Why our organic cotton flat sheet could revolutionise your sleep.

🎵 "Warmer nights are here and the time is right, for adding a flat sheet."🎵 

Did you know that temperature significantly contributes to the quality of sleep you get? 

If you are serious about getting some quality "zzzzs", you need to think seriously about the quality of bedding you sleep on. 

Here at Strawberry & Cream, sleep is very important to us. That's why we're so passionate about sourcing and designing the most luxurious, well made and ethical 100% GOTS certified organic cotton bedding. 

The flat sheet may seem old-fashioned, but before elasticated fitted sheets were invented, flat sheets required daily tucking under a heavy mattress. Here at Strawberry & Cream, we see the 100% cotton flat sheet rather differently.

We believe it is best used as a layer between yourself and the duvet, and preferably untucked. Not only does this help to regulate your temperature at night, but it also reduces the need to wash the duvet cover so regularly. There's nothing better than the feeling of freshly laundered sheets, and changing a flat sheet is so much easier than regularly wrestling with a duvet cover!

Thermoregulation is also a vital component to quality sleep. Rather than stirring from deep sleep, cold from kicking off the duvet on the hottest nights, the flat sheet helps your body react to a drop in ambient temperature. So as the nights get warmer, try layering a breathable 100% organic cotton flat sheet underneath a 100% wool blanket or 100% organic cotton duvet cover. Research shows it will directly influence the quality of your sleep. 

Don't just take our word for it - here's the science bit:

A rise or fall in the ambient temperature can cause increased wakefulness and decreased REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This fourth stage is the restorative part of our sleep cycle and if disrupted by temperature, our bodies are unable to follow their normal circadian rhythm (internal body clock that regulates the 24-hour cycle of biological processes in animals and plants.). Leading to tiredness and difficulty concentrating during the day. 

Temperature can also impact upon slow wave sleep; the deepest stage and most important period of our sleep cycle. This is when our bodies, grow, develop, grow and re-energize. It’s during slow wave sleep that the body recovers and energizes for the next day. Researchers have shown that regularly disrupted slow wave sleep can lead to an increase in serious diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Top six ways a quality night's sleep can positively affect your health.

1. Sleep boosts your immune system
Your body needs sleep to identify and fight germs and allergens. Whilst you sleep, your body produces extra protein molecules that can strengthen your ability to fight infections. A good night's sleep is also the best way to fight existing colds and infections.

2. Sleep reduces stress and depression
A lack of sleep causes your body to produce higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This can not only disrupt your sleep further, but make it harder for you to react and respond to stressors rationally and calmly during the day. 

3. Sleep helps you maintain a healthy weight
Sleep affects our hormonal balance. Hormones are essential for the feeling of refreshment we have when we wake up. Not only that, but they are important for the proper function of all the organs and cells in our body. They even regulate the hormones that affect your appetite and reduce your cravings for high calorie foods.

4. Sleep reduces your risk of serious diseases
Prolonged relaxation during sleep helps reduce blood pressure. Regular restorative sleep can also help to lower the levels of stress and inflammation to your cardiovascular system, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, research has shown that regularly disturbed sleep affects how your body processes glucose; ineffective management of glucose can lead to type 2 diabetes. 

5. Sleep can help your relationships
Do you find yourself to be more snappy after a poor night's sleep? More likely to jump to conclusions, listen to paranoia and misinterpret signals? Sleep is key to reducing our levels of stress hormones and helps us respond to loved ones in a more calm and measured way, even if they have left the damp bath towels on the bed...again!

6. Sleep can make you smarter
Alongside a great night's sleep, scientists have shown that a daytime power nap can help your brain to function more effectively. Sleep is also key to memory function; it is when your brain processes, analyses and stores the information it has absorbed during the day. Your brain needs sleep to maintain an effective filing system!

Want a good night's sleep?

We can help. All our bedding made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. Not only will the breathable organic cotton help your body maintain a happy temperature, you can also sleep guilt-free knowing that our sustainable, ethical bedding is not harming the planet. 

From Fitted to Flat Sheets, Pillowcases to Duvet Covers, our bedding is designed with a good night's sleep in mind. We take huge pride in the feedback we receive from our existing customers - many of whom who are enjoying a better night's sleep already. 

We highly recommend adding our 100% organic cotton Flat Sheet to your bedding as the nights get warmer. With our Mix & Match range, you can not only regulate your temperature, but you can brighten up your existing bedding, whilst reducing your laundry load. 

Discover our blog for more top tips for a great night's sleep.