Simple Things You Can Do to Your Bedroom for Better Summer Sleep

How is your summer sleep? Summer sleep can be challenging due to higher temperatures, extra daylight, and unpredictable air conditioning.

There’s something magical about summer days, sunshine, outdoor dinners, family vacations, and longer evenings spent soaking it all in. But when it comes to summer nights, that magic can quickly disappear if your bedroom isn’t helping you sleep well.

Better Summer Sleep

The good news? You can make a few small but impactful changes in your bedroom to turn it into a cool, calm oasis that invites restful, uninterrupted sleep, even on the hottest nights.

Whether you’re dealing with a heatwave or just trying to keep things cozy with minimal AC, these bedroom tips will help you sleep better all summer long.

1. Switch to Lightweight, Breathable Bedding

Start with your bedding, and it makes a massive difference in how cool you feel at night. Ditch the heavy comforters and flannel sheets, and instead opt for:

• Cotton or linen sheets: Both fabrics are breathable and moisture-wicking, which’ll keep you cooler than polyester blends or microfiber.
• A summer-weight quilt or blanket: A lightweight quilt can provide sufficient coverage without trapping excessive heat.
• No top sheet? Try again. In summer, a top sheet can be the only layer you need, especially if you keep a throw blanket nearby for early-morning chills.

Look for bedding in lighter shades, too; pale colors reflect heat instead of absorbing it.

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2. Rearrange the Room to Maximize Airflow

Where you place your bed can also impact how well you sleep. If possible:

• Move your bed away from windows that get direct sun in the afternoon or evening.
• Place a fan in front of a window to pull cooler evening air in, or behind the bed to circulate air around you while you sleep.
• Open two windows across the room (if you have them) to create cross-ventilation.

Even shifting your bed a few feet away from a sun-warmed wall can help reduce the heat you feel at bedtime.

3. Invest in a Quality Fan

A good fan can work wonders if you don’t have air conditioning or prefer to use it sparingly. But not all fans are created equal.

• Oscillating tower fans are excellent for circulating air throughout the entire room.
• Vornado fans or Dyson bladeless fans can move air more powerfully, making them ideal if your bedroom tends to trap heat.
• For an added cooling boost, try placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan to create a mini DIY air conditioner.

Bonus: Many newer fans are incredibly quiet, doubling as a soothing white noise machine.

4. Block Out the Summer Light

One reason summer sleep can be challenging is the increased exposure to extra sunlight. Early sunrises and late sunsets might be great for evening barbecues, but not when you’re trying to wind down or sleep in.

• Install blackout curtains or shades to keep your room dark during sleeping hours.
• Consider using thermal blackout drapes, which not only block heat but also help regulate temperature.
• Consider a sleep mask if you’re not ready to switch out window treatments.

You’d be surprised how much better you sleep when your body isn’t tricked into thinking it’s still daylight at 8:30 p.m.

5. Cool Down Your Bed Before You Sleep

You know that feeling when you crawl into bed and the sheets feel hot before you’ve even pulled them up? Cooling your bed before bedtime can change that.

• Place your top sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes before bed (first, put it in a plastic bag).
• Use a chilled gel pillow insert to keep your head and neck cool.
• If you have a memory foam or thicker mattress that tends to retain heat, consider cooling mattress toppers with breathable or gel technology.

It might sound over-the-top, but small cooling tricks like these make a big difference when temperatures climb.

6. Choose Natural Decor and Colors

In summer, less is more. Your bedroom decor can impact how the room feels and how hot or cool it seems.

• Stick with light, natural tones: think whites, creams, and soft blues or greens that evoke a cool, airy feel.
• Avoid heavy rugs or dark throws that can trap heat and feel visually “heavy.”
• For decor that feels fresh and summery, choose natural materials like rattan, seagrass, bamboo, or light wood tones.

Decluttering surfaces and simplifying your bedroom decor can also help your mind relax and feel less overstimulated at the end of a long day.

7. Rethink Your Lighting

Summer is already filled with natural light, but using warm lightbulbs or harsh overhead lights in the evening may interfere with your sleep.

• Use soft white or amber-toned bulbs in your bedside lamps.
• Add a dimmer switch or plug-in dimmer to tone down the brightness at night.
• Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed and opt for low, warm lighting.

Lighting is one of the easiest things to adjust for better sleep, and one of the most often overlooked.

8. Create a Cooling Bedtime Routine

Sometimes it’s not just the room that needs cooling down—you might, too. Try adding a few calming, cooling rituals to your summer evenings.

• Take a lukewarm shower before bed to lower your core temperature.
• Use a cooling body lotion or spritz your pillow with a lavender linen spray.
• Sip a glass of cold water while reading a book or journaling.

This helps signal your body that it’s time to wind down, even if the sun hasn’t yet set.

9. Sleep Lower, If You Can

Heat rises. So, if your bed is elevated or your bedroom is on a second story, it might be worth sleeping closer to the floor on the hottest nights.

• Consider a low platform bed, a floor mattress, or even a night or two in a lower-level guest room.
• If you live in a two-story home, consider temporarily relocating your sleep setup to the first floor or basement if it’s significantly cooler.

It’s not a permanent fix, but in a pinch, it can give you a few nights of much-needed relief.

10. Add Greenery (But Not Too Much)

Plants can help purify the air and create a calming, natural vibe—but choose wisely.

• Opt for low-maintenance houseplants like snake plants, aloe vera, or pothos that won’t over-humidify your space.
• Avoid too many water-loving plants in the bedroom during hot, humid months.

A few well-placed plants can make your room feel fresher and cooler without adding excess moisture to the air.

Final Thoughts

Summer sleep doesn’t have to be a sweaty, restless mess. With just a few minor adjustments, such as switching to breathable sheets, adjusting your lighting, or introducing a more effective fan, you can transform your bedroom into a cool, serene sanctuary that makes bedtime something to look forward to, even in the midst of a heatwave.

Summer is for slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying the longer days. So why not make sure your nights are just as restful? Sweet dreams, and may your summer nights be cool and quiet

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