How to Keep a Bed Cool in Summer – 5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Bed During a Heat Dome
It might not be enough to cool your bedroom on hot summer nights – here’s how to keep your bed cool too
As a heat dome brings sweltering temperatures and high humidity to large parts of the US this week, many people are finding that keeping their bedroom cool is only half the battle. Even with the fan running, mattresses, pillows, and bedding can retain heat, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay comfortable through the night.
If you've already taken steps to keep a home cool or researched the best ways to keep a bedroom cool, you may still find yourself waking up hot and uncomfortable. That's because your mattress, bedding, and even your pillow can trap body heat long after the air in the room has cooled.
When it comes to sleep, few things are less comfortable than trying to drift off in the peak of summer heat. Sheets cling to skin, mattresses feel stifling, and even your pillow can feel uncomfortably warm.
While there are plenty of ways to design a bedroom for sleep in summer – from air conditioning to blackout window treatments – they do not always solve the deeper problem of sleeping in hot, humid conditions.
So, how do you keep a bed cool in summer? We asked sleep and bedding experts for their advice on staying comfortable during periods of extreme heat. Given that sleep experts generally recommend a cool sleep environment for optimal rest, keeping both your bed and your bedroom cool should be a priority if you want to protect sleep quality and maintain good sleep hygiene during a heatwave.
1. Opt for Natural Fiber Bedding
When choosing the best cooling bed sheets, natural fibers are your best starting point. These materials tend to be more breathable than synthetics and are generally better at wicking away moisture.
If you're shopping for a new set, two of our favorites are the Breescape Cooling Sheet Set from Amazon, which offers impressive cooling performance for the price, and the Brooklinen Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle, whose crisp percale weave makes it an excellent choice for hot sleepers.
But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to begin, says Parima Ijaz, Bedding Expert, Founder, and CEO of Pure Parima.
'The most breathable fibers are natural. Cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo all allow air to circulate easily, helping to regulate temperature and keep the skin cool. However, bamboo fabrics are often processed using chemicals, so from an environmental standpoint, it may not be the most sustainable choice.
'Linen and hemp are highly breathable and temperature-regulating, but they can feel coarse and are prone to wrinkling. Linen can also be more delicate and prone to tearing.
'That leaves cotton as a strong all-rounder. Cotton is naturally absorbent and allows heat and moisture to pass through the fabric. Egyptian cotton, in particular, is more porous, which improves airflow and helps moisture evaporate more efficiently, making it especially effective for cooler sleep.'
Fabric weave is just as important as the fiber itself when it comes to temperature regulation, she adds. 'Percale is the most breathable weave. It's one-over, one-under construction creates a lightweight, crisp fabric that allows maximum airflow.'
2. Invest in a Cooling Mattress Topper
There's no need to replace your entire mattress just because you're struggling to sleep through summer. Instead, a cooling mattress topper can offer many of the same temperature-regulating benefits for a fraction of the cost, says Dr. Chelsea Perry, sleep expert and owner of Sleep Solutions.
'Cooling mattress toppers can make a noticeable difference. Many are made with gel-infused memory foam or latex designed to stay cooler to the touch, offering an easy upgrade without replacing your mattress.'
Ottilie Blackhall, Sleep Editor at Homes & Gardens, agrees that a topper is one of the easiest ways to make an overheating mattress feel more comfortable.
'If your mattress tends to trap heat, a cooling topper is one of the quickest ways to refresh your sleep setup without investing in a brand-new bed. I've tested dozens of sleep products over the years, and the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper stands out for its supportive feel and noticeably cooler sleep surface. It adds cushioning without making you feel like you're sinking into heat-trapping foam, making it one of my favorite upgrades for summer.'
For even more targeted cooling, you can also slip a gel cooling pad inside your pillowcase to help regulate the temperature around your head and neck – one of the fastest ways to feel more comfortable when you're trying to fall asleep on a hot, humid night.
3. Chill Your Sheets Before Bed
If you're looking for a quick fix before climbing into bed, try cooling your sheets first. While it won't keep you cool all night, it can help lower your skin temperature just enough to make it easier to fall asleep – often the hardest part of sleeping during a heatwave.
