We know this winter will be different for many households across the UK. With energy bills higher than in previous years, lots of us will be looking towards more affordable options for keeping warm, especially at night. In this blog, we share advice on how to stay warm in bed, from the best types of mattresses to quick and budget-friendly hacks that most of us can slot into our bedtime routines.
Ideal bedroom temperature
Your body heat peaks late afternoon and then starts to drop in the evening to prepare your body for sleep, kickstarting melatonin production. Temperatures are usually at their lowest in the early hours of the morning and for many people, the reality of being too cold can impact sleep – so having the right mattress which is warm, comfortable and supportive is key. An ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C (60-65°F), anything colder, and you might struggle to drop off.
What is the best mattress for keeping warm?
There is a huge choice of different bed types and mattress fillings which can help to regulate temperature and keep you warm. But it’s important to remember that mattresses themselves don’t create heat and people can get hot or cold on beds of all constructions.
Memory foam, for example, is a good insulator and has a greater potential for heat retention compared to springs. However, manufacturers are developing various solutions for climate control including the latest gel foam technology whereby the foam is impregnated with tiny gel beads that change from a solid to a liquid state to deliver a cooling effect.
In addition, the use of smart fabrics on the mattress’s sleeping surface helps to regulate body temperature. Silk, cashmere, mohair and other fine, natural fibres inside a mattress can also have additional insulation properties – keeping you warm and cosy in bed at night without the risk of overheating. And, flotation beds – better known as water beds – also have variable temperature heaters to keep the bed warm and cosy.
Remember to buy a bed made by an approved NBF member – look for the NBF approved label. Read our Bed Buyers’ Guide for more bed-buying advice.
If buying a new bed isn’t on the agenda, electric blankets are ideal. Fleecy under-blankets will warm the bed up before you retire for the night and retain the heat, while over-blankets maintain a constant temperature throughout the night.
If buying a new bed isn’t an option
If buying a new bed isn’t on the agenda, electric blankets are ideal. Fleecy under-blankets will warm the bed up before you turn in for the night and retain the heat, while over-blankets maintain a constant temperature throughout the night.
Quick hacks for keeping warm in bed
- Keep the bedroom warm, but not too hot, and free from draughts.
- Wear bed socks and thicker pyjamas. If you can warm your pyjamas before bed – even better!
- Have a bath or warm shower before bed.
- Make a hot caffeine-free drink to sip before drifting off.
- Choose a duvet with a high tog rating (7.5-10.5 for autumn, 13.5 – 15 in cold winter), or use several layers of bedding and blankets rather than one single layer. Layers trap warm air and can be easily removed if you get too hot.
- Go for flannel bedding – it’s a better insulator than smooth cotton bedsheets.
- A hot water bottle is ideal for keeping warm once in bed. Make sure it has a cover on it to avoid scalding and also so that it won’t feel cold in the middle of the night. Microwavable wheat bags are also becoming a popular alternative to hot water bottles.
- If it’s within your budget, an electric blanket is a quick and relatively affordable way to heat your bed. A 100W electric blanket at 52p per kWh above would cost just over 5p to run at full power for an hour.*
- Avoid a saggy bed. It may be nice to cuddle up for warmth, but it can be very uncomfortable and clammy when you roll towards each other in a bed that doesn’t give you the correct support. Read more about settlement and body impressions on mattresses.
*According to Ofgem, as of October 2022, one kWh of electricity will cost around 52p.
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