The best sleepwear for every climate

Posted by SOCKSHOP

Not getting a good night’s sleep while you’re on holiday can spoil your trip. And it’s something you might worry about, especially if your destination is hotter or colder than you’re used to.

Of course, a number of things affect how well we sleep. Exposure to too much light can impact the body’s production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Hay fever and other allergies can keep us awake, especially in the spring and summer months when the pollen count is high. A strange bed, noise, stress, too much caffeine or screen time close to bedtime – they can all mean we don’t get as much shut-eye as we’d like. But what we wear matters too.

How does what you wear in bed affect your sleep?

One of the biggest factors affecting sleep is temperature. Too cold and you might find it difficult to drop off. Too hot and you’ll find yourself waking up during the night. The right sleepwear can help regulate your body temperature, as well as keeping you comfortable in other ways. Sleepwear can:

• Prevent overheating: it’s important that what you wear in bed doesn’t trap heat. As you sleep, your body temperature falls naturally. But if this is disrupted, you may find yourself tossing and turning. Moisture-wicking fabrics can help by drawing sweat away from your skin, helping your body cool.
• Keep you comfortable: sleepwear that’s too tight and restrictive can cause you to overheat, as well as irritating your skin and keeping you awake. When it comes to length, it’s a matter of personal taste but reasonably loose-fitting sleepwear is likely to be more comfortable and conducive to a good night’s rest.
• Provide insulation: sleepwear insulates your body, helping it keep its thermal balance – not too hot or too cold – while you sleep.
• Help with hygiene: sleepwear provides a barrier between your body and your bedding, which can help keep you comfortable especially if you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin. 

What sleepwear works in warm and cool weather?

Bamboo is one of the most climate adaptable fabrics. It regulates temperature naturally, and adjusts if the thermometer rises or falls. It can do this thanks to micro holes in the fabric that allow air to circulate. 

Plus, with its moisture-wicking qualities it’s super-breathable, keeping your skin dry so you won’t wake up in a sweat if you’re staying in warmer climes. Added to that, it’s silky soft to keep you comfortable at night, as well as being naturally antibacterial and odour resistant. And if it’s a little chilly, bamboo can work well too.

What's the best sleepwear for hot weather?

Natural fibres, like cotton, linen, bamboo or silk are your best bet. Cotton can be lightweight and breathable, but unlike bamboo it’s not moisture-wicking so isn’t ideal if you’re prone to sweating at night. 

Linen is another option although it can feel crispy and can also crease very easily so isn’t great for packing. Silk adjusts well to different temperatures, but it’s expensive and may need to be hand washed to keep it in good condition.

Breathable, lightweight bamboo is perfect and its moisture-wicking qualities will keep you dry. For warm nights, our Lazy Panda Bamboo Loungewear Selection Vest Top paired with Lazy Panda Women’s Bamboo Loungewear Shorts are perfect for relaxing into a good night’s sleep.

What's the best sleepwear for cold weather?

Again, natural fibres are the ones to go for. Merino wool is popular as it’s soft, moisture-wicking and not itchy like some wools. 

Bamboo is naturally insulating. And its moisture-wicking properties come in handy in colder weather when sweat against your skin can make you feel chilly. Go for Lazy Panda Men’s Bamboo Loungewear Classic Bottoms paired with a Men’s Bamboo Loungewear Long Sleeved Top to keep you cosy but cool.

FAQs

Is bamboo sleepwear suitable for very cold weather?

Bamboo is naturally insulating, but if you’re going somewhere extremely cold you may want to take some thermal sleepwear, like this Heat Holders Women's Soul Warming Cosy Pyjama Set with you, just in case.

Is bamboo sleepwear easy to pack?

Absolutely. Bamboo clothing is lightweight and easy to fold or roll up and put in your suitcase or backpack.

Should I sleep naked in very hot weather?

You can do, but if you’re prone to night sweats it might not be the best idea. That’s because moisture-wicking pyjamas take sweat away from the body, keeping you dry. And if you have allergies, sleepwear provides a barrier between you and the bedding.

Should I wear socks in bed on cold nights?

There are some benefits to wearing socks in bed, including thermoregulation and protection for cracked heels. But there are downsides too. Read more on the wearing socks to bed debate.