Experts from Naturalmat told us that switching to organic cotton bedding is a natural and environmentally friendly way to improve your sleep.
The National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health claim that we spend a third of our lives in bed, so it is important that the fabric we are touching is clean and not filled with potential toxic chemicals.
Organic cotton is grown without the use of any synthetic, artificial fertilisers and is a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre.
The experts at Naturalmat have shared their top five reasons you should make the change today. Resident sleep expert, Christabel Majendie gives you some advice that you can trust, too.
Healthier sleep, happier body
Tossing and turning can cause repeated friction between your skin and the sleep surface — not to mention increasing the likelihood of muscle strain and back ache — leaving you feeling restless. Organic cotton is softer to the touch than heavily processed alternatives, so if you like the idea of sleeping in a fluffy cloud, this is the perfect imitation.
Sustainability for land and local people
The lower our environmental footprint, the better. When in harvesting, organic cotton doesn’t damage the plant soil; it has less impact on the air, uses 88% less water and 62% less energy in production and follows strict regulations that avoid the use of toxic pesticides. According to the Soil Association, most organic farmers rely on rain to water their cotton as opposed to extracting water from the ground which can put pressure on water supplies in local communities.
Comfort is key
Organic materials are generally a lot more breathable, meaning your body temperature is easier regulated. A healthy body temperature evens your heart rate and blood pressure — two key functions that settle your REM cycle (Rapid Eye Movement) and prevent bouts of brain activity that wake you up throughout the night.
Top tier quality
When you purchase organic cotton, look for at least 200 thread count and make sure you check for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications — this guarantees quality as well as environmental kindness.
Sensitive skin? No problem
Your face is always in contact with sheets or pillowcases and, even though non-organic cotton is cleaned, chemicals can sometimes linger in the fibres. Having sensitive skin makes you vulnerable to elements that can cause irritation and skin allergy flare-ups. GOTS certification ensures hypoallergenic materials.
Words from sleep expert, Christabel Majendie
“Good sleep hygiene advises having a comfortable mattress and adequate bedding for the time of year. If you wake in the night feeling either hot or sweaty and too cold, it’s an idea to check your bedding and opt for natural fibres as these can regulate your body temperature better than made-made fibres.
Go for organic fibres as these are grown without nasty pesticides that can harm the environment. Non-organic cotton is a ‘dirty’ product as it uses 16% of the world’s insecticides which not only is harmful to wildlife but is linked with health issues in the communities using them. The same goes for organic wool.”
See more guides on sustainable living and how to keep healthy all year round, on our health pages.
