Then there is the matter of temperature control. Some of the most persuasive ads for sheets focus on temperature. These ads either tout the fact that their sheets leave the sleeper very cool, or they tout the capacity of their sheets to “breath” –though it should be remembered that most people add one or more blankets on top of their sheets which makes the breathability of the sheets somewhat moot. Some people like to change their sheets depending on the time of year. Flannel sheets in the Winter and cotton sheets in the Summer. For other folks it is all a matter of universal “feel-good” regardless of the time of year. Silk sheets are preferred year around—or it is those wonderful bamboo sheets that are now being touted.
In recent years, attention has also been given to the health-base status of the sheet. Is it hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. Cotton sheets are often dismissed as being too vulnerable to bacteria. Bamboo sheets are being touted as the healthiest of sheets. An alternative to the selection of healthy-sheets is the engagement in healthy practices regarding the washing and drying of the sheets. There is also good reason for advocating drying sheets out on a clothes line. This old-fashion practice not only is good for the environment (fewer watts of power devoted to drying of the sheets) and produces fresh-smelling sheets that no artificial additive can duplicate—it also offers the natural disinfectant offered by the sun.
Finally, of course, there is the matter of cost and value. While sheets are certainly not the most expensive component of the bedroom environment, they can range widely in cost. One can always settle for cotton or even polyester sheets that are relatively inexpensive; however, given the intimacy of our sheets, it might be worth it to snuggle up against a fabric that is soft to the touch and inviting of a good night of sleep.
I would mention one other matter regarding “feel” of the bed when falling asleep. This is even more “intimate” than the sheets. What are the clothes you are wearing (or not wearing) when going to bed. If you are sleeping in the nude, then the sheets will make all the difference. If you are wearing pajamas or some other apparel, then the softness of the night apparel fabric might make just as great a difference as the softness of the sheets. Silk or flannel PJs might be just as comforting as silk of flannel sheets (and probably less expensive).
Blankets
This component of the bedroom environment is usually given less attention than even the sheets. We didn’t even identify the blanket as an important sleep pathway. The blanket typically doesn’t touch our skin (the sheet serving as an intermediatory). In most cases, the only feature of the blanket to be considered is its thickness and capacity to hold in the heat of our body. At certain times of the year (and in certain climates) we want very light blankets (or no blankets at all covering us). At other times of the year (and in more temperate climates) a thick blanket is required or several blankets are placed over our sheet.
Then there is the matter of substituting a quilt for a blanket. The quilt is a “god-send” for some people (including myself). There is something about sinking into bed under a big, soft quilt that hovers on sinking into “heaven” for some of us quilt-lovers. There is, of course, a wide range in the cost and quality of quilts. Traditionally, the ultimate in quilts were filled with duck down. Most quilts today are not quite so “exotic” or expensive. There is also the matter of multi-layer quilts that have been hand sown and incorporates beautiful patterns and designs. While a traditional Rustic or Amish quilt might not yield a better night of sleep, it can serve as a source of delight while planning for sleep.
I should also mention the bed spread. This component typically has little to do with quality of sleep. However, like an Amish-made quilt, the bed spread can provide pre-sleep delight and obviously, can help “show off” a bedroom for visitors or those shooting pictures of our home for Better Homes and Gardens or some fancy Interior Design magazine. We probably should not overlook the appearance of a bedroom (including furniture, lightening, color of the walls and objects on shelves and bedtables) when considering how conducive a bedroom is to a good night of sleep. It truly is a matter of “bed and beyond” when it comes to this third (sleep environment) set of sleep pathways.
