make a real difference. From the bedding you sleep in to the products you keep by your bedside, here’s how to stay cooler, sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed, even during a heatwave.
1. Choose breathable bedding
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming all bedding performs the same.
Natural fibres such as silk help regulate body temperature far more effectively than many synthetic fabrics, making them a worthwhile investment if you’re struggling with hot, restless nights.
Luxury silk specialist Gingerlily has long championed the benefits of silk-filled duvets and bedding, explaining that silk naturally helps regulate temperature while also dispersing moisture rather than trapping it, helping you stay cooler throughout the night.
2. Switch to a summer duvet
Many of us ditch the duvet altogether.
Ironically, that isn’t always the answer.
A lightweight summer duvet allows your body temperature to regulate naturally without overheating, preventing the cycle of becoming too hot and then waking up feeling cold later in the night.
“We tend to rush around right up until we climb into bed, in summer months try to create a calm and relaxed mind and body before getting into bed. Change into a cool but comforting robe or kaftan once home, regulating your temperature before getting into bed. Silk is much kinder to the skin and a silk robe or sumptuous kaftan will provide a layer of blissful comfort and luxury, as well as a wonderful cool and relaxing loose fit perfect relaxing at home during warmer summer evenings.” ~ Deborah Fiddy
3. Sleep on silk
Your pillowcase matters more than you think.
Silk creates less friction against both skin and hair than cotton, helping reduce frizz, minimise sleep creases and retain natural moisture overnight.
It’s one of those small luxuries that actually comes with practical beauty benefits too.
Fiddy explains: “Whilst silk is the perfect year round solution, the benefits of silk can be felt more profoundly in the summer when silk bedding offers a luxurious and comfortable experience as the inherent temperature-regulating properties help keep you cool by allowing heat and moisture to escape, acting as a natural heat conductor, adjusting to your body temperature as you sleep and preventing overheating. Silk is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, promoting a healthier sleeping environment, which enhances the quality of your sleep. It’s easy to forget how much we put our skin through on a daily basis with coarse cottons, rough wools and synthetic fabrics – we don’t realise it at the time, but these fabrics sap the skin’s essential natural moisture and can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and general sensitivity.”
4. Hydrate before bed (but not too much)
Keeping hydrated throughout the day helps regulate body temperature, but try to avoid drinking large amounts immediately before bed if it means repeated trips to the bathroom.
Instead, sip water little and often during the evening
5. Keep your bedroom darker during the day
Close curtains or blinds before the hottest part of the afternoon.
It sounds obvious, but preventing heat from building up is far easier than trying to cool a room once the temperature has already risen.
6. Take a lukewarm shower
Avoid icy cold showers.
A lukewarm shower helps your body cool down gradually without triggering it to immediately generate more heat afterwards.
7. Avoid heavy skincare
Swap rich night creams for lightweight hydrating gels during particularly warm nights.
Your skin will thank you.
8. Create a calming bedtime routine
Stress and overheating are not a great combination.
Even ten minutes away from your phone can help your body prepare for sleep.
Read.
Stretch.
Listen to calming music.
Anything that signals it’s time to wind down.
9. Consider sleep-supporting supplements
If your sleep has been disrupted for several nights, certain supplements may help support relaxation as part of a wider bedtime routine.
One option is INORA’s “Was It All A Dream?” liquid sleep formula, which contains ingredients including vitamin B12, methylated folate, vitamin D3, ginseng and gotu kola. The formula is designed to support deeper, more restorative sleep and is taken around 30 minutes before bedtime.
10. Don’t underestimate the little luxuries
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference.
A silk eye mask, cooling pillow, lightweight sleepwear or silk hair wrap won’t magically lower the temperature outside, but they can make bedtime feel noticeably more comfortable while protecting your skin and hair at the same time.
Summer should be about long evenings, sunshine and making the most of the warmer weather, not counting down the hours until morning because you couldn’t sleep.
Whether it’s switching to breathable bedding, simplifying your evening routine or investing in a few carefully chosen sleep essentials, staying cool at night doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a handful of small changes is all it takes to wake up feeling far more rested.
