On average, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, underscoring the importance of a comfortable sleeping environment. Numerous factors can impact our sleep quality, from the bed to the mattress and lighting. If you have not considered the material your bedding is made of, you should because it is one of the factors that affect sleep quality.
If you have never enjoyed the feel of linen against your skin as you sleep, you are missing out. Linen bedding has many benefits and features that should compel you to switch to the material.
It is a Natural Product
Pure linen is derived from flax, and it is a beautiful, soft natural product. Flax is entirely recyclable and biodegradable, making it great for the environment.
Its environmental benefits also stem from the fact that it grows naturally, does not require irrigation, and requires little to no fertiliser. The natural strength of the yarn produced from flax also means the fibres do not require starching as they are being woven.
All the above means that there are few chemicals used in its production. Compare that to cotton and synthetic crops sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, some of which remain on finished products and are absorbed by the skin.
Linen is Very Durable
Linen is one of the most durable natural materials for bedding and other items. If taken care of properly, linen bedding can last a long time. One thing we can recognise is that linen is typically more expensive than materials like cotton.
The main reason is that producing linen bedding and other items is complex, time-consuming, and costly. However, the result is a material that can last decades.
For this reason, the correct perception of linen bedding should be that it is an investment for which you will get a lot of value. If you buy linens online from a reputable supplier, you can expect the linen to be passed down through generations as family heirlooms.
Lastly, linen is less susceptible to being broken down by sweat than other materials like cotton.
It is a Great Material For Sensitive Skin
Linen made out of 100% flax is recommended for those with sensitive skin for several reasons. First, as mentioned, its production involves little to no chemicals that can cause skin issues. This is especially true if it is certified to be Oeko-Tex certified.
This certification assures that the material is free from over 100 harmful substances that damage human health. Such material is free from allergy-inducing colourants, phthalates, PFOAs and carcinogens. Being free of these harmful substances is especially important considering the amount of time we spend with our bodies in direct contact with bedding.
Second, the material is hypoallergenic. Bedding can attract different allergens, including dust, mould, dander, and dust mites. All-natural fibres like 100% flax linen reduce and deal with these allergens effectively.
Third, linen is very soft. It feels great on the skin and is not abrasive like other materials. A fascinating thing about linen is that it gets softer with every wash compared to other materials that get worn out the more they are washed. Linen behaves like this because of its moisture absorption properties that deepen with every wash.
Fourth, linen has antimicrobial properties, as pure flax linen can suppress bacteria.
It is Breathable and Highly Absorbent
Most people understand the feeling of waking up in a swampy bed in the summer or when the temperatures are a bit high. Linen has a few properties that can help with this issue. Natural linen fibres make linen bedding breathable. It is also a good conductor of heat, allowing a bed with linen bedding to remain cool on warmer nights.
Linen is also highway absorbent, with studies finding it can absorb up to a fifth of its weight before it starts feeling damp or clammy. This property means it absorbs much more sweat than other materials before it becomes uncomfortable. Its moisture-wicking properties are also complemented by the fact that it dries very quickly.
Its fibre structure is responsible for all the above as it lets air flow through the material, which keeps you cool. Also, the woven fibre structure ensures it is excellent at regulating temperature overall, so you will also stay comfortable in the winter.
Linen Can Improve Sleep Quality
Linen can also improve sleep quality due to the properties we have discussed above. Your bed will remain comfortable regardless of the season, and you will not have to sleep in a wet or cold bed if you sweat a lot.
In addition, linen is anti-static. This property explains why it remains cleaner for much longer than materials like cotton and doesn’t cling to the body. Linen also softens and preserves the skin because it maintains a neutral PH balance.
Linen has a massaging effect due to the structure of its fibres and breaks throughout the fabric. These microscopic breaks stimulate your skin as you sleep or lie on linen bedding, stimulating blood flow and promoting relaxation.
There is anecdotal evidence that linen bedding helps you sleep faster and have a deeper and more relaxing sleep. It is thought this is because it makes the bed warm, comfortable, and soft to lie in.
It is Timeless
Linen is a timeless material that has been used for thousands of years. Its versatility and unique properties are the main reasons why it has been used for such a long time.
Linen is Completely Sustainable
In addition to not using little to no chemicals in its production, linen manufacturers also use every part of the flax plant used to make linen fibres. A great example is manufacturers using other parts of the plant to make linseed oil.
The durability and longevity of linen bedding also mean that it does not end up in the environment as quickly as other materials.
Conclusion
Linen is a natural material that has many uses. It is used to make bedding with properties that make it very attractive. It is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, durable, thermoregulating, and much more, making it a much better material than alternatives like cotton.
