Are you a sweaty sleeper? Do you share with a sweaty sleeper?

It's uncomfortable, difficult to manage and can wreak havoc with your bedding. Night sweats can be due to a variety of factors. Night sweats are a common feature of illness such as a heavy cold or infection and will pass as you shake off the illness. They can also be associated with some more serious illnesses, forms of medication and hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy or menopause. They can also be caused by sleeping in bedding that's too warm and isn't breathable enough.

You can take steps to reduce your chances of night sweats.

First of all choose bedding that's made with natural materials. Synthetic fibres are less breathable, while natural fills such as wool, cotton, linen and silk help wick moisture away from your skin and allow it to evaporate away. Choose a lower tog duvet or even just pair a flat sheet with a cotton bedspread or woollen throw to add cosiness without too much warmth.

Need help choosing?

If it's time to upgrade your mattress then consider choosing one that's rich in natural fibres. If you like to sleep with a waterproof mattress protector then choose one with temperature-regulating properties to help you sleep at a more comfortable temperature.

Finally, choose your bed linen with care. A cotton percale feels cooler to the touch than a sateen weave. For the ultimate in a cool night's sleep consider treating yourself to silk bed linen. Silk is naturally cool to the touch and works really hard at helping you stay cool as you sleep, helping prevent night sweats.

Understanding the reason

There are many reasons for bedwetting - some, such as with children learning to become dry at night, are a normal part of growing up. Other times there can be medical reasons for bedwetting.
Bedwetting isn't limited to children and can be upsetting to older children, teens and adults. If you're a parent who has a child or teen struggling with bedwetting, you may find www.eric.org.uk to be a useful resource. Adults who start bedwetting should seek the advice of their GP as it can be a sign of a medical condition such as an enlarged prostate, a UTI or serious constipation.

Need help choosing?

The most practical way to deal with bedwetting is to protect your bedding. A waterproof mattress protector is the best place to start. Invest in two or three protectors so you always have a clean one ready to use at a moment's notice. You can also get water resistant duvet protectors to protect your duvet from night-time accidents. If bedwetting is regular then it makes sense to invest in bedding that's quick and easy to wash. Our polycotton bed linen dries faster than pure cotton bed linen, meaning you can wash, dry and put your laundry away more quickly. Wash wet bed linen and protectors as soon as possible after bedwetting accidents to prevent unpleasant smells building up. If you're struggling to remove the smell of urine from bed linen and pyjamas then adding white vinegar to your wash in the fabric conditioner drawer can be very effective.