Switching from a duvet to a sheet in summer for the first time
Short answer: When nights turn warm, many people sleep better under a thin sheet than under a duvet. The switch is about finding the right weight over your body, light nightwear and a bedroom that can shed heat.
Why the duvet becomes too warm
A duvet is designed to hold in body heat, which is exactly what you do not need on a warm summer night. When the bedroom is above 20 degrees, even a summer duvet can be too much. Your body needs to lose heat to fall asleep, and if it cannot, many people wake up and sleep restlessly. A sheet gives a little cover and the feeling of having something over you without trapping the warmth.
Choosing the right sheet
A thin woven sheet is enough for most summer nights. Bamboo viscose feels cool against the skin and moves moisture away, while linen is airy and slightly coarse. Cotton in a plain weave is an affordable and practical choice. Use the sheet as the only layer over you, and keep the duvet at the foot of the bed in case the night turns cool towards morning. Many people also simply sleep under a thin duvet cover with no duvet inside.
Light nightwear or none at all
When you switch to a sheet, nightwear matters more because there is less insulation over you. A loose, thin fabric that does not cling is pleasant. Many women wear a loose dress in a soft fabric as a nightdress in summer. Browse the bamboo dresses for light styles that can be worn at home in the evening and slept in too. Choose a size with plenty of room.
Make the bedroom cooler
Air the room in the morning and evening, when the outside air is coolest, and keep the curtains closed during the day. A fan moves the air even if it does not cool it. Switch off electronics that give off heat. A cool shower before bed lowers the skin temperature slightly. If you share a bed, it can help to have a sheet each so that you are not pulling at the same one all night.
What to do with the duvet
When the duvet is not used for a few months, it should be stored properly. Air it on a dry day and put it in a fabric bag or duvet cover, not plastic, so it can breathe. Keep it dry with nothing heavy on top. If you have an all year duvet, you might consider a thinner summer duvet for nights when the sheet is not enough. Many people also browse the bestsellers for women for light clothing suited to the season.
Brands and light fabrics
In summer the most important things are the weight and weave of the fabric. Thin jersey and lightly woven viscose feel coolest. Different brands use different fabrics, and a brand such as JBS is one example of the labels you can compare. Experiment for a few nights and notice when you wake up. It is often towards the end of the night, when the temperature drops.
Frequently asked questions
When should I switch to a sheet
When the bedroom is regularly above 20 degrees at night and you wake up hot under the duvet.
Is it bad to sleep with nothing over you
No. But many people sleep more calmly with a light weight on the body, and a sheet provides just that.
How do I avoid getting cold towards morning
Keep the duvet at the foot of the bed so you can pull it up when the temperature falls.
See our range of bamboo sheets.
