The relationship between luxury bedding 
and a good night’s sleep

The recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night works wonders for mental and physical well-being. Poor or lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect, with studies suggesting that sleep deficiency changes activity in some parts of the brain. If you’re lacking sleep, you may have trouble with problem-solving, making decisions, controlling your emotions, behavioural shifts and coping with change. According to the National Institute of Health, sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behaviour.

A recent sleep study conducted by Chemist4U highlights the nation’s good and bad sleep patterns, and shockingly, almost a quarter of Brits only get between 5 and 6 hours of sleep each night. Then comparing our sleep habits with the rest of the world, on average, UK adults over 25 get 72 minutes less sleep a night than adults in other countries. 

Your physical health can also be adversely affected by a lack of sleep, with links between poor sleep and diabetes, heart disease, obesity and respiratory problems. This is why it is paramount to adopt good sleeping habits and build a sleepscape that creates a calming and relaxing environment to improve your chances of achieving a good night’s sleep. 

What constitutes a good night’s sleep?

Achieving a good night’s sleep involves progressing through various sleep stages, each crucial for daily function and supporting mental health. Interruptions to these sleep cycles can contribute to sleep-associated physical and mental problems, which is why it pays to invest in an environment that mitigates unnecessary noise, discomfort due to uncomfortable bedding or temperatures and other disturbances that could be barriers to good sleep:

The first stage as you drift off is NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep. This is when you transition from wakefulness to sleep, a light sleep stage. You then move into a deeper sleep, during which your body temperature decreases, and your heart rate slows. Deep sleep is critical for physical restoration, muscle and tissue repair, and overall growth. The final part of the sleep cycle is REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep, which is when dreaming occurs. This stage is vital for cognitive functions, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. It is the stage of sleep that has the biggest impact on mental health and overall well-being.

It’s important to also note that different amounts of sleep are required for different age groups, as recommended by the National Sleep Foundation:

Common reasons for sleep interruptions include:

01. Temperature:
Fluctuations in room temperature can disturb sleep. Cooler room temperatures (around 60-67°F or 15-20°C) are generally recommended for optimal sleep.

02. Comfort:
Uncomfortable mattresses or pillows can lead to tossing and turning, disrupting sleep. Choosing comfortable bedding and sleep surfaces is crucial, and a very individual choice. 

03. Noise:
External noise, such as traffic or sounds from outside the bedroom, can interfere with sleep. Creating a quiet sleep environment or using white noise machines can help drown out external noise and create a soothing environment.

04. Restless Partners:
If you sleep next to a restless sleeper, this can in turn affect your night. Consider using separate blankets or mattresses with motion isolation features.

05. Stress and Anxiety:
Cited in UK studies as the biggest cause of sleep difficulties, stress, anxiety and other mental health issues can hugely disrupt sleep. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, and a regular bedtime routine can help manage stress before bedtime.

How can quality bedding improve sleep?

Your bedding can have a significant impact on your sleep, as it can contribute to, or mitigate environmental factors that could be causing you to wake.  Temperature regulation, comfort and general relaxation can all be improved or made worse by the bedding that you sleep in, which is why it’s important to research and invest in duvets, mattresses, sheets, pillows and cases that are conducive to a good night’s sleep.  You’ll need to consider the temperature in your room and change your bedding accordingly with the seasons.  

Quality mattresses, pillows, and bedding contribute significantly to comfort. A supportive mattress that aligns with your sleep preferences, coupled with pillows that provide proper neck and head support, can eliminate discomfort and help you drift off smoothly and stay asleep longer. 

Bedding materials with good breathability and moisture-wicking properties can help regulate body temperature. This is particularly important for preventing overheating during sleep. Natural fibres like cotton and linen are known for their breathability, ensuring a more comfortable and consistent sleep temperature. Make sure that when you purchase bedding you get the size right, as ill-fitting bedding that creases or comes loose in the night could also present additional barriers to good sleep. 

What is luxury bedding?

When investing in your bedding, it can be difficult to understand what constitutes luxury bedding. However, certain fabrics are accepted to be higher in quality, breathability and comfort. These fabrics typically take longer to make, with a higher thread count. The increased expense of the materials and labour to create luxury bedding leads to a higher price tag, however, investing in better quality bedding could pay dividends in both how long it lasts, how easy it is to maintain, and most importantly, how well you sleep. 

There are several factors to consider when purchasing luxury bedding, and the right features will not only improve how long you sleep but also the quality of your sleep.

Tog rating

A Tog rating is used to describe the ‘thermal resistance’, or warmth of a product. In the UK it is most commonly used to refer to the warmth of duvets.  The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet is likely to be. Tog ratings provide a rough guide as to how warm your duvet will be, as other factors can affect the temperature in your bed, including the room itself, the sheets you use and your pillow. You’ll want to purchase a lower-tog duvet for the warmer months, and a higher tog for the winter, particularly if you keep your heating low or off during the night.

Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads that are interwoven in any square inch of fabric. Typically, the higher the thread count, the more luxurious and soft the bedding. Look for thread counts between 300-500. Fabrics with a high thread count benefit from the tightly knit strands making your bedding cosier, softer, and more luxurious. A higher thread count may also make bedding heavier, so consider this if you prefer lighter sheets.

Fabrics 

Natural fibres, such as linen, bamboo and cotton are the best when choosing sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases. Opt for breathable, hypoallergenic, soft-to-touch fabrics which help to keep you cool and comfortable. Finally, avoid scratchy, rough sheets, as they can not only be extremely uncomfortable but also trap heat.

Longevity & cleanliness

If you’re investing in luxury bedding, you’ll want it to last, which is why it is important to regularly wash it and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s advisable to regularly wash and change your bedding, along with mattress toppers, and replace pillows every 1-2 years, to ensure the correct support and hygiene. It’s also recommended, depending on the type and style of mattress you have, to regularly rotate it to avoid excessive wear in certain areas.

5 Tips for choosing the right bedding

You’ll want to consider the tog rating, thread count and type of fabric when choosing your luxury bedding, as everyone’s bedroom and preferences are different. Your bedding is extremely important in supporting a good night’s sleep, along with creating a calming, relaxing ambience in your bedroom.

01. Fabric type

The fabric you choose will determine the longevity, look and feel of your bedding. Three of the most luxurious, practical and breathable fabrics are cotton, linen and silk, and it will come down to your needs and personal taste. Cotton is known for its breathability and versatility and is a classic choice offering comfort in various climates. Linen is extremely durable and low maintenance, and also great for breathability. It is ideal if you’re looking to create a relaxed, lived-in look. Silk oozes opulence, and is truly luxurious in look and feel. It is also known for its temperature-regulating properties. Consider your personal preferences, climate, and desired aesthetic to determine the most suitable fabric for your bedding.

02. Temperature control

Temperature control can have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep, and it’s important to choose bedding that helps keep you at your optimum temperature all night. You may wish to opt for seasonal bedding if your bedroom changes temperature during the summer and the winter, and you’ll also want to consider whether you’re a ‘hot’ sleeper. Certain luxury fabrics are better suited for temperature control, and the thread count will determine the quality but also the weight of them. Breathability also plays a big part in temperature control, so again, cotton, linens and silks are perfect to achieve the right balance.

04. Feel and textures

You’ll want to sink into a soft and comforting bed when you lay down for a good night’s sleep, which is why investing in luxury bedding can create a serene and calming environment conducive to good sleep. The texture of your bedding is a personal choice. Some people love the opulence and feel of silk, but for others, it’s too far from what they are used to. Cotton is extremely versatile and widely available in a range of thread counts, and generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the better the quality of bedding, and the softer it is to touch. Rough and coarse bedding will likely lead to an uncomfortable night’s sleep, so it’s worth spending more to achieve bedtime bliss.

05. Durability

You’ll want your luxury bedding to stand the test of time, as it can be a significant investment and you want it to feel great night after night, which is why you’ll need it to withstand regular washing.  Check the guidance and manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing and always wash at the recommended temperature setting to avoid it becoming ill-fitting or uncomfortable. 

06. Style and aesthetic

Your bed is your focal point in your sleepscape, and the bedding you dress your bed with should fit with the desired aesthetic in your room. Plush fabrics, throws and pillows can create a luxurious, cosy feel that you’ll want to unwind in, or if you prefer a more minimalist look, opt for cleaner lines, lighter fabric colours and matte finishes. Your sleep environment can support the quality of your sleep, helping you to drift away and stay asleep for longer, waking up ready to tackle the day ahead. 

Recommended bed frames and bedding

There are so many factors within our control that can determine whether we get a good night’s sleep. From bedtime routines to the environment in which we sleep. Bedding is integral to comfort throughout the night and a key component in creating your perfect sleepscape. Your bedding and bed reflect your style and individual taste and needs, so it’s important, when investing in luxury bedding to consider the factors important to you. That includes the temperature, look and feel, weight and size of your luxury bedding. Your bed is your sanctuary for perfect sleep, so choose the right bedding, and bedframe to create that perfect sleepscape. Invest in your well-being, indulge in luxury and explore our range of bed frames and mattresses to help you on your journey to an incredible night’s sleep.

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Ready to create your perfect sleepscape? We’re here to help you choose the perfect luxury bed to help you achieve an incredible night’s sleep, every single night. Indulge in luxury and invest in your mental and physical well-being. Our team is on hand to help you, so talk to one of our sleep experts who will help guide you down your path to perfect relaxation.

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