Need a Chill Pill to Get to Sleep? Try These Cooling Essentials

Adding a fluffy, cloud-like duvet is all fun and games until you find yourself roasting beneath it at night. You don’t have to ditch the comforter, though. This one from Buffy is just as puffy as a traditional duvet or comforter, but it’s made with a breathable filling made from eucalyptus that doesn’t retain heat. Just as the name implies, staying cool and asleep at night will be a breeze.

If you’re really dedicated to keeping your cool while you sleep, consider this device. It’s essentially an air conditioner that blows cooled air directly under your sheets through a pipe. It sits at the end of your bed, so you likely won’t touch the tubing at all, and the actual cooling mechanism is slender enough to slide under your bed frame. We know that some like it hot, too, and luckily the BedJet can also pump hot air into a cold bed once temperatures drop — adios, heated blankets.

Crawling into a bed with crisp, cool sheets is one of the best feelings. This set by Brooklinen will keep feeling cool, even after you’ve spent a few hours in them. Thanks to the long-staple cotton they’re made from, these percale sheets are actually more breathable because of the over-under weave of the fabric. They’re also quite durable, making them a set you can use for years to come.

If you find yourself tossing and turning after crawling into bed, you’re not alone. Many women have trouble falling and staying asleep, especially those experiencing menopause-induced insomnia and night sweats. Treat the root of the problem with this sleep supplement that has a low dose of melatonin to help you fall asleep, ashwagandha to help calm your mind, and Pycnogenol to soothe your cardiovascular system, helping to ease night sweats.

Another breathable material is Tencel modal, which is actually made from wood pulp. It has a soft, buttery smooth texture similar to jersey, but it has a cooling effect because of the knit of the fabric. We’re big fans of this short set not only because of its cooling properties but also because it’s so dang cute.

For instant relief, add a cool-down mist into your nighttime routine. This one from Kindra is full of skin-loving ingredients like aloe and cucumber that cool the skin, and the InstaCalm-3 Complex helps reduce the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Not only that, but it’ll add a dose of moisture to your skin before you apply your nightly moisturizer, especially if you’re prone to dry, tight skin.

City dwellers know the plight of sleeping in a room that’s too bright — even in the dead of night. If you feel hot and stuffy wearing a traditional sleep mask made from polyester or other synthetic fibers that trap heat, opt for something more breathable. This mask from Ettitude is made from bamboo lyocell, which feels similar to silk. The natural fibers have a cooling effect because they draw heat away from your body rather than trapping it. Pro tip: Stick your mask in the fridge or freezer for a few moments before you hit the hay for an extra cool feel.

Just as silk pajamas can help keep you cool, so can silky pillowcases. This set is made with bamboo, which is both breathable and sustainable. The smooth, slick texture keeps you cool throughout the night, and there’s an added benefit of reduced friction on your skin and hair — which can help prevent wrinkles and frizz. Talk about getting the most out of your beauty sleep.

Sleeping in silk already feels luxurious, but it’s also a natural fabric that can help you stay cool. Silk is a naturally thermoregulating material, meaning it helps release heat when you’re hot and hold it when you’re cold. This set comes with a flowy T-shirt, allowing you to move around easily all night, and a cute pair of shorts to keep you from getting tangled up in long pants. The best part? These pajamas can be thrown in with the rest of your laundry, no dry cleaning required.

While being able to upgrade your mattress would be ideal, it’s not always within budget. Adding a mattress topper is a more affordable option when it comes to adding some extra cushion and a cooling component to your bed. This latex topper from Saatva is infused with graphite, which draws heat away from your body. Combined with the breathable organic cotton cover on the topper, this will send you off to dreamland in no time.

Side sleepers rejoice! This cube contraption is made just for you. It looks awkward because of its sharp corners and cube shape, but the height of this pillow actually fills the space between your neck and shoulders perfectly. It’s made from squishy memory foam that molds to your head, and the cotton cover helps wick heat away from your face and neck for a cool night’s sleep.

Just as the name suggests, this mattress is made for hot sleepers. A new mattress is certainly an investment, but think about how often you use it (literally every single day). This hybrid mattress combines cooling gel technology with traditional bed springs, which increase airflow and help keep you cool throughout the night.

This may seem like an obvious option, but increasing airflow around you can also make you feel cooler. For nights when cooling pajamas and sheets aren’t cutting it, turn on this bedside air conditioner for a cool breeze (or maybe upgrade your window AC). It’s powered by a USB cord, so you can easily plug it into a charger near your bed at night or into your computer during the workday, and all you need to do to ensure it blows out cold air is fill the tank with water or small ice cubes. At under $30, it’s a great portable option for hot sleepers.