Why Do We Sleep Under Blankets, Even on the Hottest Nights? (2017)

# Summary Blankets and bed coverings are nearly universal across human cultures and climates, despite being historically expensive luxuries affordable only to the wealthy until modern production increased access. Physiologically, humans naturally cool their core body temperature 60-90 minutes before sleep, and covering oneself with blankets—even minimal ones in hot weather—helps facilitate this temperature drop necessary for sleep onset. Research shows that nearly all cultures use some form of bed covering except nomadic foragers in hot climates, and weighted blankets have been scientifically shown to reduce anxiety and aid sleep.