How Your Sheets Affect Your Sleep - More Than You Think

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right—adjusting your pillow, dimming the lights, cutting back on caffeine—yet still wake up groggy and not quite yourself? Here’s a surprising culprit you might be overlooking: your sheets.

At Coop, we’re obsessed with helping people live a well-rested life. That means diving deep into every layer of your sleep environment—including the sheets that literally touches your skin all night long.

You wouldn’t wear clothes that make you itchy or too hot—so why sleep on sheets that do? The right sheets can do more than just look pretty on your bed. They help regulate your body temperature, wick away moisture, and create a breathable, soothing environment that supports deeper, more restorative sleep.

When your body is too warm or can’t breathe properly at night, your sleep cycles pay the price. Studies show that even slight increases in bedroom temperature can lower sleep efficiency and reduce REM sleep—the stage critical for memory and mood regulation¹ .

Not all sheets are created equal. Each type of fiber handles heat, moisture, and comfort a bit differently.

Here’s a quick sheet guide:

•  Cotton: The classic sheet choice for a reason—cotton is breathable, soft, and versatile. It’s ideal for most sleepers and performs well year-round. Look for long-staple varieties (like Egyptian or Pima) if you want a smoother, more durable feel with less pilling.
  
  

•  Linen: Beloved for its airy, temperature-regulating properties, linen is a favorite for warm months but works beautifully year-round. These sheets start off crisp but softens over time and wears in, not out. A great pick for anyone who values a breezy, natural texture with a relaxed look.
  
  

• Synthetic Fibers (like polyester, nylon, and elastane): These man-made materials offer a range of benefits—from stretch and wrinkle resistance to added durability. These sheets are often affordable and low-maintenance, but tend to trap heat and moisture, which can be a downside for hot sleepers. Best suited for those who prioritize function over breathability.
  
  

• Rayon Fibers (like bamboo viscose, TENCEL™/Lyocell, and modal): These are semi-synthetic fabrics made from natural cellulose (wood or bamboo) but heavily processed to become fabric. They’re moisture-wicking, soft, and cooler than cotton—making them great for hot or humid climates. However, not all are created equal. Look for certified or sustainably produced options (like TENCEL™) to avoid overly processed or chemically intensive versions.
  
  

• Blends (like cotton-modal or cotton-poly): Blended fabrics combine the strengths of multiple materials—like the breathability of cotton, the stretch of elastane, or the silky feel of modal. The performance depends on the dominant fiber, but blends can offer a great balance of softness, durability, and affordability.

  
  
  

When choosing sheets, think about your personal sleep struggles.

Think of your sheets like workout gear for your bed. They’re not just there to look good; they’re designed to help you perform better. High-quality, breathable sheets helps regulate your body’s natural temperature drops at night, reducing wake-ups and letting you cycle through sleep stages seamlessly. That means you wake up feeling sharper, more focused, and truly refreshed.

Just like we believe no two sleepers are the same (that’s why our pillows are adjustable), we know that sheet preferences vary. Some people run hot and need ultra-cooling fabrics. Others want a bit more cozy weight without trapping heat. That’s why we’ve expanded from our signature pillows into a full suite of best-in-class sleep goods, including sheets designed to support your unique needs.

Because consistently incredible sleep doesn’t happen by accident. It’s engineered—from the pillow you rest your head on to the sheets that wrap around you.

Discover how the right sheets can transform your sleep—and your days. Shop Coop’s premium bedding collection and wake up feeling fully rested, fully present, and fully yourself.

[1] Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 2012;31(1):14.