There’s nothing like a hot summer night to make falling asleep feel impossible. When temperatures rise and your sheets feel like they’re glued to your skin, it’s tempting to blast the AC all night long. But that can come at a cost—both to your energy bill and the environment. The good news? You don’t need a sub-zero bedroom to sleep comfortably.

With a few smart strategies and simple tweaks, you can stay cool, dry, and well-rested—without relying on air conditioning. Here’s how.

1. Wear Cooling Pajamas

Your go-to flannel PJs might be cute, but they’re doing you no favors in a heatwave. Cooling pajamas are specifically designed to regulate body temperature and manage sweat. Look for sleepwear made from fabrics like the moisture-wicking microfiber blends that Cool-Jams uses for their soft women’s nightgowns for summer.

These materials help pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly—keeping you cooler for longer. Plus, they’re usually super soft and gentle on sensitive skin, making them a win for comfort and function.

2. Switch to Lightweight Bedding

Heavy comforters and thick sheets trap heat. In the summer, opt for lightweight bedding made from breathable materials like cotton or linen. These natural fibers allow heat to escape and promote airflow.

Upgrade your sleep setup with:

  • A breathable cotton or linen blanket
  • Gel-infused memory foam pillows to reduce head heat
  • Bamboo or Tencel pillowcases for a cooler surface

These small changes can significantly cut down nighttime discomfort.

3. Keep the Air Circulating

Stale air makes everything worse. A ceiling fan or standing fan can do wonders to keep the breeze moving. For an even cooler trick, place a bowl of ice in front of your fan to send a light mist of chilled air across the room.

Make sure your fan is set to spin counterclockwise in summer mode—it pushes cool air downward and makes the room feel fresher.

4. Cool Down Before Bed

Your body naturally lowers its temperature as you prepare to sleep. Help it along with a lukewarm shower (yes, lukewarm—not freezing) about 30 minutes before bed. It helps rinse off sweat and brings your core temp down gently.

You can also:

  • Soak your feet in cool water
  • Apply a damp washcloth to your neck or wrists
  • Keep a cooling body mist by your nightstand

These little rituals can reset your internal thermostat before you hit the pillow.

5. Block Out the Heat During the Day

Think of your bedroom like a cooler: it’s easier to keep the heat out than to get rid of it later.

  • Close blinds or blackout curtains during peak sunlight hours
  • Keep doors shut to prevent warm air from moving room to room
  • Open windows after sunset to invite in cooler air

Want bonus points? Add a small fan in your window to draw hot air out, creating a cross-breeze.

6. Sleep Low

Hot air rises, which means that the higher your bed is, the warmer it gets. If you’re really struggling during a heatwave, consider sleeping on a lower bed frame or even setting your mattress on the floor temporarily.

It might not be your forever solution, but it can shave a few degrees off your sleep space when it counts most.

7. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration makes it harder for your body to regulate temperature. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day—and keep a glass by your bed for nighttime sips.

Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bed, as they can increase your body temperature and disrupt your sleep cycle. Stick to something light and hydrating if you’re hungry close to bedtime.

Better Sleep, Less Energy

You don’t have to blast the AC to get through summer nights. With a few intentional swaps—cooling pajamas, breathable bedding, smart airflow tricks—you can create a bedroom that stays comfortable without racking up energy costs.

Better sleep, lower bills, and a greener footprint? That’s what we call a cool night’s win.