Recently updated on March 19th, 2023 at 03:26 am
Why Do We Sleep Hot?
Sleeping hot can be attributed to several factors, including individual differences, environmental factors, and the materials used in bedding. Here are some reasons why people might sleep hot:
Individual differences: People have varying metabolic rates, which can affect their body temperature. Those with higher metabolic rates generate more heat while sleeping and are more likely to sleep hot.
Age and hormones: Age and hormonal fluctuations can impact body temperature regulation. For instance, women experiencing menopause often experience hot flashes and night sweats, which can lead to sleeping hot. Similarly, as people age, their bodies may become less efficient at regulating temperature.
Body weight: Individuals with higher body fat percentages tend to retain heat more easily, which can lead to sleeping hot. Body fat acts as insulation, making it more challenging for the body to dissipate heat effectively.
Health conditions and medications: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect body temperature regulation or cause night sweats, leading to sleeping hot. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, and anxiety disorders can contribute to an increase in body temperature during sleep. Some medications can also cause night sweats or disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Room temperature and humidity: A warm and humid environment can make it difficult for your body to dissipate heat effectively, leading to sleeping hot. High humidity levels can also decrease the evaporation of sweat, which is a crucial mechanism for cooling the body.
Bedding materials: The materials used in mattresses, pillows, and bed linens can significantly impact temperature regulation during sleep. Memory foam mattresses, for example, are known for retaining heat due to their dense structure. Similarly, non-breathable materials in pillows and bed linens can trap heat, making it more difficult to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature.
Sleepwear: Wearing heavy or non-breathable sleepwear can also contribute to sleeping hot. Fabrics like flannel or synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture, making it difficult for the body to cool down during sleep.
Understanding the factors that contribute to sleeping hot can help individuals identify potential solutions to improve their sleep quality, such as investing in cooling mattresses, breathable bedding, and temperature-regulating sleepwear.
Sleeping hot is becoming a growing concern among mattress shoppers. I think this is in large part because more mattresses on the market are incorporating foam into their construction. Most innerspring systems nowadays have a layer of foam for comfort. There’s no doubt that memory foam is one of the best materials for pressure relief which is why it is everywhere. However, the drawback is that it also functions as an insulator. There’s a reason that spray foam insulation is being used in houses. So, what are your options for a good mattress for hot sleepers? I created the list below of some great mattresses for hot sleepers.
Eight Sleep Pod Pro 3
The new Eight Sleep Pod Pro 3 is not necessarily a mattress. It’s a complete comfort system that dynamically regulates your temperature as you sleep to give you the most restorative sleep possible. This is done by circulating water through tubes at the top of the mattress. The water is conditioned to be warm or cool, depending on your needs. It is can also be zoned so you and your partner can have different temperatures at the same time!
The bed integrates with an app on your phone to track your sleep and provide coaching on how to use the system to optimize your rest and recovery. Not only that but it can also integrate with other smart devices so that when it senses you getting into or leaving your bed it can adjust your thermostat or even start your coffee maker.
With the Eight Sleep Pod Pro you even can program it to give you a gentle vibration to wake you up instead of light or sound. The Eight Sleep Pod Pro is hands down the most sophisticated mattress available and given all the features and comfort, it the best choice for anyone that sleeps hot.
Learn more about the Eight Sleep Pod.
How Does the Eight Sleep Pod Work?
The Eight Sleep Pod is a smart mattress system designed to help users optimize their sleep experience by tracking sleep data and adjusting the temperature of the bed. The key components and functionalities of the Eight Sleep Pod are as follows:
Smart mattress cover: The Pod consists of a smart mattress cover that fits over your existing mattress. This cover is equipped with various sensors and technology to monitor your sleep and adjust the bed’s temperature.
Water-based temperature regulation: The Eight Sleep Pod uses a water-based system called the Active Grid to regulate the temperature of the mattress. It has a control hub, called the Hub, which heats or cools water before circulating it through the grid’s channels. This system allows for precise temperature control on both sides of the bed.
Dual-zone temperature control: The Pod offers independent temperature control for each side of the bed, enabling partners to choose their preferred settings without disturbing one another. Users can set their preferred temperature through the Eight Sleep app.
Sleep tracking and analysis: The sensors within the Active Grid monitor various sleep parameters, such as sleep stages, sleep duration, heart rate, respiratory rate, and more. This information is collected and analyzed to provide users with insights into their sleep quality and habits.
Eight Sleep App: The Eight Sleep Pod is controlled through a dedicated app available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to set and adjust temperature preferences, view sleep data, and receive personalized sleep coaching based on the collected data.
