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The Sleep Guide
Rest. For Real.
Good sleep is not a luxury. It is the foundation of how you feel, think, and function. Yet one of the most overlooked factors in sleep quality is the one closest to your body: what you wear to bed.
Too warm and you wake up kicking off the duvet. Something that chafes, and you jolt out of deep sleep without even knowing why. Moisture from night sweats, whether from menopause, a warm bedroom, or simply how your body works, leaves you uncomfortable and ruins your rest.
This guide is for anyone who wants to sleep better. We cover what happens in the body during sleep, what that means for what you should wear, and how the right fabric can make a real difference to how rested you feel in the morning.
What good sleep does for you — mentally and physically
Sleep is not passive. While you sleep, your body is actively repairing, sorting, and restoring itself. It is during the night that muscles recover, the immune system strengthens, and the brain processes the day's impressions. One night of broken or shallow sleep shows up as more than tiredness the next day. Research shows that chronic sleep deprivation affects everything from concentration and memory to mood, hormonal balance, and metabolism.
For anyone in the middle of life, with an active daily routine and perhaps hormonal changes as an added load, recovery during the night matters even more. Sleep is the time the body has to itself.
That is also why what you sleep in actually makes a difference. It is not a minor detail. It is part of what allows the body to do its job.
What happens in the body when you sleep?
Your core temperature drops
One of the first things your body does when you fall asleep is lower its core temperature. This cooling process is actually part of what triggers sleep, and it happens gradually over the first few hours. Clothing that traps heat can work against this natural cooling and make it harder to fall asleep and stay in deep sleep.
You sweat more than you think
The average person loses around half a litre of moisture overnight through perspiration and breathing. For most people it is not dramatic, but it is enough to make a difference if sleepwear holds that moisture against the skin. Damp fabric against the skin disrupts natural cooling and can produce that unpleasant feeling of being too hot, then too cold, in the middle of the night.
Your body moves through temperature cycles
Sleep is not a steady state. Your body temperature fluctuates throughout the night in line with your sleep cycles. In the early morning hours, your core temperature begins to rise again. Sleepwear that does not adapt to these natural shifts can leave you sweating at dawn, even when the room is not particularly warm.
During menopause: night sweats
If you are in perimenopause or menopause, your body's temperature regulation is further disrupted by hormonal changes. Night sweats can be intense and frequent, waking you several times a night. The right sleepwear is not just a question of comfort. It can be the difference between sleeping through and needing to change clothes in the middle of the night.
What to consider when choosing sleepwear
With all of the above in mind, here is what matters most in what you sleep in:
Moisture-wicking fabrics that actively draw perspiration away from the skin so you stay dry
Breathability that allows body heat to escape and supports your natural cooling process
Lightweight, soft fabric with no pressure or chafing as you move during sleep
Temperature adaptability so the fabric responds to your body's signals rather than working against them
Easy care, because comfort you can count on every night requires garments that hold up wash after wash
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How Swegmark's Cool & Dry technology works for sleep
Swegmark's Cool & Dry technology was originally developed by and for active women in the midst of life, because sport places exactly the same demands on fabric as a good night's sleep: moisture management, breathability, and comfort during movement. The same technology that keeps you dry during a workout keeps you comfortable through the night.
Cool & Dry fabric uses moisture-wicking fibres that actively draw perspiration away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This means the material against your skin stays dry, even if you perspire during the night. And because the fabric is lightweight and soft, there is nothing pressing or chafing as you shift position.
The entire Cool & Dry range is OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning the material has been tested and approved as free from harmful substances. The skin is the body's largest organ and absorbs what it comes into contact with. Anyone who has worn a hormone patch against their stomach knows exactly what that means in practice. With Cool & Dry, you can feel confident that nothing unwanted comes along. The garments are also made from recycled materials, a considered choice for both your skin and the environment.
Our recommendations for comfortable sleep
Cool & Dry Tank Top
The most comfortable thing you can sleep in. The Essence tank top wraps the body gently without constricting, and its smooth surface against the skin is kind to a more sensitive bust at night. The slightly longer cut means it stays in place all night without riding up, and the moisture-wicking Cool & Dry fabric keeps you dry even when night sweats strike. Works equally well as sleepwear or as a layer under clothes during the day. OEKO-TEX® certified.
Cool & Dry Panties
Cool & Dry panties use the same moisture-wicking technology and keep you dry and comfortable through the night. The cut is designed for a secure, non-constricting fit, with flat seams that sit gently against the skin as you move during sleep.
Available in several styles: Brazilian for a minimal fit, midi and maxi for a little more coverage, and long-leg panties that also work well at night for anyone who notices chafing or wants a little extra coverage.
Cool & Dry Bra
For those who prefer to sleep in a bra, the Cool & Dry bra keeps you comfortable through the night without constricting or chafing. The range consists mainly of soft, wire-free styles with moulded cups that give a natural feel with no structure pressing into you when you lie down. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric means you never feel overheated, making it a far better option than cotton, which holds moisture against the skin. Also available with underwire for those who prefer it.
Modal — an option for sensitive skin
Cool & Dry is not the only fabric that takes care of you at night. For those who prefer a natural material, Swegmark's modal panties offer a soft, nature-based fabric that is often described as even softer than cotton.
Modal is made from beechwood fibres and has properties that make it particularly well suited for nightwear. It is naturally breathable, stays soft wash after wash, and holds its shape. Modal absorbs moisture, but unlike regular cotton it dries more quickly and does not feel heavy against the skin when you perspire. For anyone with sensitive skin, or who simply prefers a natural, smooth feel next to the body, modal is a considered choice.
Essence Maxi Panty in modal offers full coverage with a cut that stays in place all night without riding up or constricting. The wide waistband and flat seams make it one of the most comfortable garments to sleep in.
Essence Midi Panty in modal is for those who want a little more freedom of movement while still enjoying a secure, comfortable fit. The same soft fabric, a slightly more streamlined cut.
Both styles are available in a wide size range and are designed to be worn all day, or all night.
Cool & Dry Underwear
5 tips for better sleep comfort
Keep the bedroom cool. Between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius is generally cited as optimal for sleep. Your sleepwear does the rest.
Choose moisture-wicking underwear as your base layer. It works for you all night, whether you notice it or not.
Avoid tight waistbands at night. Your body needs to move freely. Choose styles with soft, non-constricting seams and elastic.
Keep a spare set nearby. If night sweats are heavy, a clean, dry set to change into quickly can help you fall back to sleep faster.
Wash sleepwear regularly. Moisture-wicking fabric performs best when it is clean and fresh.
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