If you’re a hot sleeper, you know the dreaded feeling of waking up in a pool of sweat. Perhaps it was a bad dream, the sheets were too thick, or the room too stuffy? Not only is it uncomfortable and downright unpleasant, but sweating while sleeping can also damage your mattress. Sweat can cause permanent stains, odours, and even mould over time. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your mattress from sweat and other moisture-related damage.
Why do we sweat at night and why do some of us sweat more than others?
Sweating at night, or night sweats, is a common occurrence for many people and can be an uncomfortable and disruptive experience. But why do some people sweat so much at night?
Night sweats have a number of potential causes, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle factors. One of the most common causes of night sweats is menopause, which causes hot flushes and night sweats due to hormonal changes in the body. Other medical conditions that can cause night sweats include infections, thyroid problems, and cancers. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, may also cause night sweats.
In some cases, night sweats may be caused by environmental factors such as sleeping in a room that is too warm, wearing too many layers of bedding, sleeping close to someone else, or sleeping in an area with poor air circulation. Stress and anxiety can also cause night sweats in some people.
How much do we sweat per night?
On average, an adult can lose around a half pint of sweat each night while they sleep. This amount can vary depending on the temperature of the room and how much movement is happening during the night. Sweating is an important part of the body's natural cooling system, so it's essential to make sure you get enough rest in a comfortable environment. This can help keep you cool and reduce the amount of sweat lost each night.
Without further ado, here are our eight tips for staying cool in the sheets:
1. Invest in a Quality Mattress Protector
The best way to protect your mattress from sweat is to invest in a quality mattress protector. Not only will it keep your mattress safe from sweat, but it will also provide a protective barrier from other liquids like spills and pet accidents. To stay cool while keeping you and your mattress protected, look for a durable all-natural protector made from a breathable material like organic cotton.
2. Change Your Bed Sheets Regularly
Changing your bed sheets regularly is an important part of keeping your mattress clean and sweat-free. Aim to change your sheets at least once a week and more often if you’re a particularly sweaty sleeper. Make sure to wash your sheets in hot water to kill any bacteria that may be lingering.
3. Opt for Natural Fibre
When it comes to cooling and breathable sheets and bedding, natural fibres like cotton and linen are your best bet. These materials are more breathable than synthetic fabrics, which means they're better equipped to wick away moisture while regulating your body temperature and keeping you cool and dry.
4. Opt for a latex foam sleep surface
Does memory foam make you sweat? Well, if sleeping hot is a concern of yours, we wouldn't recommend opting for a memory foam mattress. That's because memory foam conforms to the body. This leads to that sinking feeling memory foam is known for, which leads to hotter, sweatier sleep.
Latex foam on the other hand sleeps cooler than memory foam because of a couple of reasons. Firstly, latex foam has an open cell structure, which allows air to pass through more easily. This helps to regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, cooling the body down. Memory foam is denser and less breathable, trapping heat and making it difficult for the body to dissipate heat. Secondly, latex foam is firm and bouncy, which means you'll float on top rather than sink into the mattress.
5. Avoid high thread counts
High thread count cotton is a popular choice of fabric for sheets as it is soft and thick. However, due to the fact that it is tightly woven, it can often trap heat, making it sleep hotter than other fabrics. The higher the thread count, the denser the weave, meaning that it can be even hotter to sleep on. While it may be more comfortable and snug in winter, it is not ideal for the warmer months. The Peace Lily bed sheets are woven from organic Egyptian cotton in a luxurious single-ply weave that combines softness and breathability perfectly.
6. Use a mattress topper
A mattress topper is a layer of padding that sits between your mattress and your sheets, providing more comfort for you and more protection for your mattress. While a mattress protector should keep most sweat and spills from reaching your mattress topper, your topper can help to absorb excess moisture and keep your mattress sweat-free. However, make sure you keep the humidity in your room low and allow your bedding, topper, and mattress to fully dry out to prevent the buildup of harmful moulds and mildew. Look for a mattress topper made from breathable materials like cotton, latex, or wool. We offer two types of mattress toppers to suit your comfort needs. Choose between the plush or the firm mattress topper to add comfort and protection to your mattress.
7. Keep your bedroom cool
The temperature of your bedroom can greatly impact how much sleep you get each night. Try to keep your bedroom at a cool temperature (around 18 degrees Celsius) and use fans or air conditioners to keep the air circulating. Also keeping an eye on the sun and closing the curtains or blinds when the sun's at its strongest is a great, sustainable, and affordable way to keep the house cooler over the summer months.
8. Shower before bed
Showering before bed is a great way to ensure that you sleep cooler. The cool water helps to lower your body temperature and gets rid of sweat, dirt, and bacteria that can cause you to overheat while you sleep. The shower also provides a calming effect that can help you drift off to sleep more quickly. Additionally, the shower can help clear your mind and reduce stress levels, allowing you to relax more deeply and get a better night's rest. The refreshing feeling that comes from showering before bed can help you wake up feeling rested and refreshed the next morning.
9. Avoid hot and spicy foods before bed
Avoiding hot and spicy foods before bed can also help prevent night sweats. This is because spicy foods can increase body temperature and trigger excess sweating, which is especially disruptive during sleep. Eating spicy foods late at night can also lead to indigestion, which can further disrupt your sleep. Therefore, it's best to avoid hot and spicy foods before bed to ensure a good night's rest and avoid night sweats.
10. Sleep in minimal clothing
It may seem counterintuitive as there’s less fabric to collect your sweat, but sleeping in your undies or in the nude can help prevent night sweats. This is because when you sleep with nothing on, your body temperature remains more consistent as you sleep and it's easier to regulate your body temperature. Ever been too hot and stuck your leg out of the doona to cool down? Instantly cooler. When you sleep with clothes on, your body is more likely to overheat and cause night sweats. Not only does sleeping with minimal layers reduce night sweats, but it can also help you get a better night's sleep. The lack of fabric on your body decreases your chances of getting tangled in your sheets, and the increased air circulation helps keep your body cool and comfortable. So if you're looking for a way to prevent night sweats and you normally sleep in PJs, try giving sleeping in your undies a go!
When to take your night sweats seriously
We all sweat while we sleep, but it’s important to speak to your doctor if you experience serious night sweats on a regular basis, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Treating the underlying condition can help to reduce or eliminate night sweats. If your night sweats are caused by lifestyle factors such as poor sleep hygiene or a bedroom that is too warm, then making some lifestyle changes such as wearing light, breathable clothing to bed, sleeping in a cooler room, and avoiding stress and anxiety can help reduce night sweating.
What to do if your mattress has gotten stained, wet, or smelly
If sweat or other spills have made their way into your mattress, it’s important to take immediate action. We’ve written a handy blog on how to care for and clean your Peace Lily mattress and how to deal with and avoid mattress mould. However, there comes a point where a soiled mattress can no longer be salvaged, and if that is the case with yours, it may be time to look for a new one. A handmade, all-natural Peace Lily Mattress comes protected by a 25-year warranty and is enjoyed under a 100-night sleep trial. This means you can rest assured that you’ll either love your mattress, or return it for your money back. Just make sure you follow the steps in this blog to protect it from sweat and spills!
Shop the mattress or get in touch
By following these simple steps, you can protect your mattress from sweat and keep it in top shape for years to come. Investing in a mattress protector and keeping your bedroom cool are two of the best ways to keep your mattress sweat-free. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your mattress in great condition and get a better night’s sleep. If you’ve got questions or if you’ve got a top tip that’s missing from this blog, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to let us know. We’re always here to help.
