The Right Material For Night Sweats
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Idiopathic hyperhidrosis, which is the most common cause of night sweats, can be relieved with natural fabrics that are breathable and moisture-wicking & are the the right material for night sweats. Look for sleepwear and bedding in a lightweight and stretchy fabric that feels cool to the touch.
Look for breathable bed sheets and bedding in cotton, viscose or bamboo to help moisture evaporate during the night. Wool is another option as it has temperature-regulating properties.
Wool
The unique crimping of wool fibres makes them highly breathable, absorbing up to 30% of their weight in water without feeling damp or clammy against the skin. This helps to regulate body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable whilst reducing the clammy feeling that often accompanies night sweats. Wool is also natural and biodegradable, releasing valuable nutrients into the soil when it’s disposed of.
Unlike cotton, which is notorious for clinging to the skin, this moisture wicking property of wool means that the evaporation of your sweat is carried away into the air, rather than staying trapped in your sleepwear next to your skin where it can disturb you and lead to a poor night’s sleep. In fact, studies show that using wool bedding promotes a deeper, more restful sleep. It’s a great choice for people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia or bedsores too as it helps to provide and maintain warmth to reduce discomfort while sleeping.
Eucalyptus Silk
Eucalyptus sheets are the best for night sweats because they’re naturally cooling and help regulate temperature. They’re also soft as silk and breathable, so you can get the restful sleep you deserve!
Eucalyptus silk is made from cellulose fibers found in eucalyptus trees. It’s a great option for eco-warriors since it uses less energy and resources than wool or cotton. It’s also a cruelty-free fabric, as the moths (often called the Bombyx mori) used to make mulberry silk are not harmed during production.
You can find eucalyptus sheets in a range of momme (weight) counts, depending on the level of luxury you’re looking for. For example, COZO offers a high-quality 22-momme set that’s the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Their eucalyptus sheets are also infused with cineole, an essential oil that soothes the skin and combats fungi and bacteria. The result is smoother, healthier skin that’s less likely to break out or become itchy!
Cotton
Cotton is a naturally breathable fabric that manages moisture and heat (thermoregulate) so it cools and wicks away sweat during the night. It is also soft and hypoallergenic making it skin friendly. However, it can be prone to shrinkage and wrinkling. This is why many people choose to opt for cotton blends with polyester or acrylic, such as microfiber sheets.
The best cotton sleepwear for night sweats is made from either GOTS certified organic cotton or cotton percale. The latter is a lightweight and crisp cotton with an open weave that increases breathability.
If you do decide to opt for cotton, it is important to find sleepwear that is summer weight so that it will not cling to your skin when you perspire. It is also important to select natural fibre bedding such as wool duvets or cotton duvet covers, which will help to regulate your body temperature. Avoid synthetic fibres such as flannel sheets, which trap body heat and can worsen night sweats.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is highly absorbent and breathable which helps to pull sweat away from the skin. This allows evaporation of the sweat and keeps you feeling fresh throughout the night. It also has antimicrobial properties which prevents odor build-up from bacteria.
Bamboo has been heavily marketed as the cooling, moisture-wicking material for night sweats sufferers but what is sold as bamboo fabric is often just rayon made through a process that uses harsh chemicals which strips away many of the benefits of genuine bamboo. The best choice is Bamboo lyocell (also known as Tencel) which is made using a closed-loop manufacturing process and retains more of the bamboo’s natural properties.
The fibres in bamboo are thicker and longer than cotton which gives it more durability. This means it will not rip or tear easily even after a few washes. It is also a sustainable resource and grows quickly without the need for pesticides and chemicals.