What to look for when selecting bedding for Hot Sleepers and Night Sweats
Published: 30 May 2023
If you are going through menopause, perimenopause, or even postmenopause you probably already know how frustrating and uncomfortable hot flushes and night sweats can be.
Do you ever get the feeling that no matter what you do, and no matter how many times you throw the duvet off you just cannot get a good night’s sleep? Controlling menopausal symptoms seems impossible but you do have a choice when it comes to controlling your sleeping environment and selecting the right bedding for you and your partner (especially if they are hot sleepers).
Most people believe that cotton is the best fabric for bedding, especially if you sweat at night, and it may be surprising to learn that actually, it’s not necessarily true.
Are cotton sheets good for night sweats?
Cotton sheets are certainly a popular choice, but if you are looking for the best menopause bedding, cotton is unlikely to meet your requirements. Cotton is a natural fibre that is breathable, soft and comfortable, however, it lacks some important properties when it comes to suitability for bed linen for hot sleepers and those who experience hot flushes.
The reasons why cotton may not be suitable for hot sleepers
There are a few reasons why cotton may not be recommended for those who sweat at night, these include:
Poor moisture wicking: Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to keep you cool and dry by pulling moisture away from your skin. When it comes to moisture-wicking cotton is not very effective, meaning that when you sweat during the night, the cotton fibre will absorb the moisture but won’t necessarily move it away from the skin, leaving you feeling damp, sticky and just uncomfortable.
Slow to dry: Cotton is pretty good when it comes to moisture absorption but it can take a long time to dry. This can be particularly problematic if the weather is humid or if you tend to sweat heavily during your sleep – despite the fact that cotton can draw moisture away from the skin, it moves moisture onto the fabric and you end up sleeping in damp bed sheets. This isn’t healthy as it promotes bacteria growth which then in turn can cause skin irritation.
Not temperature regulating: cotton is not inherently known to have temperature-regulating properties. This means it won’t help you feel cool when you are hot or warm when you are cold.
Not anti-swear or anti-hot flush: cotton doesn’t haven’t any specific features that are designed to help combat sweating or hot flushes.
How to select the best menopause bedding?
So, what should you be looking for in bedding to stay cool, dry, and comfortable during the night despite hot flushes and night sweats? There are a few key features to consider when selecting bedding suitable to sleep in during menopause:
Moisture wicking: Look for fabrics that are specifically designed to wick moisture away from the body so that you can feel cool and dry during the night. Fabrics such as eucalyptus-derived Tencel Lyocell or bamboo are great options.
Temperature-regulating: Fabrics that have inherent temperature-regulating properties, such as lyocell will keep you cool when you are hot and warm when you feel chilly. Research, including Tencel ‘Sleep study’ found that in Tencel Lyocell bed sheets, you will feel cool and dry all night long – even when your body temperature rises as Tencel adapts to your body’s temperature.
Breathability: When selecting bed linen for menopausal women, breathability is a crucial quality to take into account because breathable fabrics enable air to circulate and avoid heat from building up around the body. This is important because hot flushes can cause a rapid rise in body temperature that can make you sweat and feel uncomfortable. By selecting a fabric with excellent breathability, you can guarantee that your body will remain cool and comfortable all night.
Moisture absorption: moisture-absorbing fabrics provide insulation and help regulate body temperature. When you sleep, your body naturally produces sweat and other moisture, and if you are going through menopause you may experience excessive sweating. If moisture and sweat get trapped in your bedding, it can create a damp, uncomfortable environment that can lead to skin irritation and even bacterial growth. A fabric with good moisture absorption can help to keep the body dry and comfortable, by drawing moisture away from the skin and into the fabric. This can prevent the body from feeling clammy or sticky during the night, promoting a better night’s sleep.
What’s the best alternative to cotton sheets?
At Cassvensi, we believe that the best bedding for menopausal women and hot sleepers in the UK is made from 100% Tencel Lyocell. This award-winning, sustainable and antibacterial fabric has several properties that make it ideal for bedding for those who seek anti-sweat and hot-flush-free nights.
We listed 10 Reasons to Sleep on Tencel Bed Linen During Menopause which include the following Tencel properties:
Firstly, Tencel has incredible moisture management properties. It is extremely moisture-wicking, 70% more than cotton, meaning that it will move moisture away from your body and keep you dry and comfortable during the night.
Additionally, thanks to Tencel’s inherent temperature-regulating properties it will help to keep you cool when you’re hot and warm when you’re cold. Tencel absorbs 100% of the moisture in just 20 seconds, it is an anti-sweat fabric, that is 3x times more breathable than cotton and remains cool-to-the touch due it its ultra-smooth fibre structure.
Tencel sheets are a great option if you are looking for the best temperature-regulating sheets for memory foam mattresses, or in fact, any mattress and want to upgrade your sleeping experience. Overall, Tencel is the best option if you need cooling pillowcases for night sweats, breathable fitted sheets for hot sleepers, and moisture-wicking duvet covers for hot flushes.
If you’d like to know more about how cotton differs from Tencel lyocell, head over to the article Tencel vs. Cotton Bed Linen: Which is Better for Menopausal Women?
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cotton may be a popular choice for bedding, it’s not necessarily the best bedding option for menopausal women and hot sleepers. Cotton bed linen can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.
Instead, you may look at innovative fabric designed to combat night sweats, such as eucalyptus-derived Tencel Lyocell. By choosing 100% Tencel sheets that combine excellent moisture absorption, moisture wicking and breathability you can feel cool and dry during the night. With the right bedding, we can all get a better night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, despite hot flushes and night sweats.