Over the past few days, I’ve been struggling to sleep. Not because of restlessness or overthinking (which is usually the case) – I’m shivering from under the sheets, so much so that I’m pulling them up to my chin and completely cocooning myself at night.
With the temperature taking a drop, clearly it’s time to switch over to winter bedding, but it’s tricky to do without going too far and overheating ourselves. That’s why we’ve pulled together this handy guide to how best to make the change – we’ll cover everything from the correct tog of duvet to the best sheets to stay cosy but breathable.
What duvet is best at this time of year?
Summer duvets can have a tog as thin as 4.5. In fact, considering how hot a summer we’ve had, this is likely what you’re using! But you can always double check the care label on the duvet itself to confirm. The tog – or Thermal Overall Grade – refers to how much warmth the duvet emits, so the thinner, the cooler.
The best tog for you depends on a few factors, including whether you prefer to be warm or cool at night as well as the overall temperature of the room. Some may prefer to sleep under a 4.5 tog duvet all year round, while others may need something thicker. Only you can judge this based on how you’re sleeping.
If you need something thicker at this time of year, there are winter duvets widely available. These generally have a tog rating of 10.5-13.5. However, you might find these are too hot and need something more in the middle. In that case, an all-seasons duvet might be better. These generally come with two duvets you can secure together – one with a thinner 4.5 tog and another thicker, usually around 7-9 tog. You can use these separately or as one when the temperature drops (giving you 10+ tog in total).
Failing that, should you want one duvet to last all year round, there are temperature-regulating designs available, such as the Next Temperature Regulating Duvet. These usually have a tog of around 10.5 to give a medium thickness and feature technology that allows them to retain heat while you’re cold, and release it when hot. Cooling bedding is another option if you find yourself feeling hot most nights. I use the REM-Fit Tencel Cool Mattress Protector to stop myself from waking up sweaty.
Should I use down, wool or a synthetic filling?
Again, this is a matter of preference. Down filling offers great insulation while still regulating temperature. That means it’s breathable and you’re unlikely to overheat in it. It’s also lightweight and soft, so you don’t feel trapped under it. The GHI notes that Hungarian goose down filling comes with larger clusters than duck down, so it’s fluffier and better at insulating, but it’s also the most expensive.
Wool is a natural filling, so, like down and bamboo, it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable. It’s a great insulator that’s breathable and wicks away sweat to keep you cool at night, meaning it’s naturally hypoallergenic, because there’s less moisture available for dust mites. Wool is generally more expensive than synthetic options, though.
Synthetic/microfibre duvets are affordable and popular for their hypoallergenic properties. The filling generally stays evenly distributed (unlike down, which tends to clump) and most are machine-washable and quick to dry. However, the breathability isn’t as reliable, so you’re likely to overheat. These also won’t biodegrade and will end up in landfill when thrown away, but there are some options made from recycled plastic.
What about the bed sheets?
It’s not all about the duvet! Consider what your bed sheets are made from, too. Cotton is soft, breathable and durable. It regulates your temperature by absorbing sweat and can withstand a hot wash to kill dust mites (always check the care label to confirm). The GHI says Egyptian cotton is luxurious for its longer, finer yarns, which give it a softer feel.
Linen is pricier, but it’s brilliant for regulating your temperature at night. It’s a durable material that’s both breathable and antimicrobial: the open weave lets it breathe easier and, being made from flax, it resists bacterial growth. Linen doesn’t always feel as soft as cotton, but it’s hardier and will last.
Just like the duvets, synthetic bed sheets are soft and affordable, however they’re not as durable and tend to lack breathability. You’ll find fewer creases on these, but because you’re likely to overheat, it’s worth upgrading to a natural fibre where possible. The same rules apply to your pyjamas.
Overview
That’s everything you need to know to get a good night’s sleep this autumn. Remember, as the temperature changes, so too should your sleeping arrangements. If you need a temporary fix during a cold snap, there’s always the option of draping a blanket on top or using an electric blanket to preheat the bed!
The GHI's best tested duvets
Score: 97/100
The White Company 10.5 tog Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
Score: 96/100
