Experts recommend about seven hours of sleep every day for adults. This means that most people spend around a third of their lifetime in bed. So, having nice, healthy, and comfortable bedding can make a difference in the quality of life. Rough sheets are bad for the skin, and they make someone toss and turn throughout the night. But some fabrics are highly recommended even for sensitive skin.
The skin contains thousands of nerve endings, making it highly sensitive to harsh bedsheets. Sensitive skin is prone to all sorts of dermatological issues. People with conditions like eczema, ichthyosis, and psoriasis should be careful of any material that comes up against their skin. Sunburns, wounds, and chickenpox can be affected by materials like flannel, linen, and wool. But softer, lightweight, and breathable fabrics are more comforting. This article highlights three types of bedsheets (cotton, silk, and satin) and why they are the best for a good night’s sleep.
Cotton makes the softest and highest-quality bed sheets thanks to its long-staple fibers fabricated into fine, strong yarns. Cotton bedsheets are the ultimate bedding materials for sleepers with sensitive skin and allergies. They are breathable, hence do not trap body heat. As such, they are the best choices for hot nights.
Many consumers prefer organic cotton because it is more ethical and eco-friendlier. Grown without pesticides, it minimizes harm for humans and Mother Nature. Certified cotton bed sheets have passed the requirements of GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). GOTS ensures that materials are processed, manufactured, packaged, labeled, and distributed with the highest social and environmental standards. The most sought-after and certified types of cotton are:
Shorter cotton fibers come at a relatively lower price. Depending on the weave type, cotton bed sheets can be classified into:
Generally, a higher thread count is more durable and creates a softer feel. Thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. Anything between 200 and 800 is satisfactory. However, some materials are below 200 yet finished nicely, making it hard to differentiate them from their high-end counterparts. Thread count isn’t everything and some brands will manipulate their thread count numbers to sound fancier.
Silk is a distinct natural fiber derived from silkworms, while satin is a kind of vertical weave construction. Satin can be crafted from many materials, including silk, cotton, bamboo, wool, rayon, or a blend. In terms of appearance, silk is shimmery; satin is glossy on the front side but a little dull at the back.
Many people consider silk bed sheets to be a luxury as they cost more than most bedding materials. The lightweight and breathable characteristics of silk make it suitable for sensitive skin. It is no surprise that dermatologists apply silk dressings when treating burns and open sores caused by eczema. Moreover, the fabric is hypoallergenic, microbial, and lasts for decades.
Silk threads comprise sericin (a type of protein) and amino acids that can condition the skin and hair. Silk sheets, therefore, act like overnight beauty treatments because they retain moisture in the skin and hair. The structure of silk fiber features a hollow center that gives the material a moisture-wicking ability. It helps regulate body temperature, keeping the sleeping environment cool in summer and warm in winter.
Shiny and slippery satin sheets mainly constitute polyester and poly-blends. Most people opt for satin when they cannot afford the sheer price tag of silk bed sheets. As far as skin and hair comfort goes, satin offers the same benefits as silk. Though, satin tends to be silkier than silk itself. Plus, it is readily available and easy to clean.
Any fabric that touches the skin can have an impact on one’s health. Dermatologists recommend using ultra-soft natural fibers. Materials with high-thread count are comfy, and they let the face slip without friction. It makes sense to buy skin-soothing bed sheets made of cotton, silk, and satin.
