Changing the bed with the seasons from duvet to sheet
Short answer: Twice a year the bedroom changes character. In spring the winter duvet becomes too warm, and in autumn you start to feel cold under a thin summer duvet. By changing duvet, sheet and sleepwear in step with the weather, you can sleep more evenly all year round.
When should you change the duvet
There is no fixed date. Many people switch to a summer duvet when the night temperature in the bedroom stays above 18 or 19 degrees for about a week, usually in May. In autumn the opposite happens in September or October. Notice whether you wake with damp skin or kick the duvet off during the night. Those are signs that it is too warm. If your feet are cold, it is probably too thin for the season.
The sheet matters more than you might think
The sheet is what your skin lies on all night. A smooth, thin weave feels cool in summer, while a denser fabric feels warmer in winter. Viscose from bamboo has a smooth surface and feels cool at first touch, which many people like during the warm months. Have a look at bamboo sheets if you want to compare different types. Wash the sheet once a week, especially in summer when you sweat more at night.
Your sleepwear should follow along
When the duvet gets thinner, your sleepwear can get a little warmer, and the other way round. In winter many people wear long sleeves and long legs so that a medium weight duvet is enough. In summer, shorts and short sleeves are often all you need. A set of bamboo pajamas for men with long legs works well in the transitional months, when nights swing a great deal from one to the next.
The transitional months
April, May, September and October are the tricky months. One night can be 8 degrees, the next 15. Many people handle it with a thin duvet and an extra blanket across the feet that can be pushed away. It is far easier to remove a layer than to get up in the dark and look for a new one. Keep the bedroom aired as well, so moisture does not linger in the room and the bedding stays fresh.
Storing the duvet you are not using
Wash or air the duvet before you put it away. Store it dry in a fabric bag or cover, not in a sealed plastic bag where moisture can collect. Do not put heavy things on top of it, or the filling will be pressed flat. Give it a good shake when you take it out again, and let it hang outside for an hour if the weather allows, so it regains its loft before the first night.
Something warm for the morning
When nights turn cold, the morning is often when you feel the chill most. A pair of soft trousers by the bed makes it easier to get up. Many people use bamboo sweatpants for men as morning wear until they shower and head out of the door. It adds a small extra layer without having to change your whole set of sleepwear, and it is easy to wash with the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How warm should the bedroom be
Many people sleep best at 16 to 19 degrees. It varies from person to person, so try a few settings.
How often should the sheet be washed
Once a week is a good rule of thumb, more often if you sweat a lot at night.
How do I store a duvet over the summer
Dry, airy and without pressure. Use a fabric bag rather than plastic so moisture can escape.