Molly Freshwater, Co-Founder of Secret Linen Store, recommends popping your bedding in the fridge or freezer for a short time before bed. 'Place your sheets in the fridge for a short time before bedtime for a refreshing burst of coolness. Just make sure they're properly sealed to avoid moisture and odors.'
For best results, fold your pillowcase or top sheet into a clean, sealed storage bag and chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. I use the Hefty Slider Jumbo Storage Bags from Amazon, which are large enough to fit a folded pillowcase or sheet while keeping them protected from moisture and food odors. The cooling effect is only temporary, but that initial burst of cold fabric can help lower your skin temperature, making it much easier to drift off on hot, sticky summer nights.
If you'd rather invest in a longer-lasting solution, the TEMPUR-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow could be just what you need. Designed with a cooling gel layer that absorbs excess heat and a machine-washable cover, it helps keep your head cooler throughout the night while providing pressure-relieving support for every sleep position.
4. Swap Heavy Duvets for Lighter Layers
One of the simplest ways to keep a bed cool in summer is to rethink your bedding. In hotter parts of the world, it's common to swap bulky comforters for a lightweight flat sheet, allowing for better airflow and less heat retention overnight. While that minimalist approach isn't for everyone, replacing heavy winter bedding with lighter alternatives can make a noticeable difference.
If you prefer the comfort of sleeping under a duvet, choose one with a low tog rating or a lightweight down or down-alternative fill that's designed for summer use. 'Even in summer, a light duvet can be beneficial,' says Dr. Chelsea Perry, Sleep Expert. 'The key is choosing materials that regulate temperature without trapping heat, so you stay comfortable through the night.'
Ottilie Blackhall, Sleep Editor at Homes & Gardens, recommends investing in cooling bedding rather than simply removing layers. Her top pick is the ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set, which she named the winner in our guide to the best cooling sheets.
'The ettitude Signature Bamboo Sheet Set is the coolest bedding I've tested. It has a silky-soft feel that stays cool against the skin, excellent moisture-wicking properties, and a lightweight drape, making it ideal for hot sleepers. If I had to recommend just one sheet set for surviving summer nights, this would be it.'
It's also worth thinking beyond your duvet. Opting for lighter-colored bedding can help create a cooler, airier feel in the bedroom, while pale neutrals, crisp whites, and soft blues create a fresh, calming look that feels psychologically cooler than darker shades. Pairing breathable bedding with cooling colors is an easy way to refresh your sleep space for summer without a complete bedroom makeover.
5. Consider a Bed Climate System
If you regularly struggle to sleep through heatwaves, a bed climate system could be one of the most effective long-term solutions.
Unlike cooling mattress toppers, which rely on breathable fabrics or gel layers that gradually warm up overnight, bed climate systems actively cool your bed while you sleep. Most work by either circulating temperature-controlled water through a thin mattress pad or gently blowing cooled air beneath your top sheet, creating a consistent microclimate around your body rather than simply helping heat escape.
'Think of it as climate control for your bed,' says Dr. Chelsea Perry, Sleep Expert. 'Instead of your mattress slowly absorbing body heat through the night, these systems continually regulate the temperature, helping you stay comfortable until morning.'
They are certainly an investment, with prices starting in the hundreds of dollars, but they're also one of the few cooling solutions that continue working all night rather than losing their cooling effect after an hour or two. Most can also warm your bed during winter, making them useful year-round.
If you're looking for an option that's easy to buy, the BedJet 3 Climate Comfort System, available on Amazon, sits beside your bed and quietly blows temperature-controlled air into a cloud sheet or under your existing bedding.
As heat domes and prolonged periods of extreme heat become more common across much of the US, these systems are increasingly being viewed as practical sleep investments rather than luxury purchases.
Before investing in new bedding, it's worth avoiding common heatwave sleep mistakes, such as exercising too close to bedtime or eating heavy meals late in the evening. Both can raise your core body temperature and make it harder to sleep, even in a cool bedroom.
During a heat dome, keeping your home and bedroom cool is only part of the solution. A few simple bedding upgrades and smarter sleep habits can make all the difference when overnight temperatures stay stubbornly high.
