Staying cool at night is important to healthy sleep, but some people find themselves getting too hot to sleep comfortably. There has been an increase in new products that claim to help solve this issue, but they may not be your best option.
Beware of “cooling” sleep products
Every few years, we see some new “technology” become a common feature in mattresses. Gel-infused foams and other “cooling technology” are the latest fad in the mattress industry. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that these features actually work.
These gel-infused foams have very little gel in them (but are often dyed a lovely blue color to cover up that fact), and they’re often buried several layers under the surface of the mattress, offering no benefit to the sleeper. But even if they did have a significant amount of gel and were place near the surface, we don’t believe that this foam would have its intended effect. Here’s why:
Have you ever used a gel pack to ice an injury? While it feels great when you first remove it from the freezer, it doesn’t take long for it to warm to your body heat. Gel-infused foams behave similarly. They may feel cool to the touch initially, but they soon warm to the same temperature as your body.
Tips for staying cool
Here is our advice for staying cool at night:
1. Lower the temperature in your room. Cleveland Clinic sleep psychologist Michelle Drerup, PsyD, recommends keeping your room between 60-67 degrees for optimal sleep.2. Use a fan to increase the air circulation. The white noise from the fan can also be beneficial for helping you fall asleep.
3. Use light, breathable bedding and sleepwear. You may want to consider swapping out your bedding during the warm summer months with breathable fabrics and lighter blankets. The same goes for your sleepwear: light fabrics and loose fits are ideal to stay comfortable.
While these tips may seem like common sense, they are also the strategies that we’ve found are most effective.
How innerspring mattresses can help
The type of mattress and the materials used in the mattress may impact how cool you can stay at night. Dense memory foams may prevent proper airflow and may retain more body heat. We add an airflow material layer into our Serenity and Serenity Plush mattresses to help address this issue.
But if you struggle with feeling too hot at night, an innerspring mattress may be a better option for you. The innerspring itself allows for plenty of airflow through the center of the mattress, preventing the foams and other upholstery materials from retaining too much heat.
Please keep in mind that medical issues may prevent you from feeling totally comfortable at night, no matter which mattress you use or how cool you keep your room. If you have used these strategies and still struggle with feeling too hot at night, you may want to speak with your doctor.
Check out Mattress Shopping 101.
Ready to start your mattress buying journey? Come to The Original Mattress Factory first. No one knows more than our team about what makes a great mattress great. Whether you buy from us or not, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart mattress buying decision. Find a store near you.
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