Is Silk Bedding Better for Your Health?
The right bedding is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
Whilst the composition of our bedding may not even cross our minds, what your bedding is made from can have a huge impact on your sleep quality. Put simply, better sleep means better health. Most duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases are made from synthetic fibres, which not only damage easily or quickly lose their quality through washing, but don’t do your skin and overall health any favours, either.
In this blog we delve deeper into how our choice of bedding impacts our health, and the benefits of all-natural, silk bedding in comparison to man-made fabrics.
Silk responds to your body temperature
Silk is a very breathable fabric, due to the air pockets it contains. However, it’s also a great insulator, meaning you don’t have to worry about overheating or shivering through the night.
Silk is very responsive to body temperature, meaning it’ll keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer. This means you’re less likely to catch colds during the chillier months or overheat in the height of summer. Changes in temperature cause disruptions to sleep, which can lead to more general health problems such as increased stress levels and memory problems.
Asthma and allergy benefits
The hypoallergenic properties of silk can really benefit people who suffer from allergies. Silk bedding is less prone to dust mites, unlike synthetic bedding which allows them to thrive due to the damper conditions of the fabric. No dust mites means less asthma and allergy flare ups.
It’s good for your skin
If you suffer from dry skin or eczema, silk bedding may be your saviour. Silk contains proteins from the amino acids that naturally occur within the material, which your skin needs to repair itself. The smooth texture of silk means it glides over the skin, whereas cotton or synthetic fibers may pull, which can lead to wrinkles and speed up the aging process. To find out more about how silk may transform your skincare routine for the better, read our How Can Silk Benefit Your Skin? blog.
It’s toxin free
Harmful chemicals are often added to synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, during the production process. These toxins can then penetrate the skin while you sleep, exposing you to damage and irritation. Natural fabrics are also more hygienic, as synthetic fibres can’t absorb bacteria which makes them a breeding ground for germs.
Polyester is thought to be the worst offender when it comes to toxin levels, which is commonly found in standard duvet covers and bedding sets.
Why do we need better sleep?
Good sleep = better eating habits
Sleep deprivation can make it more difficult to control your appetite, and fatigue will more than likely see you reaching for caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks throughout the day. Your body will require more energy if it’s been awake for longer, which could lead to overeating. Plus, sleep plays a large role in regulating how your body uses food for energy, meaning that getting good quality sleep (and enough of it) can help you to maintain your weight.
Sleep is good for your heart
A lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart problems. It’s thought that disrupted sleep, i.e. waking up throughout the night, can stimulate your sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for what’s known as the “fight or flight response” - your body’s physical reaction to danger. This leads to increased blood pressure, which ultimately puts strain on your heart. High blood pressure puts you at risk of a stroke and heart disease.
Mental health benefits
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. When we don’t get enough sleep, we may spend the day feeling irritable, frustrated and unmotivated. This leaves us susceptible to erratic mood swings. If this is happening on a regular basis, it can have detrimental effects on our mental well-being and state of mind, which can affect our relationships, work performance and ability to perform daily tasks.
Whilst silk bedding is certainly not a guaranteed or quick fix for health problems, it certainly doesn’t hurt to switch to a natural, toxin-free fabric for your bedding. After all, you spend around eight hours a night in bed. If you’re looking for your first silk bedding set, why not take a look at our best-selling ivory silk bedding range? Made from 100% mulberry silk, this signature set features pillowcases, duvet cover, and a choice of fitted or flat sheet. These items are all purchased separately, so you can try one or two items before you commit to the full set.