The clocks go back this weekend and we gain an extra hour of sleep. But will you? There are many reasons why you might not get a good night’s sleep. Stress, noise, light and caffeine can affect your sleeping pattern (NHS). How comfortable your bed is and what the temperature is like will also impact your sleep.
Sustainable bedding materials can play a part in how well you sleep. Textiles like wool and cotton are breathable which helps when the temperature is variable and humidity is fluctuating at night. Wool, in particular, is sustainable and comfortable. Wool is an amazing fibre that can naturally keep us warm in winter and cool in summer as it regulates your body temperature. It does this by wicking moisture away during cold nights and trapping body heat on cool nights (Ava Innes).
Why use sustainable bedding?
Sustainable bedding is a good choice for many reasons. It is good for the environment because it is recyclable and biodegradable at the end of the product life cycle. Wool in particular is sustainable because it is renewable.
Natural non-toxic fibres are good for your health. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic so it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in those with asthma and allergy sensitivity. Allergy Standards Limited, an international certification body has recognised that Merino wool is asthma and allergy friendly® (Wool).
“There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that high quality, fine Merino wool is non-irritant and of low risk to those with sensitive skin.”
Allergy Standards Limited
Sustainable made bedding is of high quality and is long lasting. High quality cotton sheets with a good thread count can last between 4-6 years depending on how often they are laundered. 100% wool blankets can last for a ‘lifetime’ when cared for correctly. They should be aired outside, brushed regularly, treated for stains quickly and washed on a wool cycle with the right detergent (Woolmark).
Melin Tregwynt is a wool mill in Wales where they have been making 100% wool blankets for centuries. The blankets are designed and manufactured by the employee-owners. They specialise in Welsh doublecloth in retro, mid-century designs.
Laura’s Loom in Cumbria makes 100% woollen blankets on her peddle loom with wool from local farms that keep heritage breeds. She also sells a selection of 100% wool blankets that have been milled in Scotland to her own design.
Ava Innes sells wool blankets. They have developed a duvet that uses waste cashmere and wool encased in cotton. The duvets have been designed to promote better sleep through temperature regulation and breathability. 93% of their customers agree that they sleep better using a cashmere and wool duvet. They sleep longer, more soundly and with less disturbance.
These products are designed to last and are of a very high quality. They are an investment in contrast to cheap mass produced petroleum based polyester blankets.
Buying sustainable bedding
Consider buying higher quality bedding made with natural materials. You and your family will benefit from the breathability and hypoallergenic qualities. Buy less and buy better. Think about buying vintage or pre-loved items. This extends the product life and prevents it from ending in landfill. Dispose of your bedding carefully and consider donating it rather than disposing of it, if it can still be used.