Smart home integration: The Pod is compatible with various smart home devices and platforms, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration enables users to control their sleep environment using voice commands or to incorporate the Pod into their smart home routines.
Gentle Wake-Up: The Eight Sleep Pod also features a gentle wake-up system that adjusts the temperature to slowly wake users up at their desired time. By gradually warming or cooling the mattress, it can help users wake up feeling more refreshed and less groggy.
The Eight Sleep Pod aims to provide a personalized sleep experience by combining advanced technology, temperature control, and sleep tracking.
Molecule Mattress
Who sleeps on the Molecule Mattress? Well for starters, star NFL quarterback, Russell Wilson does, and that’s just the start. Every month more and more top athletes are taking to the Molecule mattress to get optimal recovery. Athletes understand the importance of sleep and recovery and its correlation to performance.
The Molecule was engineered for comfort but also cooling. The super open cell foam breathes very well and will keep you in a deeper state of sleep longer than a traditional foam mattress. It’s hard to find a breathable foam mattress that is actually comfortable and has great pressure relief but the Molecule hits the mark. Read our full Molecule Mattress Review.
Purple
Hands down the Purple mattress is the best mattress for addressing heat retention. That’s because the Purple grid allows body heat to pass through. This mattress is a little on the firmer end of the spectrum and in my opinion, is best for back or stomach sleepers. Side sleepers should look for more contouring mattress. To get the most out of your purple mattress, it’s best to buy a purple mattress protector and either purple sheets or stretchy sheets like Sheex or Bedgear sheets. The base layer of the Purple mattress is made of foam but the contouring and pressure relief come from the purple grid. Shop Purple
The Purple mattress is considered a good cooling mattress due to several factors that contribute to its temperature regulation and airflow. Here are some key aspects that make it effective at dissipating heat and providing a comfortable sleeping environment:
Hyper-Elastic Polymer Grid: The Purple mattress uses a unique top layer made from a proprietary material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer, which is arranged in a grid-like pattern. This open grid design promotes better airflow and dissipates heat more effectively than traditional memory foam.
Breathable materials: The Hyper-Elastic Polymer material used in the Purple mattress is naturally more breathable than traditional memory foam, as it doesn’t trap heat as easily. This helps to keep the mattress cooler throughout the night.
Temperature-neutral design: The Purple mattress is designed to be temperature-neutral, meaning it doesn’t change its feel significantly with varying room temperatures. Unlike memory foam, which can feel warmer when the room is hot, the Purple mattress maintains a consistent feel and doesn’t retain excessive heat.
Air channels: The grid design of the Hyper-Elastic Polymer layer creates air channels that help to improve airflow throughout the mattress. This allows for better heat dissipation and helps to maintain a cooler sleeping surface.
Moisture-wicking cover: The Purple mattress comes with a cover made from a blend of polyester, viscose, and lycra. This combination of materials is designed to wick away moisture, further enhancing the cooling properties of the mattress.
Motion isolation: While not directly related to cooling, the Purple mattress’s ability to isolate motion can help you sleep more comfortably through the night. This means that even if your partner is moving around or getting in and out of bed, you are less likely to be disturbed, allowing for a more restful and cooler sleep.
These factors combined make the Purple mattress an excellent choice for sleepers who tend to sleep hot or live in warmer climates, as it offers effective temperature regulation and a comfortable sleep surface.
Cocoon Chill
The Cocoon mattress is made by Tempur Sealy. That means it is made with all the same technology you will find in a higher-priced Tempurpedic but at a much better price point. This makes the Cocoon one of the best values in a foam mattress. It is also made in the USA and has fast delivery and great customer service. What makes the Cocoon Chill a great choice for hot sleepers is that the cover is made with a phase change material that is cool to the touch. It is designed to help cool you off when you go to sleep so you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer without having to toss off the covers.
Brentwood Home Oceano
Brentwood home is a vertically integrated mattress company. They own the factory where they make their mattresses which allows them to create luxury mattresses at extremely competitive prices. The Oceano feels like a high-end luxury hotel mattress that should cost two to three times as much. They hand tuft this mattress which creates channels for airflow. The natural wool fire barrier also serves as a sort of thermometer to help regulate temperature. Below that is a layer of gel foam then miro coils followed by a layer of pocket coils. All these materials together make for a cozy yet cool sleeping mattress.
Get the full Oceano Review
In addition to a cool sleeping mattress, make sure that you have sheets that are breathable. I like Tencel/Cotton blend sheets which are available through Molecule. are an excellent choice in this regard. I am still surprised at how many people complain about sleeping hot but sleep with a down comforter. An easy step to remedy this is to ditch the down and layer up. Start with one light blanket and add from there. In the summer I use a cotton coverlet. Heat rises so the majority of your hot sleeping issues will come from your top layer trapping too much heat.
