Sleeping through menopause? These cooling nightwear picks can help – and one fabric to avoid
If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night feeling like you’ve been camping in a sauna, you’re not alone. In our recent survey of 2,000, 10% of people told us that menopause or perimenopause severely impacts their sleep – and that’s just the ones who really struggle. Add in those who are regularly battling hot flushes, night sweats and temperature swings, and you’ve got a huge number of people whose nights are far from restful.
The frustrating part? It’s not just hormones to blame – what you wear to bed can make things much better… or much worse. While you can’t control when a flush will hit, you can make sure your nightwear isn’t adding to the problem. Choosing the right fabrics can mean the difference between waking up drenched and waking up refreshed.
Hot flush? Cool fabrics
Some materials naturally help regulate your body temperature, wick away sweat, and feel soothing against skin. Others… well, they’re basically a recipe for a sticky, sleepless night. Here’s what you need to know.
Tencel (lyocell) – Made from wood pulp, this eco-friendly fabric is ultra-breathable and naturally cool to the touch. It’s excellent at drawing moisture away from the skin, and bonus: it resists bacteria, which is especially handy if you’re sweating more at night.
Bamboo – Soft, stretchy and seriously absorbent, bamboo fibres help pull moisture away from the skin and dry quickly, so you’re not lying in damp fabric. It also feels luxuriously smooth, making it perfect for sensitive skin days.
Silk – Not just for special occasions, silk is naturally temperature-regulating and can keep you cool when the heat’s on (and warm when it’s not). It’s gentle against the skin, which is a plus if you’re dealing with sensitivity during menopause.
Avoid: synthetics – Polyester, nylon, acrylic and other synthetic fabrics might be fine in a gym top, but for sleep, they’re a nightmare. These materials trap heat and moisture, meaning sweat builds up, your body temperature climbs and you feel more uncomfortable. If night sweats are part of your life, steer well clear.
Nightwear we love for cooler sleep
If you’re ready to swap out your old pyjamas for something more menopause-friendly, these picks are all breathable, cooling and made from the good stuff…
H&M Satin Pyjamas
Shop it for £32.99
Sleek, lightweight, and cool to the touch, this satin set offers a silky sleep option that feels luxe without being heavy. Ideal if you like something smooth and stylish against your skin.
Pretty You Bamboo Lace Cami Cropped Trouser Pyjama Set
Shop it for £55
This set is made from breathable bamboo fibre, so it’s soft, drapey, and moisture-wicking. The delicate lace trims add a touch of pretty, but the real win is how it keeps hot sleepers cooler while feeling gentle on the skin.
M&S Pure Cotton Cool Comfort Printed Chemise
Shop it for £18
Light as air and made from pure cotton muslin, this floaty sleep dress is perfect for sticky nights. The brand’s Cool Comfort tech helps fabric dry quickly, so you’re less likely to wake up damp and uncomfortable.
Tu at Sainsbury’s Pink Coolmax Blend Nightdress
Shop it for £10
This slouchy pink nightdress has been crafted with Tu’s Coolmax technology, designed to keep you cool and dry throughout the night