Summer vacations are exciting, but they can easily disrupt your sleep. Unfamiliar environments, different beds, noisy surroundings, and unpredictable schedules can leave you feeling more tired on vacation than you do at home.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I so tired in the summer?” you’re not alone. Summer insomnia while traveling is common. Knowing how to keep cool in summer is essential for restful sleep—and the right summer bedding can help.
Keep reading for practical advice on how to sleep better during summer vacation, whether you’re taking a short road trip or an overseas vacation.
Bring your own bedding and pillow.
Hotels can be unpredictable when it comes to bedding. Bringing your own summer bed sheets can make a huge difference in your sleep quality on your travels. The SHEEX® Original Performance Pillowcase Set is made with Ridiculously Soft® fabric that breathes 10x better than cotton and feels cool to the touch.
Pair your pillowcases with the SHEEX® VersaCloud Adjustable Hybrid Pillow, designed to deliver unmatched comfort, breathability, and personalized support.
Bringing your own bedding can keep you cooler and help you on the hygiene front, as bed bugs are unfortunately a real issue when traveling. A 2024 survey found that 1 in 7 U.S. travelers (14%) encountered bed bugs in the past year. Shockingly, 20% of those sightings were in five-star hotels.
Packing your own bedding can give you peace of mind—and add a protective layer between you and whatever might be hiding in those hotel linens. Be sure to pack your used linens in an airtight bag and wash them the moment you get home.
VersaCloud™ Adjustable Hybrid Pillow
VersaCloud™ Adjustable Hybrid Pillow
$149.00
Description Details Care Introducing the NEW SHEEX VersaCloud™ Adjustable Hybrid Pillow!Experience unparalleled cloud-like comfort for any sleep position with this innovative, breathable, and cooling hybrid pillow. Designed for personal customization, the VersaCloud features a unique dual-side design to suit any… read more
We guarantee the SHEEX® VersaCloud Adjustable Hybrid Pillow will be the coolest, most customizable pillow you’ve ever slept on. Built with a hybrid blend of cooling gel-infused memory foam and plush down-alternative fibers, it offers the perfect balance of softness and support.
Make reservations wisely.
To ensure quiet, peaceful nights at your hotel, request a room on the second/upper level, away from the lobby, main hallway, and pool. Essentially, you want to put your room as far away from areas where people gather and make noise. If your hotel does not have upper floors, request a room at the back of the hotel or away from courtyards and other gathering areas.
Get exercise on your vacation.
Sneak in a last-minute workout before your travels and remember to get up and move around as much as possible while traveling. If you’re flying, get up every hour or two to move around. If you’re traveling by car, take breaks every couple of hours to stretch your legs, or even take short walks to really get your blood flowing.
Exercise while you’re traveling, especially if your trip will be leisurely. Look for a hotel with a gym or pool facility to help you get in a few workouts or simply take walks around the property. Exercise is proven to help you sleep better and wake up with more energy.
Give yourself time to unwind.
Take time to unwind before you go to sleep. Put away your electronics and turn off the TV. The blue light they emit can disrupt your body’s ability to produce melatonin and naturally fall asleep. Try reading a book or taking a warm bath to relax your muscles and let your brain know it’s time to sleep.
Bring earplugs and a sleep mask.
Hotel walls can be thin, and noisy neighbors can keep you up at night. Invest in a good quality pair of earplugs to block out noise and help you get to sleep faster. Don’t forget a silky soft eye mask to block out morning light. A sleep mask can be especially helpful for plane travel if you’re traveling through different time zones.
Request a bed that’s just right.
Sleeping in a bed that’s too soft can wreck your sleep. And, while it may seem counterintuitive, bigger is not always better. When you make your hotel reservations, ask for a queen or full-size bed. Smaller beds are often firmer because of the smaller surface area—the springs tend to experience less stress and retain their strength better. You can also request a bed board from the hotel if you find your bed is too soft.
Get sleepwear for summer.
If you’re wondering, “Why do I sleep better in the cold?” and “Why is sleep during summer so difficult?” it could come down to your sleepwear. Thick or clingy fabrics can trap heat and disrupt your natural cooling process, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
For better rest, choose sleepwear for summer that’s specifically designed to pull heat and moisture away from your body. Performance fabrics designed to promote airflow can help you stay cool and dry, even when temperatures rise. Avoid heavy cotton, which tends to hold onto sweat and leave you feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
Watch your alcohol intake.
Drinking and vacations are practically synonymous. But overdoing it can take a toll on your sleep quality. More than half of all American adults say they always drink on vacation, according to one survey.
And while a glass or two of wine or a couple of beers may help you fall asleep faster, it can also disrupt vital REM sleep and lead to wakeups during the night. Avoid alcohol a few hours before bed. Instead of a nightcap, try a small mug of caffeine-free tea to relax your nerves and calm your mind before bed.
Stay Cooler on Your Summer Travels with SHEEX®
SHEEX® has you covered with the best bed sheets for summer. Our products are engineered to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable no matter where your adventures take you.
Our summer bedding sets are lightweight, breathable, and easy to pack, so you can bring the comfort of home wherever you go. Don’t let hot nights or hotel beds ruin your rest. Travel smarter and sleep cooler with SHEEX®.
