Sweet Dreams: The Perfect Bedding for a Sound Night's Sleep
We all need it, and for most of us, we’re simply not getting enough. In the UK alone, only 28% of adults achieve the recommended 7 to 8 hours needed per night to keep us healthy, happy and thriving.
Unfortunately, fluctuating temperatures and the changing seasons can make reaching the land of nod (and staying there) a challenge — most of us can remember at least one night spent tossing and turning, glaring enviously at the partner who effortlessly falls asleep as soon as their head hits the pillow.
As the leaves turn gorgeously autumnal and the colder night beckon, it’s the perfect time to refresh our bedding and ensure we’re prepared for the season ahead. In this blog, we’ll discuss the ideal bedding set-up (from duvets to pillows, bed linen and more) guaranteed to keep you cool, cosy and sleeping soundly all night long, whatever the weather.
Mattress Toppers
The rule of thumb for many of life’s endeavours: get the foundations right, and the rest will follow.
Often relegated to the back of the line when building your dream bed, mattress protectors are surprisingly useful whether your mattress is new or old. Aside from creating a washable barrier between you and the bacteria that quickly builds up on your mattress, a good quality protector will boost your comfort, prolong your mattress’ lifespan, and help reduce dust-mite-related allergies, encouraging deeper sleep and comfort. What’s not to love?
Duvets
The centrepiece of any bed, investing in a good quality, season-appropriate duvet will do wonders for your sleep health. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which kind is right for you and your lifestyle. If possible, consider investing in two duvets — one for the lighter months of spring/summer and a heavier option for when the nights draw earlier and the temperature drops.
Your spring/summer duvet should be lightweight and made from natural materials like cotton, linen, down or feather, which help wick sweat and allow the skin to breathe more efficiently than synthetic fabrics. When choosing between togs (the duvet’s heat retention capacity rating), note that the ideal rating for warmer weather is between 2.5 to 4.5 tog. Put simply, the lower the rating, the less insulating your new duvet will be.
Your winter duvet, on the other hand, should be a higher tog rating. Choose one at 10.5 tog or above for cosy, insulating bedding that won’t keep you up all night shivering. For extra heat retention, opt for a down-filled or feather-filled duvet, which has better thermal properties and provides 3 to 4 times more air circulation than synthetic versions.
Of course, purchasing more than one duvet is not always practical. If you’re looking to invest in a year-round duvet, choosing a premium quality piece made with natural materials at around 10 tog is a fantastic all-rounder.
Pillows
Choosing the right pillow for your sleeping position is imperative for deep, comfortable slumber that leaves you feeling refreshed and well-rested each morning. Ill-suited pillows can cause or exacerbate neck and back pain, headaches, numbness and a disrupted sleeping pattern, so selecting the right one for you is essential.
Like duvets, pillows made from natural materials work best. Choose cotton, wool, down or feather fillings for a softer, more breathable and longer-lasting pillow.
If you sleep on your back, opt for a pillow that’s medium-firm to provide proper support and keep your spine aligned while you sleep. Regardless of height or body type, back sleepers want a pillow that allows their head to remain in a neutral position, with their chin comfortably in line with the sternum.
For side and front sleepers, a high loft pillow (one that’s 5 inches thick or more) is the best option, as the extra thickness ensures adequate support for the neck and head. Finding the right combination of loft and contouring is key to avoiding aches and pains when you wake.
Bed Linen
The pièce de résistance to any beautiful bed, good quality bed linen is where form and function meet — culminating in the best sleep of your life. Let’s talk fabrics:
Pure cotton bed linen is breathable, soft on the skin, and temperature regulating. This naturally absorbent material wicks away moisture as you sleep to keep you dry throughout the night. As well as keeping you cool in the warmer months, cotton is fantastic for colder climes, absorbing and retaining body heat for a restful night, whatever the weather.
Linen fabric bed linen is naturally bacteria resistant, ventilating and moisture absorbing, making it the perfect partner for great sleep. As well as keeping you cool through the night, linen is also anti-allergenic and is excellent for babies, children and those with sensitive skin or skin issues.
Bedding that promotes a great night’s sleep doesn’t need to compromise on beauty, either. Our bespoke bed linen captures your individuality with over 400 colours available in our gorgeous Corded Stitch and Grosgrain Ribbon trim — be inspired today.
Rekindle Your Relationship with Your Bed, with Gilly Nicolson
Fall in love with sleep again with our premium bedding collection. Explore luxury down and feather-filled pillows and duvets, hypoallergenic down alternatives and mattress toppers that feel like languishing atop a cloud. Ready to let your personality shine? Discover our bespoke bed linen and bed linen collections and start building your sanctuary today.