We don’t have too many days and nights in the UK that are so hot that they are uncomfortable. However, we do have them and for those few days/weeks it would be great to have the perfect summer bedding, to prevent you from getting hot and sticky and help get some good quality sleep.
There is a big difference in what you should have for winter and summer bedding. Winter can get very cold here and it’s definitely not affordable for everyone to have the heating on all night. So, once summer gets here, change the bedding that you use to the following.
- Change your duvet. Duvets are made in various togs, ranging from 4.5 to 15 tog and above. They also vary in the filling, from man made hollowfibre to natural fillings like feather and down. The higher the tog rating the warmer the duvet, so 15 tog is what you need during a very cold winter, and 4.5 tog is ideal for spring/summer. It will be nice and light weight, with less filling to help you keep nice and cool. Of course, you don’t have to use a duvet and duvet cover for your summer bedding. You can swap for a lightly quilted bedspread, and it will do a similar job.
- Check the material of your duvet cover. Polyester (including microfiber) duvet covers are absolutely a no no for the summer. Polyester is a man made product and is not breathable and thereby retains heat – you will be rather sweaty if you use a all polyester duvet cover. There are also duvet covers which are polyester on the top and polycotton on the reverse. These are marginally better than the 100% polyester but I would still not use them. They will keep you unnecessarily sweaty! My choice would be either a all polycotton or ideally a 100% cotton duvet cover. Cotton is a fantastic, natural fibre, which absorbs heat and is totally breathable. It will go a long way to keep you nice and cool. It has other properties as well like being soft on your skin and lasting longer.
- Check your sheets. Don’t forget the same applies to your sheets regarding materials. Polycotton sheets are great, but cotton will be better.
- Do you use mattress toppers or protectors? If you do, then you will have to check these too. Ensure your mattress protector has a 100% cotton cover, but most mass market protectors will have man made (hollowfibre) fillings.
- Temperature regulating pillows. I love these pillows as they are made to adjust the temperature around your head to an ambient temperature. They work by absorbing excess heat and then releasing this heat if the temperature drops. Because of the way these pillows work, they are ideal for winter too. These types of pillows are widely available – a quick Google search should help you find some.
Keeping your room temperature down will also help. You can try some or all of the below.
- Keep a small window open (providing there is a low risk of burglary/high noise levels).
- Keep a small fan on to help circulate the air.
- Switch off heat generating devices like televisions, tablets, computers.
- Keep your bedroom door ajar.
Hopefully the above or a combination of the above will help you stay cool this summer, and your nights won’t be too hot and sweaty.
