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Cooling blankets are specially designed blankets that may better regulate body temperature. They are often lighter and use more breathable material than usual comforters or bedding sets.

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A sleeping environment that is too hot can make it uncomfortable for individuals to fall asleep. A cooling blanket can help absorb body heat and therefore help a person feel more comfortable.

In this article, we discuss cooling blankets in more detail and provide a list of potential options a person may consider trying.

The temperature of a person’s sleeping area and how comfortable they feel in it will affect how well and how long they sleep.

When humans sleep, their core body temperature decreases. If the temperature of a person’s sleeping environment is either too hot or too cold, it may affect this drop in internal body temperature. This, in turn, can disrupt a person’s sleep.

A 2017 study highlights that people tend to experience more atypical sleep patterns during hotter months. This is likely due to difficulties in keeping the sleep environment cooler, which then impacts the body’s ability to cool itself during sleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends a cool sleep environment to help build healthy sleep habits. A cooling blanket could help a person achieve this.

Moreover, with studies noting that individuals experience disturbed sleep during hotter weather, a cooling blanket may help regulate a person’s sleep in warm conditions.

Sleep experts suggest that the ideal temperature for sleep during the summer months is 68ºF (20°C). However, using air conditioning to achieve this temperature can be expensive, so a cooling blanket may be a more economical way of staying cool.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that people who sweat a lot are more likely to develop fungal skin infections, such as ringworm. What is more, this condition can spread from one person to another through bedsheets.

A cooling blanket could reduce the degree to which a person sweats, as these blankets often use breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin.

Learn more about excessive sweating here.

There is a lack of scientific research that explores the effectiveness of cooling blankets for nonclinical use.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cooling blankets can help people sleep better in warmer weather or if they get too hot using normal bedding sheets and blankets.

Different cooling blankets work in slightly different ways. However, most cooling blankets use moisture-wicking, breathable fabric. This may promote cooling by absorbing body heat and stopping it from getting trapped under the blanket.

When shopping for a cooling blanket, a person may wish to consider the following:

  • Fabric: Cooling blankets can use a wide range of fabrics, with manufacturers claiming they help regulate temperature, wick away moisture, and absorb excess heat. Fabrics with looser weaves, such as linen, bamboo, and percale cotton, may breathe more than others. Considering the fabric’s texture, color, and weight, as well as customer reviews, may help a person decide which fabric is right for them.
  • Cooling technology: Some blankets have special cooling technology that can help draw heat away from the body and store and release it as necessary, keeping a person’s body temperature even throughout the night.
  • Weight: Manufacturers sometimes add extra weight to a blanket to aid relaxation. Not everyone will find these blankets comfortable, and an individual may wish to research weights that may best suit them before committing to a purchase. Weighted blankets may not be suitable for children or people with health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or claustrophobia. Learn more about weighted blankets here.
  • Reviews: As there is limited scientific research into the effectiveness of cooling blankets, a person can look at consumer reviews to learn whether users have found cooling blankets effective.
  • Washing: Some blankets have specific washing and drying requirements that may not be convenient for everyone.
  • Price: Certain fabrics and cooling technologies may make these blankets more expensive.

Medical News Today chooses blankets, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:

  • Certifications: MNT will look for products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. Such certifications mean that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
  • Size: MNT chooses products that come in various sizes.
  • Materials and fill: MNT selects products that use different materials and fills to suit a range of needs and preferences.
  • Budget: MNT features products that are available in a wide range of budgets.
  • Sleep trials: Where possible, MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
  • Warranty and returns policy: MNT will look for products that carry warranties and have clear returns policies.

This section lists four cooling blanket options that a person may consider trying.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Best for absorbing moisture: Gravity Cooling Blanket

The manufacturers of this blanket state that the breathable fabric aids with cooling body temperature and absorbs moisture.

As well as being a cooling blanket, this product has the properties of a weighted blanket.

Weighted blankets may improve sleep. A 2015 study found that people with chronic insomnia slept better when using a weighted blanket.

Also, a 2020 systematic review exploring the benefits of weighted blankets suggests they may be useful for reducing anxiety.

This blanket is available to purchase online for around $150 and comes in gray, navy, and white.

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Best constantly adapting technology: True Temp Blanket

True Temp Blanket contains 37.5 technology. According to the manufacturers, this blanket continuously adapts to help maintain a comfortable temperature. This means that not only is it well-suited for cooling in the summer, but a person can also use it to keep warm in the winter.

The manufacturers also state that active-particle technology removes moisture to stop heat and humidity, helping facilitate a cooler sleep.

This product comes in king and queen sizes and several colors.

True Temp Blanket is available to purchase online for around $160.

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Best bamboo cooling blanket: DANGTOP Cooling Blanket

This blanket consists of 100% bamboo. Bamboo contains antimicrobial and absorbency properties. This means a bamboo blanket, such as DANGTOP Cooling Blanket, may help remove moisture and prevent heat from becoming trapped.

