The Ultimate Summer Sleep Guide: How to Stay Cool and Comfortable
Quick answer: how to stay cool while sleeping in summer
Swap synthetic bedding for natural, breathable fabrics like silk or crisp cotton percale, and switch to a lightweight duvet (under 200 GSM fill weight) such as a mulberry silk duvet instead of a heavy winter one. Pair that with a breathable pillow like goose down, and cool your room by keeping curtains closed during the day, running a fan that pulls in cool night air, and taking a lukewarm shower 60–90 minutes before bed.
Summer nights should be for sleeping, not sweating. If you find yourself tossing and turning when the temperature rises, the secret to better sleep might be simpler than you think — it starts with what's on your bed.
Why Your Bedding Materials Matter More in Summer
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to hot-weather sleep. Synthetic materials trap heat and moisture, turning your bed into a sauna. Natural fibres, on the other hand, workwith your body to regulate temperature.
Silk is one of nature's most remarkable sleep fabrics. It's naturally thermoregulating, meaning it keeps you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool. Silk is also hypoallergenic and incredibly smooth against the skin — no more waking up with fabric-induced irritation on a sticky summer night.
Cotton is a classic for good reason. It's breathable, moisture-wicking, and gets softer with every wash. For summer sheets, look for a percale weave (crisp and cool) over sateen (smoother but warmer).
Here is the link to our best-selling 1,000-thread-count 100% cotton pillowcases
Choosing the Right Duvet Weight for Summer
The biggest summer bedding mistake? Keeping your heavy winter duvet on the bed year-round. A lighter duvet isn't just more comfortable — it can genuinely improve your sleep quality.
Here's a simple guide:
- Lightweight (under 200 GSM fill weight): Ideal for warm sleepers or hot summer nights
- Here's a link to our best-selling silk duvet, the lightweight Mulberry silk
- Medium weight: Great for air-conditioned rooms or cooler summer evenings
- Heavy weight: Best saved for fall and winter
Our
The Right Pillow for Warm-Weather Sleep
Your pillow choice matters just as much as your duvet. In summer, you want a pillow that:
- Doesn't trap heat — down and wool fill breathe far better than memory foam
- Suits your sleep position — the wrong loft can cause neck strain and restless nights
- Stays fresh — natural fills resist moisture and odour better than synthetics
For stomach and side sleepers, our
Here is the selection of all our pillows that we sell and carry:
4 Tips for Creating a Cool Bedroom Environment
Great bedding is the foundation, but a few simple habits can make your bedroom a true summer sleep sanctuary:
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Keep curtains closed during the day. Blocking direct sunlight can reduce room temperature by several degrees before bedtime.
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Use a fan strategically. A fan in the window pulling cool night air in (rather than just circulating warm air) makes a real difference.
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Cool down before bed. A lukewarm shower 60–90 minutes before sleep helps your core body temperature drop — a natural signal to your brain that it's time to sleep.
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Embrace lightweight, breathable bedding. This is the single biggest change most people can make. Swapping heavy synthetics for natural silk, cotton, or down can transform your summer sleep overnight.
Sleep Better This Summer — Naturally
At Down Under Bedding, all our products are Canadian-made using natural materials chosen for their performance, not just their feel. Whether you're a hot sleeper, a cool sleeper, or somewhere in between, we have bedding designed to help you rest better — all year long.
Sweet dreams start with the right bedding. Explore our full range of silk, down, and wool bedding at downunderbedding.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bedding materials keep you cool in summer?
Natural fibres like silk and cotton percale breathe and wick moisture far better than synthetics. Silk is naturally thermoregulating and hypoallergenic, while cotton percale gives a crisp, cool weave.
What duvet weight should I use in summer?
Choose a lightweight duvet under 200 GSM fill weight for hot summer nights. Medium weight suits air-conditioned rooms or cooler evenings, and heavy weight duvets are best saved for fall and winter.
What makes the Mulberry Silk Duvet good for hot Canadian summers?
It's a favourite for Canadian summers with 37 five-star reviews and a 97% customer satisfaction rate. The mulberry silk fill is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable without sacrificing a cozy, cloud-like feel.
What kind of pillow is best for summer sleep?
Look for a pillow that doesn't trap heat (down and wool breathe better than memory foam), suits your sleep position, and resists moisture and odour. The Soft Goose Down Pillow Low Profile is designed for stomach and side sleepers, with a lower loft that keeps your spine aligned while staying cool and breathable.
How can I cool down my bedroom before bed?
Keep curtains closed during the day to reduce room temperature, use a fan in the window to pull in cool night air rather than just circulating warm air, and take a lukewarm shower 60 to 90 minutes before sleep to help your core body temperature drop.
Why choose percale over sateen cotton sheets in summer?
Percale weave is crisp and cool, while sateen is smoother but warmer, making percale the better choice for hot summer nights.
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