Stay cool in bed: discover our top tips for comfortable sleep

Warm nights can make it difficult to drift off and stay asleep. While air conditioning isn’t always an option, there are plenty of ways to stay cool in bed – from choosing breathable bedding to selecting the right mattress.

At Sealy New Zealand, we’ve put together this guide to help you manage your sleep environment and body temperature, so you can keep cool and enjoy a more refreshing night’s rest.

JUMP TO
Why you might feel hot at night.
Cooling mattress innovations from Sealy Posturepedic.
Tips to stay cool while you sleep.
Final word.
FAQs.

Why you might feel hot at night

It’s not just the summer climate that can cause overheating in bed. Several factors may also contribute to an overly warm environment and prevent you from keeping cool at night.

Health and lifestyle

Certain medical conditions, hormone changes, or medications can trigger sweating and hot flashes
Food and drink choices matter – alcohol and spicy meals can raise body temperature
Heavy or non-breathable sleepwear can trap heat
Sharing your bed with pets can add extra warmth

Bedding and Pillows

Synthetic fibres trap heat, while natural fibres (cotton, bamboo, linen, silk) breathe better
High thread count sheets, though luxurious, often retain more warmth
Foam toppers and synthetic underlays can insulate heat, swap them for breathable options like wool
Pillows made with moisture-wicking fabrics such as Tencel help regulate temperature

Mattress choice

Plush mattresses cradle the body, which can make you feel warmer
Firmer mattresses allow more airflow around the body, creating a naturally cooler environment
If you’re unsure which comfort level suits you, try our Sealy Bed Selector for personalised recommendations

Cooling mattress innovations from Sealy Posturepedic

If warm nights make sleep challenging, a temperature-regulating mattress may bring the comfort you need. Sealy New Zealand offers advanced technology features to help regulate your temperature in bed.

Many Sealy Posturepedic mattresses also feature natural fibres and gel-infused foams, offering breathable, cooler comfort layer combinations.

Tips to stay cool while you sleep

Research suggests the ideal sleep temperature is around 18°C, but maintaining this year-round isn’t always realistic. Here are practical ways to cool down without relying on air conditioning.

Adjust Your Environment

Manage light and airflow: Keep curtains closed during the day, then open windows in the evening to let cooler air in
Skip the oven at night: Evening cooking can add heat indoors; opt for lighter meals or head outdoors for a summer BBQ
Limit lighting before bed: Lights generate heat, so use lamps instead of overhead lights to reduce warmth

Prepare Your Bed

Choose breathable sheets: Switch to cotton, bamboo or linen. It is best to avoid polyester and flannelette
Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans should run counter-clockwise in summer, position box fans to push hot air out or create cross-breezes with multiple fans
Check your mattress: Look for designs with airflow, ventilation and fabrics like our SmarTex® technology

Control Your Body Temperature

Stay hydrated: Drink cool water before bed, and ideally avoid alcohol
Wear light sleepwear: Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help wick away sweat
Take a lukewarm shower: Avoid cold water, which can cause your body to over-compensate by heating up
Exercise earlier in the day – Evening workouts raise body temperature, making it harder to cool down
Use an ice pack: Place it on your neck, head or back to lower body heat

Final word

Create a cooler, more comfortable sleep space with smart choices like breathable bedding and advanced mattress technology. Sealy Posturepedic beds offer solutions for every season, helping you rest easy. Explore our collections online or visit your nearest Sealy stockist to find your perfect match.