Why aren't my sheets staying on the bed? From size to technique, 5 common causes and how to easily fix each one

There are few things as annoying as waking up in the middle of the night to find your bed sheets tangled up in a bundle around you and having to wrangle them back on while you're half-asleep.

But why aren't the sheets staying on the bed in the first place? Our bedding experts reveal the five most common reasons your sheets are making an escape in the middle of the night, and luckily, they're all easy to fix.

Here's how to keep your bed sheets in place to help you sleep better.

Why aren't my sheets staying on the bed?

Even the best bed sheets can fall victim to slipping off at night. These are the bedding mistakes to look out for that could be the cause.

1. The sheets are too small

I know this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it happens: check the size of your sheets. You might be trying to stretch a full-sized set over a queen-sized bed. The difference in sizes might seem slight, but it becomes significant when you're working with snug fitted sheets.

If your sheets are the right size, but they're still coming up a little small, then the problem might be with the depth.

Bedding designer Parima Ijaz, founder of Pure Parima explains, 'When your fitted sheets have insufficiently deep pockets, they struggle to gain a strong grip on the mattress. That's why the corners pop off so easily, with little to no effort from you.'

Too-small sheets make it that much harder to make your bed in the morning, and they might impact your sleep. Parima warns, 'They can cause discomfort and lead to lack of sleep if you find yourself constantly having to fix them.'

Switching for a new size is a wise decision and will keep bed sheets from slipping.

2. The sheets are too big

Perhaps you have the opposite problem. It's not that your sheets are too small to stay on the bed, but that they're too large. The weight of excess fabric might be pulling your sheets over the side of the bed.

Bedding designer Sally Topcuoglu, founder of Jonela, says, 'It's uncomfortable to deal with too much fabric, especially if you toss and turn while you sleep. When sheets are too large for your bed, they will bunch up, wrinkle, and hang over the edges. It's a challenge to keep your bed neatly arranged.'

You don't want to drag your sheets from one side of the bed to the other, especially if you share that bed with your pet or partner. Too much fabric often leads to a skewed distribution of sheets, so that one sleeper swelters while the other is left out in the cold.

Additionally, any oversize sheets that end up touching the floor may pick up dust, dirt and other common allergens, potentially aggravating allergies and irritating your skin.

3. The elastic is worn out

Of all the bed sheet types, fitted sheets might seem like the better choice to avoid slipping, but they are just as susceptible as flat sheets, especially if they are old and the elastic has worn out.

To keep fitted sheets on a bed, Aminah Vieira, head of marketing and innovation at InspireClean Cleaning Services suggests changing how you wash bedsheets to protect the elastic for longer.

She says, 'You should wash your sheets in cool water and air dry laundry where possible to avoid wearing out the elastic. Washing on too high a temperature is a common bedding laundry mistake that can weaken the elastic over time while shortening the life of the fabric itself.'

4. They haven't been tucked in

The main cause of flat sheets slipping out of place is improper tucking. That is why knowing how to make a bed the right way is so important.

Parima Ijaz, bedding designer, explains, 'Without enough spare fabric and proper tucking, the sheet will either be pulled out from under the mattress very easily or barely be wide enough to tuck in.'

To choose the best bed sheets, it can be worth picking a flat sheet that is one size larger than your bed (buying a king-sized sheet for a full-sized mattress, for example). This will give you more fabric to tuck under the mattress, helping to weigh it down and hold it in place.

5. They are a slippery fabric

If you are tired of sheets slipping off the bed, then silky fabrics are bedding materials to avoid. They might feel super soft, but they are slippery by nature. Yes, they reduce the fiction against your skin, but they also reduce the friction against your mattress, making them more prone to coming off.

The best luxury bed sheets are certainly a luxury to sleep on, but sateen sheets and silk sheets that wake you up with bunching are arguably less luxurious than a good cotton or linen set that stays in place.

How to stop sheets from coming off the bed

To stop bedding slipping, Chelsey Borson of Luna Leaps says, 'Using sheet straps or suspenders can be incredibly helpful to secure slipping sheets. These are small elastic bands that attach to the corners of your sheet and anchor it tightly to the mattress. This should prevent any slippage.'

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We've tested the best bed sheet holder for further advice on which to pick.

If however you're really sick of your slippery sheets and are in the market for a whole new set, Chelsey advises, 'Look for sheets that have deep pockets and elastic all around the edges. This will help them stay snugly in place on your mattress, even with movement.

'Opting for a sheet set with innovative design features should help your sheets stay on the bed,' says Chelsey. 'Some brands offer sheets with special grippy corners, snaps, or other mechanisms to keep sheets in place in the night'.

FAQs

Why do my sheets wear out so fast?

If your bedding never used to slip, but has started to wear out and slip off more often, it could just be down to heavy usage. Bed sheets accumulate a lot of sweat and grime, while being subjected to friction that can slowly damage the fibres and loosen elastic.

How you wash bedding will also impact how long your bedding lasts. Washing frequently on high temperatures with other abrasive fabrics such as clothing or towels, and drying them in tumble dryers will weaken or stretch the fabric and elastic.

What's the best bed sheet material?

When it comes to bed sheet types, cotton is a classic for a reason. It's one of the most versatile bed sheet materials. There are different varieties, from absorbent Egyptian cotton to breathable Turkish cotton, as well as different weaves. Percale feels stiff and starchy, while cotton sateen should feel slippery and smooth against your skin.

Linen sheets are flexible and durable. The material might start out a little scratchy, but it should get softer with every wash. If you're keen to shop sustainably, though, you might be better off with wool, eucalyptus, or bamboo bed sheets. These bio-based materials are naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial to help you sleep fresh and keep cool. I'd recommend wool, eucalyptus, or bamboo bed sheets to hot sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers alike.

Every material has its merits: even polyester. Super-stretchy and wrinkle-resistant, the best polyester bed sheets should lie beautifully on your bed. Polyester does tend to trap heat, so it's much less suitable for hot sleepers living in warmer climates. It's one of the least sustainable bed sheet materials and can look a little cheap.

Following our bed sheet buying rules will ensure you get the right size the first time to prevent slipping sheets and frustrating night's sleep, especially when you shop at the best places to buy bedding for superior quality that is sure to last.