Waking up in a tangle of sheets, damp from sweat, isn’t anyone’s idea of a restful night. If you’ve ever wondered why do I get so hot when I sleep, you’re definitely not alone. Body heat, bedroom setup, and even your mattress materials can all make or break your comfort at night.
The good news? There are simple hot sleeper solutions that can help you stay cool from bedtime to sunrise — and your mattress plays a big part in that. Ahead, we’ll share expert tips on how to stay cool while sleeping and explain how The Big Fig Mattress helps keep temperatures steady for bigger bodies.
Curious which small changes can make a significant difference in helping you have a cooler, more restful night? Let’s get into it before you get into bed!
Why Do I Get So Hot When I Sleep?
It’s perfectly normal for your body temperature to fluctuate overnight. As you drift into deeper sleep, your metabolism slows, yet your body continues to release heat. If that warmth has nowhere to go, you start to overheat, which can lead to tossing and turning and waking up sweaty. A few key culprits usually stand out:
Common Causes of Overheating at Night
- Memory foam traps body heat. Traditional foam mattresses absorb warmth without letting it escape, which is especially noticeable if you run warm naturally.
- Your Bedroom temperature or humidity is too high. Even a few extra degrees can make it hard to reach the deep, restorative stages of sleep.
- Hormonal changes, medications, or health factors. Fluctuations in hormone levels or certain medications can raise your baseline temperature.
If you’re curious about how night sweats affect your rest (and what to do about them), take a look at our detailed post on night sweats and how to deal with them!
6 Expert Tips for Sleeping Cooler
No one wants to rely solely on cranking the AC or flipping their pillow every hour. Try these expert (and science-backed) strategies to help your body and bedroom work together for cooler, uninterrupted sleep.
1. Choose Breathable Bedding and Pajamas
Start with the layers closest to your skin. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen allow air to circulate, preventing heat buildup. Avoid synthetics that trap warmth and moisture. If you tend to sweat, change sheets regularly to keep your sleep surface fresh and breathable.
2. Set the Ideal Bedroom Temperature
Sleep experts agree that the sweet spot for most people is between 60 and 67°F. A fan or smart thermostat can make it easier to fine-tune comfort through the night. If you need extra wind-down tips, you’ll find great ones in our guide on things you should do before bed.
3. Keep Air Circulating
Airflow is key to cooler sleep. Ceiling fans, open windows, or air purifiers can help move warm air out and bring in cooler air. Position your fan to pull air across the bed, not just around the room — trust us, it makes a noticeable difference!
4. Lower Your Core Body Temperature Before Bed
Your body cools itself naturally as it prepares for sleep, but you can give it a little help. Try a quick cool shower, a glass of chilled water, or a cold compress on pulse points, such as your neck or wrists. These simple habits lower your internal temperature and cue your body to rest.
5. Pick the Right Mattress for Cooling Support
If you’re serious about figuring out how to stay cool while sleeping, your mattress deserves attention. The materials inside make a huge difference. Mattresses made entirely of dense foam tend to retain heat, while hybrid models that combine coils and foam allow airflow. Cooling gels, open-cell foams, and perforated layers can all contribute to better temperature regulation.
The Big Fig Mattress is a standout in this area, blending sturdy support with advanced cooling materials made for bigger bodies. Its hybrid construction promotes consistent airflow while preventing the sink-in feeling that traps heat.
Need more convincing? Check out how it compares to other models with our detailed post on the best cooling mattress for full-figured sleepers.
6. Layer Your Bedding Strategically
Instead of piling on blankets, think in layers. Start with a breathable fitted sheet and add a lightweight top sheet. Keep heavier comforters within reach for colder nights, but store them away in warmer months. The ability to adjust layers easily helps maintain a steady temperature without disrupting your sleep.
For the best results, pair your mattress with cooling essentials that complement its performance. Big Fig’s bedding collection includes temperature-regulating sheets and pillowcases made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, plus supportive pillows — available in both standard and body sizes — that stay comfortably cool through the night. You can also add a breathable mattress protector or cooling topper to help maintain airflow and extend the life of your mattress while keeping your sleep surface fresh.
The Big Fig Mattress: Built to Sleep Cool
Designed from the ground up for bigger bodies, the Big Fig Mattress delivers strength, stability, and temperature-neutral comfort, unlike many all-foam beds that hold heat. Our hybrid construction combines high-density foam with individually wrapped coils, promoting airflow and responsiveness.
This thoughtful design means you can enjoy durable support without the overheating that’s common with other mattresses. Whether you sleep solo or share the bed, temperature stays balanced across the surface — no hot spots, no middle-of-the-night sweat sessions.
Inside Big Fig’s Mattress Cooling System
Our mattress cooling system works from the top down:
- Thermogel-infused top layers pull excess heat away from your body and help maintain a neutral temperature all night.
- Hybrid coil base improves breathability and keeps air circulating throughout the mattress.
- High-density edge and base foams resist sagging, ensuring the structure stays supportive and comfortable for years.
Together, these elements create the best cooling mattress experience for full-figured folks who tend to run hot or need extra reinforcement. You’ll feel comfortably supported without overheating — a balance that’s tough to find elsewhere.
Final Thoughts: Stay Cool, Sleep Better, Wake Refreshed
Getting quality rest shouldn’t mean waking up sweaty or exhausted. Once you understand why you get hot when you sleep, it’s easier to make adjustments that truly help, from breathable bedding to picking the right mattress.
At Big Fig, we design for real bodies and absolute comfort. Our hot sleeper solutions don’t just manage heat; they prevent it. The result is a cooler, more restful night that helps you feel ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
If you’re ready to experience cooler, stronger, and more supportive sleep, explore our complete mattress collection and see why Big Fig has become the go-to choice for sleepers who want comfort that lasts — without overheating!
