Do feel restless and have trouble sleeping? The Sleep in America poll reported that 55 percent of people don’t sleep well enough. Another 44 percent said they didn’t sleep long enough.

Lack of quality sleep causes increased irritability, feeling ill, and headaches. Have you ever thought about your bedding contributing to sleep problems? Sustainable bed sheets offer a comfortable option that also protects the environment.

Keep reading to learn why sustainable bed sheets are better than regular sheets.

Definition of Organic Bedding

The term organic with regard to farm produce requires specific growing restrictions. Farmers may not use pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or other artificial agents.

If you wish to buy organic bedding, how can you determine if it’s truly organic? There are several different certifications to look for.

The GOTS Certification requires that at least 70 percent of the fiber be organic.

The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 guarantees that fabrics have no dangerous chemicals. This certification also designates that they’re safe for human use.

The USDA Organic Certification sets restrictions for advertising that fabric is organic. It requires that it’s made using USDA certified organic crop fibers.

Businesses undergo rigorous chemical testing and procedural review to earn these designations. They are then able to include this certification on their product labels.

How Do You Know If You’re Buying Eco-Friendly Bedding?

Using bleach, pesticides, or other additives when growing or making products hurts the environment. These chemicals seep into the soil, our drinking water, and even our bodies.

The term eco-friendly only applies to products that are easily recyclable. Manufacturers can’t use harmful chemicals when growing or producing fibers. They also have antibacterial properties.

Companies dedicated to protecting the environment choose eco-friendly dyes, for example. They also use less water when growing and making their fibers.

These companies strive to reuse all manufacturing waste in the production process. “Closed-loop production” recycles 99 percent of solvents, chemicals, and other waste. This reduces the business' ecological footprint.

When shopping, look for labels designating that the business meets environmental standards. The FSC Certification requires manufacturers to practice responsible forest management. This ensures social, economic, and environmental benefits.

The Green America designation is given to companies that meet established high standards. The business must practice the principles of environmental sustainability and social justice.

Benefits of Sustainable Bed Sheets

Sustainable bedding meets these environmental standards previously described. The fabrics have antibacterial properties and are easy to recycle. They also provide moisture-wicking which provides cool, dry comfort for sleeping.

Today, there are many options when shopping for sustainable bedding. Each one provides different benefits. The following guide will help you make the best choice for you.

Organic Cotton

This fabric is cost-effective, breathable, and has easy care instructions. Cotton has the natural ability to absorb water up to one-fourth of its weight. One negative factor, though, is that making organic cotton bedsheets uses a lot of water.

Organic Latex

You may dismiss latex as a bedding material because you picture rubber sheets. In fact, organic latex is a great material for constricting firm, foam mattresses. It’s made from certified rubber sap that’s poured into molds.

Organic latex's natural properties include resistance to bacteria, dust, mildew, and mold. This reduces the debris that can collect inside mattresses and cause illness.

Organic Hemp and Linen

Organic hemp and linen bedding are free of dangerous chemicals. Its fibers are also stronger than cotton fibers.

To achieve optimum eco-friendliness, choose natural colored linen or hemp bedding. In order for a company to make a bright white color, they must use a lot of chemicals. You should also know that this type of bedding tends to hold wrinkles.

Eucalyptus

Are you a fan of the eucalyptus plant? Did you know that this plant is now used to make amazing bedding? Eucalyptus fabric is very soft creating increased comfort for sleeping.

It also resists insects, mold, and dust. This is great for those who suffer from frequent congestion or allergies.

Bamboo

Do you have sensitive skin? If so, you may want to choose bedding that's made with bamboo fibers. Rayon fabrics use bamboo to create a sheet that is lighter in weight than cotton.

Bamboo also contributes to great temperature regulation due to its moisture-wicking ability. If you often feel hot when sleeping, this is a great choice for you.

Tencel Lyocell, Modal, and Refibra

Another eco-friendly bedding choice is made using wood fibers. Common wood choices include beech, birch, or eucalyptus. This type of fabric is referred to as Tencel Lyocell and Modal.

Refibra uses recycled cotton scraps with a mix of Tencel. This combination feels great and uses a closed-loop manufacturing process.

These bedding choices are antibacterial, shrink-resistant, and provide moisture-wicking. This offers another option for a cool, relaxing night’s sleep.

The Impact of Sustainable vs Regular Sheets on Your Sleep

Have you ever slept on sheets that feel rough or stick to you when you move around? Did this cause you to have trouble getting to sleep or wake you up during the night? Organic and eco-friendly sheets create less friction and increase your comfort.

Traditional sheets using synthetic fibers and chemicals make the sheets stiffer. They also tend to resist moisture. These factors can make you feel hot and sweaty.

Individuals with allergies may not realize that their bedding is harming their health. The combination of harmful chemicals and debris build-up can trigger allergic responses. You may also notice more skin irritation as well.

For these reasons, choose sustainable bedding to improve your health and your sleep.

You Deserve a Great Night’s Sleep

Are you ready to sleep better night after night? Now you know the benefits of choosing sustainable bed sheets.

Nest has a wide selection of eco-friendly and organic bedding options. We also offer Certipur-IS certified luxury mattresses with a lifetime guarantee.

Our company shares your concerns about the pandemic. In response, we are now providing free, no-contact delivery. We want you to experience the safest and best sleep possible for the rest of your life.

Contact us today to speak to an Expert Nestologist and sign up for a 100-night risk-free trial.