{"id":3912,"date":"2020-08-11T14:40:18","date_gmt":"2020-08-11T19:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=3912"},"modified":"2020-08-12T11:10:42","modified_gmt":"2020-08-12T16:10:42","slug":"can-better-bedding-improve-your-sleep-skin-or-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/can-better-bedding-improve-your-sleep-skin-or-hair","title":{"rendered":"Can Better Bedding Improve Your Sleep, Skin, or Hair?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In the market for new bedding? There\u2019s more to think about than color and budget. Factors such as fabric and thread count can impact not just the touch and feel of your bedding but also your sleep quality, skin, and hair. Read on for some sheet smarts to make beauty sleep a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bedding Factors that Can Impact Sleep Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to bedding, several factors can impact sleep quality. Here\u2019s a snapshot of how your bedding can impact your sleep<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thread Count<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Quality sheets and quality sleep go hand in hand. Thread count, or the total number of threads per square inch of fabric<\/a>, is usually the first determining factor of quality. But a high number isn\u2019t necessarily better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sweet spot for thread count is generally between 200 and 400<\/a>. Manufacturers likely achieve anything more than that with synthetic fabrics or finishers, which can negatively impact sleep and reduce the lifespan of your sheets. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and cause skin irritation, which can make it harder to get comfortable enough to fall and stay asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that thread count only matters with cotton sheets; other fabrics are either sold by weight or list a misleading thread count. In the market for cotton sheets? Check the label for 100 percent long-staple cotton<\/a>. Companies can get away with labeling lower quality cotton blends as Egyptian if the fabric originated in the country, and sheets with shorter-staple fibers generally have a rougher texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Breathability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic materials can trap heat, which could make you too hot to sleep comfortably. One review of studies<\/a> showed that a person\u2019s thermal environment \u2014 or the factors that affect body temperature, such as bedding, clothing, and room temperature \u2014 plays a large part in sleep, and heat contributes to wakefulness. Temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit<\/a> are ideal for sleep, so opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or Tencel that will allow for the most airflow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The materials that make up various bedding products can have a big impact on comfort. And comfort can mean the difference between a sound night\u2019s sleep or tossing and turning. We\u2019ll review the pros and cons of common bedding materials in the next section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moisture-wicking properties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you wake up with night sweats or you\u2019re going through menopause, then you know overheating can disrupt sleep. Prone to sleeping hot? Look for sheets with moisture-wicking materials such as Tencel; this eucalyptus-derived fabric absorbs moisture<\/a> well. These sheets help pull moisture away from the body, which helps you stay cool and decreases the chances you\u2019ll wake up because of overheating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep and Beauty: The Pros and Cons of Common Bedding Materials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bedding doesn\u2019t only have an impact on sleep. It can also affect skin and hair health. Let\u2019s take a look at the pros and cons of some of the most common bedding materials \u2014 with the aim of getting you some bona fide beauty sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bamboo<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Eco-friendly bamboo sheets are soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating.<\/a> Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and great for sensitive skin because of its hypoallergenic properties. Bacteria and dust mites can\u2019t survive in bamboo, which minimizes potential skin irritants. Some research suggests the viscose<\/a> found in bamboo may even prevent skin irritation<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copper<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Pillowcases with copper-oxide particles<\/a> embedded in the fabric could possess antibacterial and healing properties that help reduce acne breakouts and wrinkles. One study<\/a> found that sleeping on copper pillowcases reduced fine lines and improved skin\u2019s overall appearance. Another study<\/a> found that copper-infused bedding could reduce saggy skin and maintain firmness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cotton is one of the most popular bedding fabrics<\/a> for a reason: It\u2019s durable, breathable, easy to care for, and reasonably priced. There are several varieties, with long-staple Egyptian cotton considered the most luxurious. The long yarns make it softer than its counterparts, which helps reduce skin friction<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weave of cotton sheets can impact their feel and durability. Percale cotton has a close weave that keeps sheets crisp<\/a> and durable, which produces a more breathable fabric for those that sleep hot. Sateen creates a softer finish, but it can be less durable over time. The smoothness of sateen mimics silk and allows skin and hair to glide over the fabric with minimal friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyester<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Synthetics such as polyester can feel rough<\/a> against the skin and cause irritation and inflammation, particularly if you have skin conditions (such as eczema). Polyester also traps heat<\/a> and tends to produce static electricity. However, the human-made fabric is cheaper and more durable if you need sheets that will last for several years. When blended with cotton<\/a>, polyester sheets are softer, less likely to cause irritation, and longer-lasting than 100 percent cotton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The smoothness of silk provides many more benefits than just feeling luxurious against the skin. If you toss and turn at night, the silky texture will allow your skin to slide around with no friction, which could reduce the appearance<\/a> of fine lines and wrinkles. (While it’s not a proven theory, if you\u2019ve ever woken up with creases on your face, it could be due to a non-silken pillowcase.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Same goes for hair \u2014 the softness of silk can reduce the tangles and frizz that can occur in the face of friction from synthetic bedding. Silk is not moisture-wicking like cotton or Tencel, so it may not be a good idea if you sweat at night. On the other hand, if you suffer from dry skin or dry hair, silk can maintain hydration<\/a> while you sleep since it won\u2019t wick moisture away from the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tencel<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Tencel is a more environmentally friendly<\/a> material made from eucalyptus tree wood pulp. It feels like cotton but is more wrinkle-resistant and very breathable. Research suggests Tencel may deter<\/a> allergens, bacteria, and microbes, which reduces irritants that could aggravate sensitive skin. And its natural moisture-wicking properties<\/a> are great for sweaty sleepers who want to sleep more comfortably.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Coats made of thick wool may be rough and scratchy, but one study<\/a> found that soft merino wool is temperature-regulating and can even contribute to better sleep. Another study demonstrated<\/a> that, compared to cotton, wool decreases skin irritation in kids with eczema. If you prefer the weighted feel of a duvet, try a duvet with wool<\/a>; it\u2019ll keep you cool in the summer thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities, but it will retain heat in the winter to keep you warm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Care for Bedding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Best practices for washing and drying bedding will vary depending on material, so it\u2019s important to follow the tag instructions. That said, here are some<\/a> general bedding care guidelines<\/a> that apply in most cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n