Mattress Sheet Considerations for Optimal Sleep Temperature

28 May Mattress Sheet Considerations for Optimal Sleep Temperature

There are several factors that play a role in a good night’s sleep, and one that sometimes doesn’t get enough attention from sleepers is temperature. The human body sleeps best in the optimal temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly, and while everyone has their own ideal range, straying too far from this general standard, particularly too hot, can lead to issues like overheating and sweat during sleep.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’ll help you with any and all mattress factors that may be contributing to sub-optimal temperatures during sleep, including one you may not have considered: Your sheets. There are a few important temperature-related factors to consider whenever selecting new sheets – here are a few to keep in mind.

Thread Count

When it comes to temperature and several other comfort-related factors and sheets, thread count is often the single most important element to begin with. As the name suggests, it refers to the amount of thread used to create each row within a square inch of fabric – 30 horizontal rows and 30 vertical rows within a given square inch would mean the thread count is 60.

Now, this isn’t necessarily a sliding scale alone; simply having a higher thread count doesn’t make a set of sheets “better” or “worse” per se. Generally, though, those looking to stay within an optimal temperature range will prefer sheets with a thread count between 400 and 800 – too far below this and sheets may not have enough substance to keep you warm, but too far above it and sheets could actually be too heavy.

Fabric Material

Some temperature-related information on several of the common materials used for bet sheets today:

• Cotton: Cotton is a versatile fabric that’s probably the most common one used for sheets today. It’s a breathable fabric, meaning it works in both warm and cool weather and helps with circulation.
• Bamboo: For high-quality air circulation and cool sleep, bamboo is a great product. It absorbs far more than plain cotton, which helps if you sweat at night, and is extremely breathable.
• Flannel: This is a type of cotton that’s measured in weight rather than in thread count. It’s a heavier material that’s good for winter, but generally less optimal during summer.
• Satin: A combination of several materials, satin is primarily used for aesthetics.
• Percale: Sometimes a blend or sometimes all cotton, percale is in the middle of the road temperature-wise.
• Sateen: A woven material that’s light and comfortable, but may also trap heat when it’s warm.

Fabric Color

Certain colors, namely darker shades, absorb heat better than other lighter shades. Black or dark-colored sheets will absorb the sun’s heat and keep the sleeping area warmer, where light-colored sheets will cool things down.

For more on how sheets impact your sleep temperature, or to learn about any of our new mattress options, speak to the staff at 2 Brothers Mattress today.