Whether we wake up feeling rested or toss and turn restlessly at night depends largely on a factor that is rarely consciously perceived: the bed climate. This refers to the small microclimate of temperature and humidity that forms between your skin and the duvet. When this balance is right, the body sleeps deeply and regenerates. When it gets out of balance, it leads to sweating, feeling cold, or waking up at night. In this guide, you will learn what makes a good bed climate and how to actively control it with the right bedding.
What exactly does bed climate mean?
The bed climate describes the climatic conditions directly under your duvet. Three values play a role: the temperature at the skin surface, the humidity in bed, and the air circulation. Sleep researchers assume that most people feel most comfortable at a skin temperature of around 28 to 32 degrees and a relative humidity of about 40 to 60 percent. The body slightly lowers its core temperature to fall asleep – a process that a good bed climate supports and a bad one sensitively disrupts.
In addition, an adult person releases several hundred milliliters of moisture per night. This must be absorbed by the bedding and dissipated outwards. If the fabric cannot do this, the moisture builds up, the bed feels clammy, and sleep suffers.
The three levers for a healthy bed climate
1. The room temperature
An ideal sleeping temperature is considered to be 16 to 18 degrees in the bedroom. Ventilate thoroughly before going to bed and avoid overheated rooms. Just two degrees too warm can be enough to tip the bed climate and cause you to break out in a sweat.
2. The right duvet and mattress
A duvet that is too warm for the season pushes even the best material to its limits. Opt for a light summer duvet and a warmer winter duvet, and adjust the filling to suit your needs. A breathable mattress and a suitable bedding set also contribute to air circulation.
3. The material of the bedding
This is the biggest lever for a good bed climate. Natural fibers such as pure cotton absorb moisture and release it again, instead of trapping it. Synthetic blends often have only limited capacity to do this. The choice of material should therefore suit the season and your personal perception of warmth.
Which material for which bed climate?
For those who quickly get cold at night, our classic is the best choice: The Flannel bedding with 160 g/m² is brushed, particularly fluffy, and reliably retains heat in bed. As the inventor of Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel), biberna has been producing this quality since 1968 according to the original recipe: 100% cotton, around 160 g/m², brushed.
In summer, on the other hand, it is about dissipating heat and moisture. The airy crepe structure of the Seersucker bedding works like a built-in air conditioner and does not lie directly on the skin. Anyone looking for a balanced bed climate all year round will find a particularly moisture-regulating fiber in the TENCEL bedding, which deprives bacteria and mites of their means of survival. For people who suffer from heavy night sweats, it is worth taking a look at our Cooling bedding with a noticeably cooler surface.
You can read more about the causes of night sweats in our article Why do I sweat at night?.
Hygiene and care keep the bed climate stable
Even the best bedding can only work if it is clean and well cared for. Over time, skin flakes, moisture, and mites accumulate in the fibers, affecting the bed climate. Therefore, change your bedding regularly and wash it according to the care instructions. You can find practical tips on this in our 7 Professional Tips for Washing and Caring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is ideal for the bedroom?
For a healthy bed climate, 16 to 18 degrees have proven effective. Ventilate before going to sleep and avoid overheated rooms.
Which bedding material provides the best bed climate?
Natural fibers such as pure cotton regulate moisture best. In winter, Flannel provides warmth, while Seersucker or TENCEL dissipate heat and moisture in summer.
Why do I wake up sweaty despite good bedding?
Often, the room temperature or a duvet that is too warm is the cause. Check both and choose a lighter, breathable material for the warm season.
