Choosing the right bedding for a better night's sleep
Make a bed you’ll love sleeping in with our guide to choosing the right bedding for your bedroom – because if you’re going to get into bed with something, let it be dreamy linen.
They say money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you new bedding, which is basically the same thing, right?
We all know the importance of having a supportive bed base, however, getting a better night’s sleep is about more than just picking the perfect mattress (although that’s a great place to start).
From classic Cotton and Wool to Tencel, choosing the right bedding is key when it comes to comfort.
With so many different types of bedding materials in the market, each with its own unique set of features, it can be difficult to know which will best suit not only your sleep style but also your bedroom decor.
And then there’s the all-important thread count which refers to the number of threads woven into a square inch, with higher thread counts generally indicating a denser weave and texture.
To help you choose the right bedding and better understand what each bedding option offers, here’s our guide to what goes on between the sheets.
Which sheets are the best?
Whether you’re a hot sleeper or love the idea of being rugged up in bed, there’s a sheet type to suit your style and comfort needs.
The golden rule? You should spend roughly 7-8 hours a night together, so you want to get the best bed linen you can afford.
And while there are many factors involved in each type of bed linen, it all depends on what type of sleeper you are.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most common materials used for bedding. It is soft, breathable and comfortable, which makes it ideal for use in warmer climates.
Cotton bedding is also easy to care for, as it can be machine washed and dried.
Other factors such as the type of cotton, the weave, and the finish can also affect the feel and quality of the sheets.
The type of weave used is also important. A percale weave is a more open weave, which makes it lightweight, breathable, and durable. The appearance of a percale is a matt finish, with a crisp hand feel, that softens as the fibre is laundered. Be aware that they do tend to crease, so they love a good iron!
Bamboo cotton
Bamboo is an eco-friendly and sustainable fibre. It is easily grown, requiring less water than cotton to cultivate and requires no pesticides. It is this property of bamboo, being a naturally pest resistant crop, that gives bamboo it’s natural antibacterial properties in both plant and fibre form.
Whilst bamboo itself has these properties you will often hear the word hypoallergenic used as well. This is true of any natural fibre, as the meaning of this word is that the fibre is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, due to its natural properties’ verses that of a synthetic.
Linen
Linen sheets are also a great choice for those who want a breathable, durable, and naturally hypoallergenic bedding option that looks and feels great.
Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant, which requires less water and pesticides to grow than cotton.
Linen suits anyone looking for a premium solution in their bedroom, or perhaps someone looking for a natural fibre that’s breathable, highly absorbent, and naturally strong, that will assist in keeping them comfortable all year round. More importantly, linen endures, and is an investment piece.
Quilt cover options
Tencel
Tencel™ is derived from sustainably sourced and managed plantation timbers, and is responsibly manufactured, to minimise its impact on the environment.
With its botanical origins, Tencel™ is a naturally breathable and highly absorbent fibre. The Tencel™ fibres wick away the moisture, assisting in keeping you cool, dry and comfortable throughout your sleep.
It’s these characteristics, and its smooth surface, that also make Tencel™ gentle on those with sensitive skin.
Pillows
Pillows are so important for getting a good night’s sleep, providing comfort and support for your head and neck.
When you sleep, your head, neck, and spine should be in a neutral position to prevent strain on the muscles and ligaments.
A pillow that is too high or too low can cause your head to tilt in an unnatural position, which can lead to neck pain, headaches, and other discomforts, according to the Sleep Foundation.
If you’re experiencing discomfort during sleep or are not getting the restful sleep you need, it may be worth considering a new pillow.
Wool
Wool pillows can be a great option thanks to breathable material that helps regulate temperature, making it a good option for people who sleep hot.
Wool pillows can be filled with either wool fibres or wool clusters, which are larger and more resilient than wool fibres. This gives the pillow more loft and provides more support for the head and neck.
Wool pillows are also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them a good option for people with allergies.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a popular pillow material that moulds to the shape of the head and neck, providing excellent support and pressure relief.
It also offers a cooling effect, making it ideal for people who tend to sleep hot. Memory foam pillows are also hypoallergenic and durable and are available in a range of sizes and densities.
However, memory foam pillows can be heavy and may take some time to break in before they feel comfortable.
So whether you sleep hot, cold, like it soft or firm, choosing the right bedding is integral to getting a better night’s sleep and feeling well rested.
SOURCE: www.realestate.com.au
