Many factors go into getting a good night's sleep: healthy sleep habits, your mattress, what you eat before bed, light exposure, even noise or the color of your walls. But even if you're checking all of these boxes for the best night sleep, you might be forgetting about an important factor right beneath you: your sheets.
Sheets matter for good sleep because comfort matters. The temperature regulation, fit, and feel of the material are all important to making you feel comfortable at night. Consider what's important when selecting your sheets so you can get the best nights sleep possible.
WHAT MATTERS
Pay attention to these factors when you're choosing your sheets.
- Fabric type: Some fabrics are just better than others for comfort and sleep. Cotton sheets are popular, and for good reason: they are breathable and can absorb 25 percent of its weight in water, so if you sweat at night, cotton sheets can help you stay comfortable. Linen sheets are also a good choice for temperature regulation year round. Linen can cool you down at night during the summer and keep you warm in the winter while staying incredibly durable. Electric blankets are another option if you get cold during the winter.
- Fit: If you've ever woken up uncomfortable because your bed partner has stolen the sheets, or worse, the fitted sheet has come off of a corner, you know how important it is for sheets to have the right fit. Sheets with oversized dimensions can make it easier to tuck well under your mattress and offer plenty of breathing room for your top sheet.
- Durability: Some sheets are treated with chemical processes to make them feel softer or smoother, usually because the materials used aren't naturally comfortable. After you've washed your sheets a few times, those chemicals may wash away, leaving you with uncomfortable sheets. Look for sheets made of high-quality materials that don't require treatment to feel good, such as 100 percent cotton or linen sheets.
WHAT DOESN'T MATTER
These factors won't hurt your comfort, but you may be overpaying if you make them a priority.
- Thread count: A higher thread count doesn't always mean you're getting better sheets. Generally, a thread count between 400 to 800 will be comfortable, and it's not unusual to see inflated thread counts. If you go higher than 800 thread count, you're probably overpaying for your sheets.
- Organic materials: Plenty of organic cotton sheets are available on the market, but they're not necessarily better than their conventional counterparts even if they are more expensive. Instead of an organic seal, look for certifications for safety and performance including Oeko-tex that ensure materials are made without harmful substances.
Choosing sheets is personal. After all, you'll spend several hours on them each night and their comfort is essential to your sleep quality. Spend time selecting the best sheets for your needs so you can get a great night's sleep.