Whether you just bought a new mattress or are spring cleaning your sleep sanctuary, there is nothing like the feeling snuggling up to a new set of clean, crisp sheets. Understanding some of the basics about fabrics and technology will not only help you find quality sheets, but could improve your well being and sleep health overall.
First things first, where do you start? Knowing where to purchase a quality set of sheets is the first big step in building your bedroom oasis. Shopping online or at a big-box retailer means you are on your own, facing a (sometimes toppling) mountain of choices. In order to get the service you deserve from someone who has your sleep health in mind, head to a specialty sleep retailer.
Now for some myth busting. Are you ready for this? A higher thread count does not mean you are buying a higher quality sheet set. For years the thread count myth has had consumers shelling out lots of loot based on thread count alone, but this is not the only indicator of quality sheets.
So what should you actually be looking for? The key combination here is a sheet set made with premium construction and high quality fibers. Sheets made with a higher quality fiber but a lower thread count can not only feel softer, but will stand up to washing regularly as a opposed to a low quality fiber with a ridiculously high thread count.
Here’s another myth buster for you. We all know that cotton makes for high quality and durable sheets that can stand the test of time. But instead of focusing on the length (or strength) of the cotton fiber in our sheets, we’ve all been obsessed with where the cotton was grown. Egyptian cotton ring a bell? If so, you may have fallen victim to paying too much for poor quality sheets.
A long staple (long fiber) cotton is superior in strength, meaning it won’t pill or lint like a shorter fiber (regardless of where it was grown). Quality cotton sheets sets not only feel fabulous, but also have naturally added benefits like moisture wicking to boot. Some key words you will want to look for are “Long Staple”, “Pima” and “Supima”.
With the basics in mind, its time to ask what your sheets can do for you, Advances in fiber technology have allowed us to create PureCare Elements, an entire collection of sheets woven with technical textiles that can enhance your health and wellness. Take for instance our Celliant™ (Lumen) sheet sets, which aid in the reduction of minor aches and pains and make for over-all better mornings. Our SeaCell™ (Halio) sheet sets are blended with nutrient-packed seaweed fibers and natural cellulose that work together to create gentle and restorative comfort while you sleep.
Lastly, you’re going to want sheets that actually fit! There is nothing more annoying than waking up in a ball of sheets that have slipped off of your mattress. Look for sheet sets with Precision-Fit™ corners and elastic bands on the fitted sheet to ensure a crisp and steady sleep surface.
Now that you have the know-how to find the perfect set, ditch those shabby sheets and create the perfect sleep haven! Your sleep health and wellbeing will thank you.
If you are consistently feeling exhausted and dragging your feet by mid-week, you aren’t alone. Almost 40% of us don’t get the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep that science has proven we need in order to repair and restore our bodies. Sleep deprivation can be linked to several health issues, including lack of production and concentration, to depression and anxiety. Isn’t it time we had our sleep health in mind?
Our partners at the National Sleep Foundation have one simple question for you: what if we all focused the next 7 days on jump-starting our sleep health? Sounds easy enough, but where to start? Check out the NSF’s daily tips and tricks to help you get a handle on your sleep.
Day 1. You schedule everything else, so why not your sleep? You owe it to yourself to schedule the sleep time that your mind and body needs to function at it’s best. We promise, your body will thank you!
Day 2. Stop the late night munching. Eating late doesn’t let your body fully rest. Leaving a couple of hours between eating and going to bed will help you reap the maximum benefits of a good nights sleep.
Day 3. Power down your devices. The light from blue-lit screens can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm and affect your ability to sleep. Your body needs time to recharge too, so turn them off and tune into your health.
Day 4. Make your bedroom your sleep sanctuary. A comfortable mattress, pillow and bedding will help you get a better night’s sleep. Keeping your bedroom dark and cool helps to maintain a comfortable sleep environment and is a proven prescription for quality zzz’s.
Day 5. Create a wind-down routine. Help prepare your mind and body for sleep with deep breathing, stretching and other relaxing exercises. Having a pre-slumber ritual that includes quiet, relaxing activities like reading or meditation will help you unwind and help get your mind ready for sleep.
Day 6. Losing sleep over something? We all know it’s hard to relax your mind and body at the end of the day. Try keeping a pen and paper next to your bed so that you can write down any thoughts, worries or last minute ideas from your day. You’ll sleep better with a clear mind.
Day 7. Don’t let Daylight Savings throw you off your game. Implementing these tips into your nightly routine will help you spring forward towards better sleep.
Join us as we focus on our personal sleep health this Sleep Awareness Week. We want to hear from you! Send us your sleep tips and comment with personal insights that might just help the next reader improve their sleep.