If you already love your mattress or fell in love with the feel of a mattress but it sleeps too hot, you may want to invest in a Bedjet. The Bedjet can cool and/or warm your bed by blowing conditioned air between the sheets. It really works and is a simple upgrade that can make a world of difference. Check out Bedjet
In conclusion, the best mattress for hot sleepers is one that has good airflow and is made of breathable materials. A mattress with a cooling gel or foam can also help to regulate body temperature. Thank you for reading and be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great tips!
As always, if you have any specific questions, drop me a line at [email protected]
Hot Sleeper Accessories
Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo sheets are known for their cooling properties and are a popular choice for people who tend to sleep hot or live in warmer climates. There are several reasons why bamboo sheets help keep you cool:
Moisture-wicking properties: Bamboo fibers are highly absorbent and can wick away moisture from the body. This moisture-wicking ability helps regulate body temperature by keeping the sleeper dry and comfortable throughout the night.
Breathability: Bamboo sheets are naturally breathable due to the structure of the fibers, which allows for better air circulation. This enhanced breathability helps dissipate body heat more efficiently, preventing the sheets from trapping heat and keeping you cooler while you sleep.
Thermal regulation: Bamboo fibers have unique micro-gaps and micro-holes that provide better thermal regulation than many other types of fibers. These gaps and holes allow bamboo sheets to adapt to your body temperature, ensuring that you stay cool in warm conditions and warm in cooler conditions.
Lightweight and soft: Bamboo sheets are often lightweight and have a smooth, silky texture. This softness and lightness contribute to a cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience, as the fabric drapes over your body without feeling heavy or trapping heat.
Natural properties: Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly resource, and the process used to create bamboo sheets often results in a fabric that is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. These properties can help maintain a cleaner sleeping environment, reducing the chance of overheating due to allergens or bacteria.
The BedJet
The BedJet is a climate control system designed to help users manage the temperature of their bed for improved comfort during sleep. It is particularly beneficial for hot sleepers, people experiencing night sweats, or those sharing a bed with a partner who prefers a different sleep temperature. Here’s how the BedJet works and its benefits for hot sleepers:
Air-based system: The BedJet uses a forced-air system that blows either cool or warm air into the bed through a specially designed nozzle connected to a hose. The air circulates within the bedding, providing temperature regulation without direct contact with the user’s body.
Dual-zone temperature control: With the BedJet Dual Zone system, couples can control the temperature of each side of the bed independently, allowing for customized sleep environments. This feature is particularly helpful for hot sleepers sharing a bed with someone who prefers a warmer temperature.
Fast and efficient temperature regulation: The BedJet system can rapidly cool or warm the bed within minutes, making it a convenient solution for hot sleepers who struggle to find a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.
BedJet app and remote: Users can control the BedJet system through a wireless remote or the BedJet app available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to set temperature preferences, adjust fan speed, and create sleep schedules with custom temperature settings.
Compatibility: The BedJet is compatible with most beds and bedding types, making it a versatile solution for hot sleepers.
The ChiliPad
The ChiliPad is a sleep system designed to regulate the temperature of your bed to improve sleep quality and comfort. It is particularly beneficial for those who sleep hot, have night sweats, or share a bed with a partner who prefers a different sleep temperature. Here’s an overview of how the ChiliPad works:
Water-based temperature regulation: The ChiliPad uses a water-based system to control the temperature of the bed. It consists of a control unit (the Chili Cube) and a mattress pad with silicone microtubes embedded within it. The control unit heats or cools water before circulating it through the microtubes to adjust the temperature of the pad.
Dual-zone temperature control: The ChiliPad is available in single and dual-zone configurations. The dual-zone ChiliPad allows couples to control the temperature of each side of the bed independently, accommodating different sleep temperature preferences.
Adjustable temperature range: The ChiliPad offers a wide temperature range, typically between 55°F and 115°F (13°C and 46°C), allowing users to find their ideal sleep temperature.
Compatibility: The ChiliPad is designed to work with most mattresses and bed sizes. The mattress pad is placed directly on the mattress, underneath the fitted sheet, ensuring compatibility with various bedding setups.
Energy-efficient: The ChiliPad system is energy-efficient, using significantly less electricity than air conditioning or heating systems. This can result in lower energy costs for users.
Simple operation: The ChiliPad is easy to set up and operate. Users can adjust the temperature using the control unit or an optional remote control. The system is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning of the control unit and washing of the mattress pad.
The ChiliPad offers an effective solution for those seeking a more comfortable sleep environment by providing precise temperature control through its water-based system. It’s especially helpful for hot sleepers, people with night sweats, or couples with different temperature preferences.