The Importance Of The Right Bed Sheets For A Good Night’s Sleep
Are you waking up groggy and grumpy in the morning instead of well-rested? It may surprise you to know that your bed sheets and pillowcases may be to blame. Of course, there are many things that contribute to the quality of your sleep: your mattress, your health, outside noise, your diet, your daily activities and much more. But if you are constantly wondering why you are not sleeping well and you are not waking up refreshed, it may be time to take a closer look at your linens and find the best bedding for sound sleep.
Thread Count
High thread count sheets do not necessarily mean high-quality sheets. Simply put, thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads woven into fabric per square inch. Thread counts above the 400 to 500 range usually mean that the fabric and its fibers have been manipulated to artificially inflate the thread count. So while the bedding product technically features more fibers per square inch, the quality of the bedding in some cases is actually far inferior to other linens with lesser thread counts.
Fabric Choices
Some materials sleep “cooler” than others, so the best sheets for summer may be different than the best sheets for winter. Synthetic fabrics trap heat, which can cause you to get too hot while you are asleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality, restlessness and frequent waking. Quality cotton sheets are more breathable and comfortable and allow you to self-regulate your temperature, leading to a much more restful sleep experience. Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton are two of the best cottons for bed sheets, and they’re wonderfully cool sheets for warm summer nights. Cotton bedding can be finished in a variety of ways that allow for additional comfort. Sateen finished cotton is very soft and plush. Moisture-wicking cotton may be preferred by those with a tendency to overheat while sleeping. And some people say that the color of your bedding can have an effect on your sleep space, as well. White, cream, gray, blue and purple bedding are all known to create soothing and relaxing elegant sleep spaces. In essence, the most comfortable bed sheets are a matter of personal preference.
Bedding Maintenance
Be sure to launder new bedding at least two times before sleeping on it to remove dirt, fabric treatment residue and linen enhancements such as starch or stiffening agents that may have been used to ensure attractive packaging of your items. And be mindful of what kind of detergent you use when laundering your bed linens. Some people are especially sensitive to the dyes and perfumes in laundry soap. If used on your sheets, these scented or dyed soap products can cause skin and respiratory irritation that may interfere with the quality of your sleep. For most people, it is best to launder your sheets every seven to 10 days. Fresh linens are the best bedding for promoting sleep, so be sure to wash them frequently.
Other Considerations
Do you live in an area with steamy summers or freezing winters? Have you considered changing your bedding to match the seasons so you can take advantage of the best material for bed sheets in hot or cold weather? Many use cozy jersey or flannel sheets in winter and cool cotton sheets in summer to ensure that their sleep is the most comfortable – warm or cool – for the current season. And don’t forget to replace your sheet sets every 18 to 24 months. Frequent washings and general wear will create thin spots, fabric nubbiness and overall wear that can make your sheets uncomfortable to sleep on. If your budget does not allow for complete linen replacement, consider purchasing new pillowcases to freshen and enhance an existing sheet set.
According to a recent study by Harvard Health, at least 75 percent of people experience poor sleep at least a few nights per week. After you’ve examined your diet, your health, the atmosphere of your sleep space and other factors, take a moment to look at your bedding. Replacing and updating your linens may be a quick way to ensure that you enjoy a restful night’s sleep in a serene, comfortable and luxurious sleep space.
High-quality bed sheets can be combined with luxury pillows, a fabulous mattress and duvets to create a classic and comfortable space that provides a place for restorative sleep. Invest in the best mattress, sheets and bedding that you can afford. Choose materials, textures and colors that are beautiful and comfortable to you. Consider the fabric of your sheets and pillowcases and also your duvet. Careful attention to detail will create a luxury bedding collection that you will cherish for years to come.
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