Customer reviews of this product are largely positive, with people stating it keeps them cool and is particularly good for those experiencing hot flashes.

It is available in three sizes and 10 colors.

DANGTOP Cooling Blanket is available to purchase online for around $30.

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Best weighted cooling blanket: Bearaby Tree Napper

Tree Napper is another weighted cooling blanket. This product uses eucalyptus fiber, and the manufacturers state it is a good option for people who may sweat at night.

Most customer reviews are positive, with many comments stating that this product is good for nappers and that it feels cool and comfortable.

The blanket comes in various colors and weights, allowing a person to pick what suits them best.

Bearaby Tree Napper is available to purchase online for around $270.

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There are several alternatives a person may consider if they do not want to purchase a cooling blanket. Some of these include:

  • Cooling mattresses: If being too hot regularly disrupts a person’s sleep, they may consider a cooling mattress. However, this is typically more expensive than other cooling options.
  • Cooling mattress pads: A person may prefer a cooling mattress topper instead of a blanket. The manufacturing of cooling mattress pads varies, but they all provide a cool place for a person to lie down.
  • Air conditioning: An air conditioner cools a room by removing heat from the indoor air and transferring it outside. This is particularly useful for cooling down large spaces.
  • Oscillating fans: Some people may find oscillating fans a useful product to help them cool down. These fans blow cold air across the skin and help evaporate sweat.
  • Cooling pillows: These usually wick away moisture, promote air flow, and dissipate heat.
  • Cooling towels: This type of towel requires a person to soak it in water and then wring it dry. A person can then drape it around their neck, shoulders, and head for instant cooling relief.
  • Blackout curtains: Blackout curtains can keep away the heat from the sun during the day. As a result, the house may feel cooler in the evening.
  • Iced water: A person can keep some iced water close by to help with cooling and hydration.
  • Wearing light or no clothing: Some people may not be comfortable sleeping without clothes, so lightweight materials that breathe well, such as percale, linen, and bamboo, may also help with cooling.
  • Ventilation: Opening a window or a door to allow a breeze in may help considerably reduce overheating.

Below, we look at some advantages and disadvantages of cooling blankets.

Pros

  • There is a wide range of products to suit all budgets.
  • Most products have positive customer reviews.
  • Some blankets use antimicrobial fabrics.
  • Some use sustainable materials.
  • Some can adapt to a person’s body temperature.
  • Some are weighted to help with relaxation and comfort.

Cons

  • There is currently no scientific research to prove cooling blankets are effective.
  • Washing and drying the blankets can be inconvenient.
  • Some users note that filling comes loose.
  • Weighted blankets may be too heavy and may not suit children or people with specific health conditions.

Below, we answer some common questions about cooling blankets.

Is there a blanket that keeps you cool?

Blankets using natural fibers, such as bamboo and eucalyptus, may help keep an individual cool.

Other blankets a person may find effective include those with a cooling technology that actively responds to a person’s body temperature. These trap and release heat and regulate the temperature underneath.

Finding a cooling blanket that works can depend on personal preferences regarding fabrics, thickness, and weight. A person may find that a cooling blanket is most effective when they combine it with other cooling methods, such as fans, open windows, or air conditioning.

What is the coolest blanket to sleep with?

Blankets using lightweight fabrics are more likely to be cooler than blankets with thicker layers, synthetic materials, or added weight.

What is the coolest blanket material?

The coolest blankets use lightweight, breathable fabrics that promote air flow and wick moisture from the skin.

Cooling fabrics include bamboo, linen, and eucalyptus. Although cotton can be cool, high thread counts may trap heat underneath and prevent temperature regulation.

What blanket should I put on my bed in the summer?

In hot weather, people may benefit from blankets whose design allows for absorption or wicking of moisture from their bodies if they sweat. Such materials include bamboo, percale cotton, linen, and microfiber.

Blankets using specific cooling technology absorb body heat and may help a person keep cool while sleeping.

During warmer months, a person may wish to avoid thick or synthetic fabrics that trap heat, such as nylon and acrylic.

Is there a blanket for hot sleepers?

Microfiber, percale cotton, and linen may help hot sleepers stay cool, as these fabrics absorb moisture, draw sweat away from the skin, and help regulate body temperature.

If cooling blankets are not working, and a person finds their sleep temperature is disturbing their sleep, they may wish to contact a healthcare professional for additional advice.

Is there a cooling blanket for hot flashes or night sweats?

The DANGTOP Cooling Blanket is a popular choice for hot sleepers or those experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. It has over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, with some buyers commenting on the breathable bamboo fabric that is super lightweight.

Cooling blankets could prove useful in hotter weather or for people who feel hot when they sleep.

Although there is a lack of scientific evidence looking at cooling blankets, anecdotal evidence suggests they work well to provide a cooler and more comfortable sleep temperature.