Getting a good night’s sleep can be tricky when temperatures rise, especially in compact spaces like boats, caravans, or motorhomes. Warm nights, poor ventilation and stuffy bedding can leave you tossing and turning for hours.
But the good news is, there are simple ways to stay cool and sleep more comfortably, even in the height of summer. In this blog, we’re sharing our top tips for keeping cool at night, and how our innovative ActiveCool bedding range can help you beat the heat and drift off in comfort.
Tips for keeping cool while sleeping
Prioritise ventilation
Airflow is one of the simplest ways to manage heat. Where possible, open hatches and windows to allow cooler air to circulate and release trapped heat.
If natural airflow isn’t enough, using fans or installing vents can make a big difference. Improving ventilation doesn’t just lower the temperature, it also helps reduce carbon dioxide, dust, and allergens, all of which can affect your quality of sleep.
Switch to lightweight, breathable bedding
In the warmer months, ditch heavy duvets and opt for lighter, breathable alternatives. Dense bedding traps body heat, making it harder for your body to regulate temperature naturally.
Our 4.5 tog summer duvets are ideal for warmer weather and are designed specifically for smaller sleeping spaces like boats and motorhomes. Made from hypoallergenic hollowfibre, they’re lightweight and breathable, helping to reduce the risk of mould and mildew, making them perfect for use in marine environments.
We also offer a range of sizes to suit all mattress shapes, including round-ended and cut-off corner beds, as well as fully bespoke options for more complex layouts.
Stay hydrated (but not too much!)
Keeping hydrated helps your body regulate temperature overnight. Try to drink a small glass of water around an hour before bed, just enough to stay hydrated without disturbing your sleep.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening, as they can dehydrate the body and interfere with sleep quality.
Use cooling bedding technology
For those who tend to run warm during the night, cooling bedding can be a game-changer. These specialist materials regulate body temperature, promote airflow, and help prevent moisture buildup, all of which are key to a restful night in a confined space.
What is Active Cool Bedding?
Our ActiveCool bedding range is specially designed to help you stay comfortable on warm nights. Unlike standard bedding that just absorbs heat, our ActiveCool products use heat-conducting fibres to actively draw excess body heat away, and this cooling performance won’t diminish over time.
Choose from:
This can be used either as a fitted sheet for instant cooling or placed beneath a cotton sheet for a more subtle effect. It’s available in standard UK mattress sizes and as a made-to-measure cover for custom-shaped beds on boats, campervans or caravans.
Our pillowcases provide continuous relief throughout the night. With cooling technology on one side and soft 100% cotton on the other, you can flip it depending on how warm you feel, making it ideal for fluctuating nighttime temperatures.
Why ActiveCool is perfect for boats, caravans, and small spaces
Boats and other compact spaces tend to retain heat, especially during the summer months. Without much airflow, nights can become humid and uncomfortable. ActiveCool bedding helps regulate temperature without the need for electric fans or air conditioning, a practical, energy-free solution that’s ideal for on-board living.
Better still, ActiveCool bedding can be made to fit your exact mattress shape, no matter how unusual. From narrow v-berths to beds with round ends or offset corners, we’ll make sure your bedding fits perfectly and performs brilliantly.
At Ship Shape Bedding, we believe sleeping well is an essential part of enjoying life on the move, whether you’re at sea, on the road, or docked at your favourite marina.
Real-world example or testimonial
Sleep cooler with ActiveCool
Hot nights don’t have to mean sleepless nights. With a few smart adjustments and the right bedding, you can enjoy cooler, more restful sleep, even in the smallest of spaces.
Explore the ActiveCool Bedding range to see how you can sleep more comfortably on board this summer.
