There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. The heat that comes with those long-awaited summer months can ruin your sleep schedule and leave you feeling anything but rested. But did you know that there are scientific reasons why you may struggle so much more to fall asleep in the summer than you do in the winter?
Sleep specialist David Brodner recently explained several factors that can have a negative impact on our summer sleep. One key contributor, of course, is that we have the benefit of the sun shining much later into our summer days than we do in the winter, throwing our natural circadian rhythm (our natural sleep cycle) off. Another major difficulty? You guessed it: heat!
The experts say that the optimal sleeping temperature is between 66 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but even with the magic of air conditioning, that temp can be hard to reach. It’s hard to cool down by bedtime with all of that added outside time during the summer hours.
But the secret to a cool and comfortable summer sleep is actually simple: percale sheets.
You’ve probably heard of percale, but you might not know what we mean when we talk about percale sheets. Don’t worry, though; we’ve done the research on percale sheets so that you don’t have to. Are you ready for your best summer sleep? Read on!
The Basics — What are Percale Sheets?
The word percale refers not to the material that a sheet is made from but to the woven pattern used within the fabric. Percale sheets use a tightly woven, one-under-one-over pattern. This weave creates a uniquely smooth texture on both sides of the fabric, so it’s no surprise that many people describe percale sheets as possessing a certain “hotel quality.”
The majority of percale sheets are made of cotton (including those sold by Thomas Lee), while some are blended with other fibers. No matter the fabric, percale sheets are always characterized by their crisp and clean feel. Because of their balanced weave, these sheets have a lightweight and breathable quality, ideal for sleeping through a hot and humid summer night. And the cherry on top? The matte appearance of percale sheets will add a chic and elegant element to any bedroom.
Comparison — What Makes Percale Sheets Different from Sateen Sheets?
When shopping for bedding, many customers are lost trying to decide between percale and sateen sheets. These sheets have a different feel from one another due to one simple factor: the way they are woven.
Percale sheets have a one-under-one-over weave. Meanwhile, sateen sheets typically have a three-under-one-over weave, or sometimes even a four-to-one pattern.
Thanks to sateen’s uneven distribution of threads, the resulting sheets out of the package are shiny, silky, and often compared to satin. But while sateen sheets have their benefits, these sheets can be less than ideal when it comes to sleeping through a hot summer night. Because of their weave, sateen sheets are generally thicker, giving them a warmer and heavier feel on your skin than percale sheets do. Not to mention, sateen sheets also tend to trap in body heat beneath their cover. There’s no question that these sheets can be helpful in the frigid months of fall and winter, but by the time summer rolls around? No, thank you.
If you want to survive the heat comfortably, it’s time to change out your sateen sheets and swap them for something crisper and airier, like Thomas Lee’s percale sheets.
Durability — How Reliable are Percale Sheets?
You might be hesitant to buy a second set of sheets just for the summer months, and while crisp percale is ideal year-round, we understand.
But the wonderful thing about percale sheets is that they last. Percale sheets aren’t a purchase you’re going to have to make year after year. These sheets are made to stand the test of time. Because of their balanced criss-cross pattern, these cool, comfortable linens are far less likely than others to pill over time, and they get softer with every wash. Once you buy a set, they’ll provide you with years of restful nights.
Why it Matters – Should I Invest in Quality Percale Sheets?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of percale and considered its main competitor let’s talk about why purchasing percale sheets is worth the investment.
Why should I invest in percale sheets?
A study by The Sleep Matters Club found that, on average, we spend 33 years in bed. But here’s the catch: only 26 of those years in bed are spent sleeping, and the other seven years are spent just trying to fall asleep. Clearly, sleep is a huge part of every person’s life, and we want to make sure none of your valuable time is spent tossing and turning, struggling to get a good night’s rest.
Having quality, cool, and comfortable sheets for the summertime could have a much more dramatic effect on you and your family than you realize. More restful nights lead to more energized and purpose-filled days. Investing in a quality percale sheet set could mean more restful sleep. When we spend so much of our lives in bed, it only makes sense to invest in that time with luxurious sheets that improve your sleep.
What Thomas Lee Offers
Thomas Lee Sheets sells a variety of different percale sheets, available in sizes for every bed, in white and ivory. These 500 thread count sheets are luxurious, beautiful, made with 100% US-grown Supima cotton, and are sure to change the way you look at sleep this summer.
Sleep is incredibly important for both your physical and mental health. Without a good night’s sleep, you simply can’t get the most out of your day. Investing in quality percale sheets is a small step in solving your summer sleep predicament. A cool, crisp bed awaits, ready to help you and your family wake well-rested, energized, and ready to take on all of your favorite summer endeavors!
