I’VE always run hot.
And while it might be beneficial in the colder weather when other people are shivering in their jumpers, it can be a total nightmare when it comes to sleeping – particularly in the summer.
But I’ve never liked the idea of sleeping naked – the hygiene aspect massively puts me off – and I get a much better night’s sleep when I’m in a comfy pair of PJs.
After recently turning 40, I doubt it will be long until I start getting the first flushes of hot flashes – likely to make my nights virtually unmanageable, especially because I feel hot most of the time already.
For those on a budget, these are a brilliant choice
Sarah Bull
Now, after doing a deep dive into the world of sleepwear, I’ve discovered that more and more brands are doing a range of nightwear for women like me. They’re designed to ‘wick’ away the sweat for a more comfortable night.
What better way to find out if they’re any good than trying them out myself.
I chose three sets – from Primark, Marks & Spencer and Uniqlo – to see how they held up on a stuffy evening.
Cool Comfort
Cotton Modal Shortie Set, £25
The first thing I noticed about this set was just how soft it was.
Yes, it’s more expensive than the Primark one, but you can almost feel where that money has gone.
The shortie set, which I tried in navy, is made from 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent modal.
I always opt for a top and shorts in bed and this set was loose enough to feel airy, without feeling too big and cumbersome.
And when it comes to comfort, this set was unbeatable.
When I started sweating, it felt as though it disappeared almost instantly instead of my usual feeling of being uncomfortable in sweaty PJs.
I even managed to go the whole night through without barely stirring – a massive change to my recent hit and miss sleep patterns.
I also think that M&S’ Cool Comfort range of underwear would be useful if you’re someone who struggles with sweating during the day too.
Menopause Pyjama Tank Top and shorts, £8 each
Primark’s anti-flush nightwear range has been designed for women going through the menopause, but can also be useful if you just run hot.
They’re made from “lightweight, soft touch and body temperature control fabrics”, which aim to “keep you cool and comfortable”.
I got the vest top and shorts, £8 each, in a pale pink – made from 93 per cent polyester and seven per cent elastane.
And while these are more friendly on the pocket, the material wasn’t as soft and enjoyable to touch as the other ones I tried.
I also struggled with the cut of the vest top, as a curvier lady, and prefer either a thin-strap vest top or a button up shirt.
Next time, I might try the shorts with a cami top, as the vests come in a set of two for £12 from the Menopause range in Primark.
However, for those on a budget, this range is a brilliant choice, and one that should be welcomed onto the market by perimenopausal and menopausal women – as well as those of us who just want to cool down.
IT claims to be able to cool you down, but just how effective is cooling nightwear - and can it possibly look cute too?
The answer, I think, is a big, fat YES!
Both Marks and Spencer and Uniqlo’s pyjama options are very similar, in a traditional navy with white piping, and there’s a reason people come back to this style time and time again.
Primark’s pyjamas are less stylish, in my opinion, and are also less flattering on larger figures.
I certainly didn’t feel as confident, and therefore comfortable, in the Primark options as the others.
However, all three PJs helped me get a good night’s sleep.
Which, after all, is the main purpose!
So in my opinion they’re definitely worth forking out for – with Marks and Spencer’s my favourite, followed by Uniqlo and Primark.
Airism cotton long-sleeved pyjamas, £34.50
Another thing I love about all these ranges is that there’s so many options – it’s perfect for someone who likes to mix and match.
Having never been a fan of wearing long sleeves in bed I paired the trousers from Uniqlo’s AIRism pyjama set with a vest top from the same range.
Maybe in the winter, or when the temperatures drop, I can try the pyjama top too.
As it was, I had a brilliant night’s sleep in the Uniqlo option.
The top feels silky and fairly secure – especially considering I chose one that didn’t have the inbuilt bra cups.
These PJs prove you can still look cute in cooling nightwear options
Sarah Bull
While the pyjamas are made from 74 per cent cotton and 26 per cent polyester, the fabric definitely has the look of cotton – and the cooling effects too.
It’s also made with dry technology for “stay-fresh comfort”, and the top has seamless sides – meaning the comfort is unrivalled.
And a fun addition to the trousers is the pockets, which means the pyjama set would make a stylish loungewear ‘settee to bed’ option too.
