How to choose nightwear for someone who sleeps restlessly

Short answer: For a restless sleeper, the fewer details the better. No drawstrings, no buttons at the back, no tight edges, and a cut long enough to stay in place when the body turns many times during the night.

No drawstrings or hard details

Anything that can press or tangle should go. A drawstring easily ends up under your hip and digs in, and buttons at the back are felt each time you lie on them. A wide, soft waistband without a drawstring is the single most important choice, as it holds without squeezing. See pyjama trousers for men.

Length rather than tightness

A long, loose cut stays in place because there is enough fabric for the body to turn inside it. A tight cut gets dragged along when you move and ends up twisted round your waist or rolled under your arms. Choose a top that covers the hips and trousers with loose legs. See bamboo nightwear for women.

A fabric that slides

Bamboo viscose slides against the sheet rather than gripping it, which means less twisting through the night. A fabric that grips, such as towelling or rough cotton, is dragged along every time you change position. When the fabric slides, you can turn without your nightwear winding round you, and you wake less often.

The sheet should match

A tight sheet that does not shift makes everything else easier. A sheet that comes loose and bunches up creates ridges you can feel and that catch on your nightwear. A fitted sheet with good elastic sits best, and smooth fabric against smooth fabric gives the least resistance. See bamboo bedding.

Heat plays a part

Many people sleep more restlessly when they get too warm. Thick nightwear under a warm duvet can mean kicking the duvet off, turning and waking several times. Try a thinner set or shorts in summer and see if the night becomes calmer. A light fabric that does not cling helps keep an even temperature.

Seams that do not press

When you lie on many different parts of your body in a night, you notice more seams. Flat seams and a soft label, or none at the neck at all, make a difference for sensitive skin. Turn the nightwear inside out in the shop and feel whether the seams stand up.

Nightdress or set

A nightdress has no waistband and no edge at the waist, which suits some restless sleepers well. Others find a nightdress rides up their legs and prefer a set with long trousers. There is no fixed rule, so try both and see which one stays in place best for you.

The size should give room

If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one for nightwear. You should be able to pull your knees up and stretch your arms without the fabric pulling across the shoulders or thighs. Nightwear that fits exactly when you stand is often too tight when you lie down.

A short checklist

A wide waistband with no drawstring. No buttons at the back. A top that covers the hips. Loose legs. A smooth fabric. Flat seams. A sheet that stays put. A set that is not too warm. If your nightwear ticks these boxes, little is left to disturb the night.