Why Many Homeowners Are Ditching Their Top Sheet

I used to think that a properly made bed absolutely required a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a comforter. It was just the way I was raised and I never questioned it. But lately I have noticed more friends and family members are completely skipping the top sheet. It turns out that getting rid of the top sheet is becoming a huge trend. It changes how you sleep and how you manage your home. Let's talk about why people are making the switch.

Getting Tangled

Crumpled up top sheet on bed.
Photo Credits: nicgorski / Envato Elements
Photo Credits: nicgorski / Envato Elements

We have all had those restless nights where we wake up with the top sheet twisted around our legs like a rope. It restricts your movement and makes it hard to get comfortable again without waking up fully. By removing that thin layer, you eliminate the possibility of getting trapped in your own bedding. You just have the weight of the duvet or comforter on top of you which feels much simpler. It is a small change that can actually lead to deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

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Making The Bed Takes Seconds

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Woman making her bed by pulling up duvet.
Photo Credits: ionadidishvili / Envato Elements
Photo Credits: ionadidishvili / Envato Elements
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If you dread making your bed in the morning because of all the tucking and smoothing, then this method is perfect for you. Without a top sheet you do not have to worry about hospital corners or getting the sides perfectly even. You literally just grab your duvet and give it a good shake to fluff it out. Pull it up to the pillows and you are done. It turns a chore that used to take five minutes into something you can finish in under thirty seconds.

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Better Temperature Control

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Man sleeping in bed.
Photo Credits: Prostock-studio / Envato Elements
Photo Credits: Prostock-studio / Envato Elements
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A lot of people find that the top sheet actually traps too much heat against their body. It creates a pocket of warm air that does not circulate well. If you are a hot sleeper, getting rid of that extra layer allows for better airflow around your skin. You can choose a duvet insert that matches your climate perfectly and let it do the work. It feels freer and airier than being swaddled in multiple layers of fabric which helps keep your body temperature steady.

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The Laundry Trade Off

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Woman putting sheets in the washing machine.
Photo Credits: 1footage / Envato Elements
Photo Credits: 1footage / Envato Elements
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This is the one point that usually stops people from switching. If you do not use a top sheet, your body is touching the duvet cover directly. This means you have to wash the duvet cover every week just like you would wash a sheet. Wrestling a duvet insert out of its cover can be a workout. However, it means you are washing one large item instead of two sheets. Some people find washing the cover is worth it to avoid having to fold that flat sheet later.

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Following The European Style

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Hotel room with white duvet on bed.
Photo Credits: marisap7 / Envato Elements
Photo Credits: marisap7 / Envato Elements
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Travelers often notice that hotels in Europe rarely use a top sheet. They use a fluffy duvet with a removable washable cover and that’s it. It feels luxurious and modern. Many Americans are bringing this hotel feel back to their own bedrooms because it feels less fussy. It simplifies the look of the room and makes the bed look inviting and soft rather than stiff and formal. It is a more casual approach to making a bed that fits our modern lifestyles really well.

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Saving Money On Linens

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Man shopping for sheets set.
Photo Credits: Igor_Kardasov / Envato Elements
Photo Credits: Igor_Kardasov / Envato Elements
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When you stop using a top sheet, you stop needing to buy them. Many high end bedding companies are now selling sheet sets that only include the fitted sheet and pillowcases. This usually brings the price down significantly. You are not paying for a piece of fabric that ends up bunched at the foot of the bed anyway. It also saves room in your linen closet because you have less fabric to fold and stack. It is a minimalist move that saves cash.

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At the end of the day, there is no wrong way to make your bed. If you love the crisp feeling of a flat sheet tucked under your chin then keep using it. But if you are tired of the tangles and the extra laundry, it might be time to try sleeping without it. Give it a shot for a week and see if you miss it. You might find that less really is more when it comes to a good night of rest.