As a Canadian living in Canada his whole life, if you’re tired of waking up drenched in sweat in the summer, your bedding choice could be the culprit. Both silk and cotton sheets have their pros and cons when it comes to temperature regulation, moisture control, and comfort—but which one is truly better for night sweats?

Let’s break it down.

1. Temperature Regulation: Which Keeps You Cooler?

Silk: The Natural Thermostat

Silk is a protein-based fiber that naturally regulates body temperature—keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Unlike cotton, it doesn’t absorb moisture but wicks it away, helping you stay dry.

“Silk’s breathability comes from its natural structure—it allows air to circulate while still providing insulation,” says Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist at Harvard Medical School.

However, lower-quality silk (below 19 momme) can feel clingy and trap heat, making you sweat more.

Cotton: Breathable but Absorbs Sweat

Cotton is highly breathable, especially in percale weave, which feels crisp and cool. But here’s the catch: cotton absorbs sweat (up to 27x its weight!) and stays damp, making you feel sticky.

“If you sweat a lot, cotton can become waterlogged, losing its cooling effect,” explains Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist who was featured in the recent grounding sheets in Canada article.

Winner? Silk (if high-quality, 22+ momme) for temperature control, but cotton percale is a solid budget-friendly alternative.

2. Moisture Management: Which Stays Drier?

Silk: Wicks Moisture Like a Pro

Silk doesn’t absorb sweat—it pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry. This is why dermatologists often recommend silk pillowcases for reducing acne and hair breakage.

But beware: cheap silk or satin (often polyester) can trap heat and make sweating worse.

Cotton: Absorbs but Doesn’t Dry Fast

Cotton soaks up sweat, which can feel cooling at first—but if you’re a heavy sweater, you’ll wake up stuck to damp sheets.

“Once cotton gets wet, it takes longer to dry, which can make night sweats worse,” says Dr. Shelby Harris, a sleep medicine expert.

Winner? Silk for sweat control, but high-thread-count cotton (300-400) in percale weave is decent for moderate sweaters.

3. Maintenance & Durability: Which Lasts Longer?

Silk: High-Maintenance but Long-Lasting

• Hand-wash or delicate cycle only
• Air-dry (never tumble dry)
• Avoid direct sunlight (weakens fibers)
• Prone to stains if not cleaned quickly

“Silk is an investment—treat it like fine lingerie,” advises Martha Stewart in her homekeeping tips.

Cotton: Easy to Wash, Hard to Ruin

• Machine-washable (even on hot)
• Durable (lasts years with proper care)
• Less prone to odors than silk

Winner? Cotton for ease of care, but silk wins in longevity if maintained properly.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Best for Night Sweats?

• Choose silk if you want luxury, sweat-wicking, and temperature control (opt for 22+ momme mulberry silk).
• Choose cotton percale if you prefer affordable, breathable, and low-maintenance sheets.

“If night sweats are ruining your sleep, silk is worth the investment—but make sure it’s high-quality,” advises Dr. Chris Winter, neurologist and sleep expert.

Bonus Tip: Try a Cooling Mattress Pad

If you still overheat, pair your sheets with a cooling mattress topper (like gel-infused memory foam or bamboo) for extra relief.

Still sweating? Maybe it’s time to ditch that polyester blend and upgrade to real silk or high-quality cotton percale—your skin (and sleep) will thank you. 😴💦