I’m a hot sleeper – these cooling sheets are already in my Amazon shopping cart

Beat the heat with a lightweight sheet set, just in time for summer

White, green, and yellow floral sheets on a white bed frame against white walls; to the left, a white lamp on a white nightstand; to the right, a sheer curtain covering a window.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Recent updates

06/05. I replaced the Shilucheng Bamboo Viscose Sheets with the SONORO KATE 100% French Pure Linen Sheet Set, which gets a better write-up on Amazon.

As the weather warms up, I'm reaching for lightweight sheet sets to regulate my temperature and wick away moisture, so I can sleep cool and dry this summer.

If you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you live in a particularly warm, arid climate, then you'll appreciate a set of the best cooling sheets more than most. Consider natural fibers, including bamboo and linen, and opt for looser weaves, such as percale, over tighter knits, such as sateen.

Some of the best bed sheets hail from specialist sleep stores, but many are listed for less on Amazon. I've combed through our back catalog of reviews and spent hours surfing the site to bring you six sets of the best Amazon cooling sheets.

Best Amazon cooling sheets – 6 breathable sets, ranked and reviewed

Before you start shopping, it's worth learning more about the pros and cons of different bed sheet types for hot sleepers. Here are a few of my favorites for warmer weather.

  • Cotton percale: a loose, lightweight weave (one-thread-over, one-thread-under), cotton percale feels crisp and cool on your skin.
  • Bamboo: naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, bamboo is a great choice for anyone who suffers from night sweats. Eucalyptus has a similar look and feel.
  • Linen: breathable and durable, the best linen sheets are woven from hollow flax fibers for optimal breathability. Try to embrace the natural wrinkles as part of linen's rustic charm.
  • Microfiber: more breathable than polyester, and highly affordable – the basis for many of the best affordable bed sheets.

In terms of bedding materials to avoid, hot sleepers should steer clear of tight weaves, including sateen, and stuffy synthetic fibers. Polyester is the worst offender, known to trap heat and retain moisture, so you have to sleep in your own sweat.

FAQs

Do cooling sheets actually work?

Not all cooling sheets are created equal. I've sampled several sheet sets that claim to be cooling, but actually incorporate synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture. I recommend you read the customer reviews to assess the thermoregulation before you buy a cooling sheet set from Amazon.

What are the best type of sheets to keep you cool?

As a general rule, natural fibers are more breathable than synthetic fabrics. If you're a seriously hot sleeper, and you're dealing with night sweats and hot flashes on a regular basis, I suggest you consider the best organic bedding. Bamboo, eucalyptus, and linen are all antimicrobial – built to bust the bacteria that breed in sweaty, sticky environments.


Once you've bought a set of the best cooling sheets, it's time to dress the rest of your bed. Layer the best cooling mattress protector between your bed and your body to safeguard against sweat, spills, and stains or cover up with the best cooling comforter.

If you're still struggling to sleep in the heat, the problem might be your mattress. You could try the best cooling mattress for your sleep style: I've ranked and reviewed six of my favorites from Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, DreamCloud, and more.

Emilia Hitching
Sleep Editor

Emilia is our resident sleep writer. She spends her days tracking down the lowest prices on the best mattresses and bedding and spends her nights testing them out from the comfort of her own home. Emilia leads a team of testers across America to find the best mattress for every sleep style, body type, and budget.

Emilia's quest to learn how to sleep better takes her all around the world, from the 3Z mattress factory in Glendale, Arizona to the Hästens headquarters in Köping, Sweden. She's interviewed luxury bedding designers at Shleep and Pure Parima, as well as the Design Manager at IKEA. Before she joined Homes & Gardens, Emilia studied English at the University of Oxford.