Staying hot at night: what material should you choose for better sleep?

Feeling hot at night is one of the most common causes of fragmented sleep.
Waking up at night, feeling clammy, discomfort... often, it's not the room temperature that's the problem, but the material in direct contact with the skin.

Before changing your mattress or turning down the heating, it's essential to understand the role of textiles in nocturnal thermoregulation.

Why do we get hot at night?

During sleep, the body naturally regulates its temperature.
When this regulation is disturbed, several factors can come into play:

• materials that retain heat or moisture,

• poor perspiration wicking,

• excessive friction on the skin,

• a layering of non-breathable textiles.

The body can then overheat, even in a temperate room.

The key role of textile materials during sleep

Textiles don't just "cover" the body.
They directly influence:

• air circulation,

• moisture management,

• the sensation of coolness or warmth,

• skin comfort.

Not all fibers react in the same way to nocturnal heat.

What material should you choose when you get hot at night?

Natural silk: thermoregulation and softness

Silk is a naturally thermoregulating fiber.
It helps the body maintain a more stable temperature, without a suffocating effect.

Its main advantages:

• cool sensation on contact with the skin,

• reduced friction,

• enveloping comfort, without thermal overload.

👉 It is particularly suitable when nocturnal heat is accompanied by sensitive or reactive skin.

(Read also: Sleeping in silk: why it's ideal for sensitive skin)

TENCEL™ Lyocell: breathability and moisture wicking

TENCEL™ Lyocell — which Maison CÉTOILE calls vegetable silk — stands out for its ability to:

• rapidly absorb moisture,

• wick it away without retaining it,

• maintain a longer-lasting feeling of freshness.

It is often recommended when nocturnal heat is accompanied by more pronounced perspiration.

The fabric remains fluid, dry, and comfortable, even after several hours of sleep.

Cotton: a simple material, but limited in case of heat

Cotton is widely used, but it has certain limitations:

• it absorbs moisture without wicking it away,

• it can become cold or sticky once damp,

• it sometimes promotes creases and friction.

It is better suited for sleepers who are less sensitive to nocturnal heat.

Adapting your nightwear and bedding

When you get hot at night, comfort depends on the entire textile ensemble, not just the pajamas:

• fluid and breathable pajamas,

• sheets capable of wicking away moisture,

• soft pillowcases to limit the sensation of overheating.

A well-chosen material can transform sleep quality, without modifying the rest of the environment.

The evening ritual also counts

The sensation of nocturnal heat is amplified by a body in tension.
A soothing evening ritual — soft light, slow movements, calming materials — helps the body to release internal temperature before falling asleep.

At CÉTOILE, material is an integral part of this ritual.

FAQ — Getting hot at night

Why do I get hot at night even when it's not warm?

Often due to non-breathable textiles or poor moisture management.

What is the coolest material to sleep in?

TENCEL™ Lyocell and silk are generally more breathable than cotton.

Does silk keep you warm?

No. Silk helps regulate body temperature without creating a suffocating sensation.

Is TENCEL™ suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes. Its smooth and breathable surface is naturally gentle on the skin.

In summary

When you get hot at night, the choice of textile is crucial.
Silk and TENCEL™ Lyocell offer more comfortable solutions than cotton, respecting the body's rhythm and skin's breathing.

To go further

— Night sweats: silk, cotton or TENCEL™ — which material to choose?
— Silk pajamas: why sleeping in silk improves sleep