With the weather warming up, you might have noticed that you’ve been sleeping a little less soundly recently. If that’s the case, your duvet might be to blame. That’s because body temperature is a key factor for getting a good night’s sleep, so it’s important to make sure your duvet is right for you, as well as the season. Fear not – here we’re answering some of your most-asked questions when it comes to duvets, and sharing some of our top tips for finding the perfect duvet tog this summer. Tuck in!
Deciphering duvet tog ratings
When choosing a duvet, you’ll want to consider the tog rating or weight. But what do we mean when we talk about duvet togs? And what’s the difference between a high tog and a low tog?
What is a tog?
A tog is a measure of thermal insulance, so it refers to how well a duvet traps warm air around you. Duvet tog ratings range from 1 to 15. The higher the tog, the better the heat retention and the warmer the duvet! Understanding the tog rating is crucial for selecting the right duvet for the season.
What are the different tog ratings?
Different duvet tog ratings allow you to switch out your bedding depending on the time of year. At the lower end, a 1-4.5 tog duvet is perfect for warmer weather in the summer. For those in between seasons, like spring and autumn, opt for a 7-10.5 tog duvet. In the colder winter months, a 12-15 tog duvet will keep you nice and toasty. If you want a duvet to use all year round, a 10.5 tog duvet is a good compromise.
Why are some duvets measured by weight?
You might have spotted that some duvets are categorised by weight, rather than tog. Duvets filled with natural materials like down or wool have better thermal properties than their synthetic equivalents. As a result, you don’t need as much filling to achieve the same rating, which often makes the duvets lighter. So don’t be fooled – a heavier duvet doesn’t mean it’s warmer!
Say goodbye to sleepless summer nights
If you’ve been tossing and turning due to warm weather, it might be time to swap out your duvet for something more summer appropriate. But remember, finding the perfect duvet also depends on your personal preferences.
What duvet tog is best for summer?
While we recommend switching to a lower 4.5 tog duvet in the summer months, this doesn’t always work for everyone. If you naturally feel the cold, you may want to stick to a slightly thicker duvet, or if you suffer from night sweats, one of the lowest togs could be better suited. That said, it’s also a good idea to consider the materials used in your duvet. Merino wool, for example, is more breathable than other synthetic materials.
Do Merino wool duvets have a tog rating?
Merino wool duvets are not officially weighted by tog, as the wool is naturally thermo-regulating and maintains your body temperature throughout the night. At Piglet in Bed, we have two options for our Merino Wool duvet. Our lighter duvet has a relative weight of a 4-6 tog duvet, and our warmer duvet has a relative weight of an 8-10 tog duvet.
What are the benefits of Merino Wool duvets?
Merino wool is known for its moisture-wicking properties, which enable it to absorb moisture from the body and keep you dry throughout the night. Not only this, but it is super breathable, so it allows air to flow around your body as you sleep, in turn keeping you cool. Merino wool is hypo-allergenic and naturally dust-mite-proof too.
If you don’t want the faff of swapping out duvets, then Merino Wool duvets are also a great option, since they can be used year-round.
Breathable bedding makes all the difference
While duvets are a great place to start, there are other changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep, including opting for breathable bed covers.
What is the best bedding for summer?
Both cotton and linen make for excellent bedding in warm weather. These materials are lightweight and breathable, with moisture-wicking properties to prevent you from overheating. Piglet in Bed’s percale Cotton Bedding also tends to feel even more lightweight, while our Linen Bedding is naturally temperature-regulating to ensure you sleep comfortably all night long.
How can pajamas improve sleep?
Sleeping in the heat often results in perspiration, and when our skin feels damp from sweat, it can lead to poor sleep quality. Linen is ideal for keeping your skin dry at night, and its luxurious texture is an additional benefit. Our Linen Sleepwear certainly contributes to a sense of wellbeing, which is essential for a restful night’s sleep.
What are some ways to wind down before bed?
We all know we should do it, but few of us do, and that’s switching off our phones at least an hour before bedtime. Screen-free time gives our brains some necessary rest and helps us sleep better. Rather than scrolling, try reading instead. It can be an effective way to redirect your attention from daily pressures, and reading can help tire your eyes, promoting sleepiness.
For extra relaxation, we like to light Piglet in Bed’s Peony & Gardenia Candle or spritz pillows with our Calming Room & Pillow Mist, designed to help you drift off to a peaceful sleep.
