Switching to organic cotton bedding is the first step towards a healthy environment and happy home. 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.
To explain why you need to make the switch to organic cotton bedding, the experts at Naturalmat have shared their top 6 reasons and benefits. They have also asked their resident sleep expert, Christabel Majendie to reveal the effects it will have on your sleep, so this is the only guide you need!
Healthier sleep
When you switch to organic cotton bedding, you are improving your sleep health. Your bed is ultimately a place for you to recharge from your current day and rest well for the day ahead, if you are laying your head down on non-organic bedding this could impact your quality of sleep. Tossing and turning in your sleep can cause repeated friction between your skin and the sleep surface leaving you feeling restless, organic cotton is softer to the touch than heavily processed cotton allowing you to have a good night’s sleep.
Sustainability
Organic cotton has a much lower environmental footprint. It doesn’t damage the soil, has less impact on the air and uses 88% less water and 62% less energy in the production. It is grown under strict regulations and harvests the crops without toxic pesticides. According to the Soil Association, most organic cotton is grown in rain-fed areas. This means that farmers rely on rain to water their cotton as opposed to extracting water from the ground which puts pressure on water supplies in local communities.
Increased comfort
When you get into bed, you want the environment around you to be comfortable. Organic cotton bedding has no contact with toxic chemicals which results in a soft feel. It also benefits your wellbeing as the material is breathable, this means the organic cotton regulates your body temperature, so you won’t find yourself being too hot or too cold.
Better for children
Toxic chemicals can be particularly harmful to smaller babies and children since their skin and immune systems are far more sensitive. If you have smaller children, it is the best option to opt for organic cotton bedding for their safety and comfort.
Excellent quality
When you purchase organic cotton, you are opting for better quality, ensure to check the organic bedding for certifications. The industry standard that guarantees products are made with top quality organic materials is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This is in place to provide a reliable product guarantee for the customer. Good quality bedding, at least 200 thread count, and high-quality stitching should last you for years with great care.
Better for allergy and sensitive skin sufferers
If you suffer from allergies, you will see the benefits of organic cotton bedding. When you are lying down in bed, your face is always in contact with the 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 which can cause irritation and cause skin allergies.
Christabel Majendie, resident sleep expert at Naturalmat says: “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 and sweaty or 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.”
