We all know the importance of getting quality sleep. Research has shown that poor sleep quality can increase a person’s risk for a wide range of diseases and health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and hypertension.
There are many things that can negatively impact sleep: noise, light, and temperature, to name just a few. Another sneaky culprit you might be overlooking? Is your bedding.
We know what you’re thinking. Could getting better sleep really be as simple as upgrading to comfy sheets and pillowcases? In short, potentially! Read on to learn how bedding can influence your sleep — plus, how to choose the right bedding to help you catch more Zzzs.
How Bedding Can Improve Your Sleep
Bedding is the kind of thing that we don’t think much about unless we’re switching up our bedroom design. But just like your mattress, sleeping on the correct bedding can make a huge difference in your sleep quality. Here’s how.
- Increases your comfort. Being comfortable is essential to a good night’s rest. When you’re uncomfortable, you will constantly toss and turn all night. Soft sheets made from bamboo, Pima cotton, or silk feel incredibly soft against the skin and maximize your comfort, helping you fall and stay asleep at night.
- Helps regulate body temperature. Did you know that your core body temperature gradually decreases before bedtime? This temperature dip is part of your body’s circadian rhythm (aka, your internal clock) which helps control your sleep cycle. You also become more sensitive to temperatures while you sleep, which is why it’s important to have comfortable bedding that helps you regulate your body temperature.
- Promotes relaxation. Long day at work? Even just the knowledge that you have an ultra-soft bed waiting for you at home can be enough to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. But if you really want your bed to be the picture of serenity, consider picking up a set of crisp, white linens. According to one sleep expert, white linens may encourage an easier night’s rest because they remind us of the freshly-cleaned sheets of luxury hotels.
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Can the Right Bedding Fix My Sleep Problems?
It’s important to remember that bedding is just one of many elements that makes up a relaxing sleep environment. In other words, it’s not a miracle cure-all for your sleep troubles.
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 70 percent of Americans say they get insufficient sleep at least one night a month. Sleep problems can be caused by many different and complex factors, including chronic pain, medical issues, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, work schedules, and caffeine.
New bedding probably isn’t going to eliminate insomnia caused by chronic pain or an exhausting work schedule. However, certain types of bedding — such as weighted blankets for sleep — can improve sleep quality by reducing stress.
Bottom line? The right bedding can help you achieve a better night’s sleep, but don’t count on it as a foolproof treatment for insomnia.
How to Choose the Right Bedding for Better Sleep
With a variety of thread counts, weaves, and styles, choosing the right bedding can seem like a daunting task. To help you find your dream bedding with ease, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Thread Count
If you’ve been buying bedsheets based on thread count alone, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Manufacturers have come up with clever ways to manipulate the thread count, leading consumers to believe that their sheets are softer and better quality than they actually are. In general, aim for a thread count between 200 and 500. Anything above 500 should set off warning bells inside your head, especially if the price is too good to be true.
Weave
In addition to thread count, it’s also important to consider the type of weave. How the bedding is constructed can make a huge difference to how it feels on your skin.
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You typically have two choices: sateen and percale. Sateen sheets are known for being heavy, silky-smooth, and luminous, whereas percale sheets are light, crisp, and durable. Each has its pros and cons, so this mostly comes down to personal preference.
Body Temperature
What type of sleeper are you? Hot or cold? Hot sleepers are more sensitive to heat, whereas cold sleepers are more sensitive to cold. If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want to look for bedding that will keep you nice and cool.
Comforters made from bamboo, cotton, linen, and other natural materials are generally a safe bet. Prefer to keep things toasty? Comforters with higher-density fills can provide year-round warmth for cold sleepers.
Changing Seasons
If you live in a region with extreme weather, it’s not a bad idea to buy different types of bedding for summer and winter. Besides ensuring your comfort, changing bedding for the seasons is an easy way to refresh your room on a budget. When the weather turns cold, reach for flannel sheets, wool blankets, and cozy pillows.
As temperatures rise, swap them out with lightweight throws, linen sheets, and cheerful pillows that reflect the summer sun.
Allergies
Allergy sufferers should be extra careful when choosing their bedding. Specifically, steer clear of down alternatives, which have loose weaves that can attract dust mites and make allergies worse.
For a sneeze-free slumber, choose tightly woven bedding and be sure to wash sheets and pillowcases regularly. Silk bedding is naturally hypo-allergenic, making it an especially great choice for those sensitive to allergens.
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Get Your Best Sleep Ever with Quality Bedding
Sleep is essential to our health and well-being. When you don’t get enough shut-eye, you’re more likely to experience unpleasant and potentially serious effects.
Such as fatigue, irritability, weight gain, short-term memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. By taking the time to choose the proper bedding, you’re one step closer to creating the ideal sleep environment for a well-rested tomorrow.
