Sleep Hot? You Don’t Have to Crank the AC

For most of my life, I’ve not been a fan of summer. Despite the joy of outdoor activities and beach shenanigans, I run very warm and struggle with the heat. However, I want to use my air conditioner less in hopes of reducing my electricity bill,  improving my dry skin, and simply getting more comfortable with the heat. During the day, I might be able to deal, but I am also a hot sleeper and want to ensure I’m cool enough to fall asleep without cranking up the AC. Making my bed a cool place to power down at the end of the night will hopefully help my journey, and anyone else who’s a hot sleeper. 

Start Here

There are plenty of practical steps you can take to sleep cool. Avoiding big meals, alcohol, and late-night exercise is a good start. Changing your sheets regularly and fluffing your pillows can also help. In addition to these steps, I’ve compiled a few products to integrate into your bedtime routine to promote coolness and comfort. 

_{Prices are accurate as of May 15, 2025. Subject to change.}

Try Cooling Accessories

Wearable ice packs help reduce swelling from injuries, but you can also use them to cool down. Placing them on your pulse points on your wrists, ankles, and the backs of your knees for about 20 minutes will cool down your whole body before you fall asleep. 

This cooling eye mask not only helps cool down your temperature as you doze off, but it can also help with migraines or dark circles. Put the mask in your freezer for about one to two hours before bedtime, and it should stay cool long enough for you to comfortably fall asleep. Once it returns to normal temperature, you still have a comfy sleep mask to block out light.

Get Breathable Pajamas

Breathable fabrics like bamboo, linen, and cotton are crucial for promoting cooler sleep as well. Cozy Earth’s bamboo pajamas — for men and women — are light and provide comfortable stretch to help avoid nighttime sweating. 

Use a Dehumidifier

When you sweat, your body typically cools down as the sweat evaporates, taking heat from your blood with it. Sweating at night is never fun, but if your bedroom is more humid than usual, it’s harder for sweat to evaporate, and your body struggles to cool down. Turning the dehumidifier on about an hour before you plan to go to sleep will create a better sleeping environment for you. 

Switch Your Bedding and Pillows

Linen sheets are a constant recommendation for hot sleepers. If you’re comfortable with your sheets looking a little more wrinkled than others, you’ll enjoy the benefits of the natural fiber. In general, hot sleepers should also try to launder their sheets more so they stay fresh and don’t stifle you. If linen makes you itchy, consider bamboo sheets like this set from Cozy Earth.

A dense mattress, like one made with memory foam, might be keeping you warm at night. However, a mattress is a big purchase, so if you don’t want to immediately replace it, a cooling topper is a good compromise. This one is also a protective cover that you can clean in the washing machine and dryer. 

Just like memory foam mattresses can overheat, a memory foam pillow could cause you to feel warmer when you’re trying to sleep. Instead, try a down pillow. The fluffy, breathable filling is great for hot sleepers. If you’d like to skip down, latex pillows are another effective option that bridge the gap between memory foam and cooling materials. It works for sleepers who want more head support, and Purple’s pillow comes in three different heights for your preference.  

Upgrade Your Mattress

If all else fails, you may need to consider upgrading your mattress. Manufactured to promote coolness and airflow, Purple’s mattress promises chilly sleeping and comfort. Purple specifies that the medium firmness is best for those who sleep on their back or side. The foam layers should be able to provide support without pressure. 

If you’re looking for a less pricey option, Tuft and Needle’s Original mattress is a good alternative. It’s also manufactured with cooling gel and has a medium firmness for supportive sleeping. Tuft & Needle also promises moisture-wicking to assist with sweaty sleepers. 

Feature Image Credit: Alina Bitta/ iStock