June 19, 2023, 3:01 am | Read time: 4 minutes

As you make your bed, so you must lie in it—especially in summer when sweating can reduce sleep quality. Good comforters and covers can help.

Why Do Many People Sleep Poorly in the Heat?

The body lowers its core temperature to prepare for sleep by releasing heat through the skin, explains Anja Debrodt, a doctor at the AOK Federal Association. A cool room temperature supports this process, helping us fall asleep better. Heat disrupts this process. The body counters high temperatures by dilating skin vessels and sweating.

Additionally, in many bedrooms, it becomes uncomfortably cold in the early morning hours after the evening heat. Temperature differences of up to 27 degrees Fahrenheit are not uncommon in summer. “Without adequate thermal protection, you can easily wake up or even catch a cold,” says Marc Böhle, president of the Association of Bedding Stores.

Which Comforters Are Suitable for Hot Nights?

“Summer comforters are lightweight. They have a significantly lower fill amount and therefore weigh only about half of a winter comforter,” explains Marc Böhle. There are models with dot, circle, or ring quilting. These cooling zones are designed to prevent heat buildup under the comforter.

Light comforters with natural hair fillings, such as camel hair or cashmere, are recommended. “They absorb moisture well and retain it, providing good protection in the morning cold,” says bedding expert Marc Böhle. Light down comforters with a fill weight of 140 grams are also suitable for evening warmth and cool morning temperatures.

Summer comforters made of terry cloth are particularly practical, as you can sleep without a duvet cover. They are lightweight and absorb perspiration well. “You can often put them in the washing machine. They dry quickly in the fresh air or in the dryer,” says Marc Böhle.

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How Good Are Convertible Summer-Winter Comforters?

With comforters suitable for both summer and winter, you can tackle multiple issues at once. “A medium and a light comforter can be used separately or buttoned together as a thick comforter,” explains Marc Böhle. “If you buy such comforters in good quality, they are quite practical for summer, transitional periods, and winter.”

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What Materials Should Duvet Covers Be Made Of?

Suitable bedding supports the effect of a good summer comforter in the heat. “Natural materials like cotton or linen are skin-friendly,” says Marc Böhle. “Linen or half-linen absorb moisture well and have a cooling effect.” He advises against microfiber fabrics. The tiny particles can rub against the skin and irritate it when sleepers move at night.

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How Often Should Bedding Be Washed in the Heat?

During a heatwave, when you sweat heavily at night, it’s advisable to wash bedding more frequently. Otherwise, Bernd Glassl from the Industrial Association for Personal Care and Detergents recommends changing it every two weeks. Bedding expert Marc Böhle advises, “If you sleep unclothed, you should change your bedding every week.”

Normally, washing temperatures of 86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit are sufficient. “It’s important not to leave washed laundry in the machine for too long, so germs don’t multiply excessively,” says Glassl. Ideally, bedding should be air-dried, which has a germ-reducing effect.

According to Böhle, regular washing of covers positively affects the lifespan of the comforter. Sweat and cream residues from the skin transfer to the covers. Once this layer of fabric is saturated, the substances also penetrate the comforter, which damages it over time, explains the bedding expert.

with material from dpa