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How often do night sweats or chills wake you up? If you’re like countless others affected by fluctuating body temperatures, you know that sleep deprivation affects almost every aspect of your life. Although it may surprise you, the thing standing between you and a good night’s sleep could be as simple as knowing the best thread count for sheets.
Not everyone considers thread count when purchasing new bedding — many don’t understand what each number or material type means. Reclaim a restful night using this helpful guide to bed linens.
What Are Thread Counts?
Look closely at your bedsheet — you may need a magnifying glass. Thread counts comprise the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. If there are 200 threads woven lengthwise by 200 threads at the width, the thread count is 400.
The thread count suggests the softness and quality of the fabric. It may also indicate how breathable it is — a comfortably cool night may be possible after all. However, the bedding material is just as important when choosing the best thread count.
What Is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?
Quality sheets have a thread count between 200 and 800 — anything lower than 200 will feel rough or stiff. Standard bedsheet fabrics and their thread counts are as follows:
- Cotton: 200–400
- Egyptian cotton: 300–800
- Bamboo: 300–500 — may be blended with other materials
- Percale: 200–400
- Sateen: 300–600
Over time, Egyptian cotton has grown synonymous with luxe. In fact, diving under the covers will feel much like sleeping in a hotel bed. At 600–800 threads, Egyptian cotton is exceptionally soft with insulating properties, keeping you warm in the winter and cool during the summer.
When it comes to linen, thread counts work differently than cotton. Linen sheets are typically woven at 80–150 threads, making them highly breathable. They’re also a much more durable fabric and hypoallergenic.
Other materials don’t use thread counts to measure quality. For example, jersey, flannel and microfiber sheets go by grams per square meter (GSM), while silk gets measured by momme:
- Jersey: Approximately 150 GSM
- Flannel: 170 GSM or higher is warmer, while anything below 170 GSM is cooler
- Microfiber: 90–120 GSM
- Silk: 17–22 momme or up to 30 for ultra-luxurious
Aside from thread count, GSM and momme, quality sheets depend on the weave type and manufacturer. It’s important to research brands and materials to ensure you buy the perfect sheet set.
Thermal Effects on Sleep Quality
Studies have shown the effects of temperature on sleep quality — a room that’s too hot or cold can induce wakefulness. Your inner body temperature naturally decreases at night, but temperature consistency will help you attain rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
It’s best if the room is at a steady 19° Celsius — or 66° Fahrenheit. Otherwise, you should keep it between 68° F and 77° F. Anything higher can be highly disruptive and lead to uncomfortable sweating. Conversely, you don’t want to be too cold during the winter.
Sheet quality — materials and thread count — can aid your body in regulating its temperature. Linen sheets may be particularly comfortable in the summer since they have a looser weave. Lower cotton thread counts may also be conducive. In the winter, flannel and Egyptian cotton will regulate your body temperature best.
Broken sleep is as unhealthy as insomnia and may lead to numerous health problems. For instance, chronic sleep problems cause cardiovascular issues, memory loss, mood changes, poor concentration and lower immunity. It may also affect your weight and risk of diabetes.
5 Best Sheet Sets for Ultimate Comfort
When selecting your next bedding, you want to look for an ideal thread count for sheets. Assessing whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper will help you make the best decision. Here are five quality sheets for optimal sleep comfort.
1. Mayfair Linen 600-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Slip into soft, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets for the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a long time. This Mayfair Linen 600-thread-count sheet set comes with a flat sheet, deep-pocket fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases.
Mayfair Linen products are manufactured at an OEKO-TEX facility in India that certifies zero toxins and eco-friendliness.
2. Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Sheets
Luxury bamboo sheet sets by Cosy House comprise a flat sheet, a 16-inch deep-pocket fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases that are lightweight and breathable — ideal for those prone to night sweats.
A blend of bamboo and Rayon helps regulate body temperature regardless of the season. Bamboo sheets are also hypoallergenic, most suitable for sensitive skin people.
3. Simple&Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set
Quality linen sheets by Simple&Opulence may be a worthwhile splurge if you require a good night’s sleep. Full, queen and king-sized sheet sets come with two pillowcases and a fitted and flat sheet.
Certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, these sheets are highly breathable and can withstand regular washing with increasing softness. To maintain their quality, wash them under 60° C — or 140° F — and tumble dry at medium heat.
4. Lane Linen 100% Organic Cotton Percale Sheets
Organic cotton percale sheets by Lane Linen are manufactured sustainably at an OEKO-TEX-compliant facility. As such, they are toxin-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
These sheets maintain their quality and won’t shrink with regular washing. Lane Linen recommends laundering them in cold water and tumble-drying on low heat for the best results.
5. California Design Den 600 Thread Count 100% Sateen Cotton Sheets
These 600-thread-count sateen cotton sheets by California Design Den are reminiscent of hotel-grade bedding. Wake up every morning like you’ve enjoyed a quality night’s sleep at a luxury resort.
The set has two pillowcases, a flat sheet and a deep-pocket fitted sheet that fits up to 15-inch-deep mattresses. Also OEKO-TEX-certified, the sheets are cooling and help to balance your core temperature while sleeping.
California Design Den gives back to the community, too. The company donated 14,000 bed linens to charities throughout the United States in 2022. Additionally, all products get manufactured in a family-owned factory in India.
Comfortable Sheets for Relaxing Sleep
Quality sheets make a difference when trying to get a good night’s sleep. Understanding thread count and the best range for various fabric materials will make purchasing new bed linens a cinch.
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About The Author
Olivia Elsher is a Senior Writer and Editorial Manager at Renovated. She has over 5+ years of experience writing about property related topics such as: real estate, home improvement, renovation, and construction.
