Do you get too hot in bed?

It's a common problem. You go to bed, snuggle down, drop off to sleep, but two hours later you find yourself tossing and turning and too hot to sleep.

What causes this problem?

Most duvets are made with a filling of 100% polyester, which is a great insulator and duvets with this filling will keep you warm through the winter. Your body gives off heat as you sleep and the warm air is trapped under the duvet to keep you snug. However if you (or your partner) are the hot-bloodied type, who give off lots of heat all night long, the temperature under a 100% polyester filled duvet can get hotter and hotter. Eventually you start to perspire and cool off - but usually by this point you've woken up and your night's sleep has been disturbed.

How to solve the problem

First thing to check is that you have the correct 'Tog' duvet. Tog is the term used in the UK to describe the warmth of a duvet. In most well insulated houses, with central heating, a 10.5 Tog duvet will see you through the winter, but will be far too hot for the summer. Most ranges are available in 4.5 Tog or 6.0 Tog to suit summer months. Four seasons duvets are great for all year round comfort. For advice on Togs click the link.  We have 2 summer duvets in 3.0 Tog - a 100% cotton duvet suitable for allergy sufferers and an 80% goosedown 3.0 Tog duvet which drapes beautifully around your body.

Try a more breathable duvet

Duvets made with natural fillings such as down and feather, silk or cotton are naturally breathable and allow hot, moist air to escape through the filling before you overheat. For advice on natural duvets click the link.

Alternatively we have a range of temperature regulating duvets made with a blend of polyester and the natural fibre lyocell. These remarkable duvets are non-allergenic and very good value. Click here for full details.

When choosing linens it is best to use breathable fabrics, particularly those with a high percentage of cotton or Linen. 

Final thoughts

It's possible to make a few simple adjustments to your bedroom to ensure you sleep comfortably. Do check your ventilation! Our bodies give off heat overnight so even if your room is cool when you go to bed it's always good to open a window, to ensure you don't wake up with a blocked nose and feeling stuffy. You will sleep better if the room temperature is around 16^oC

Avoid taking a hot bath or having a hot drink before you go to bed and wear breathable cotton bedclothes rather than polyester or nylon – or wear nothing at all!

When you get up in the morning fold your duvet back and let it air for a few hours before making your bed again – or be like the Austrians and hang your duvet over a ledge, by an open window to freshen it up each day.

Sleep well!