Why A Seasonal Bedding Rotation Should Be Part Of Your Wellness Routine
Is anything better than the feeling of fresh sheets at bedtime? The majority of us would leap at a newly made bed. In fact, 73% of people surveyed by the U.S. National Sleep Foundation reported that they sleep better on fresh sheets (via The Guardian). And it's no wonder why — not only does it feel incredible to slide into the embrace of clean bedding, but it's important for your health and hygiene.
Hopefully, you've already got a routine to change your sheets regularly. Just like bath towels or any other linens, your bed sheets get dirty over time. Even if you shower right before you hit the hay, your bedding will still gradually collect skin cells, oils, sweat, and other particles you unintentionally track into the bed. Speaking to the BBC, sleep expert Dr. Lindsay Browning reveals that these unavoidable contaminants can attract invisible mites, aggravate allergies, and even contribute to insomnia.
That's why Dr. Browning recommends laundering your sheets every two weeks at the most. While you might get away with washing top sheets like duvet covers less often, some items — like your pillowcases — may need more attention. Spoiler alert: You should probably change your pillowcase more often than you do right now.
If you're already swapping out your sheets often, then you're doing great. But did you know that it can also pay to change your bedding entirely with the turn of the seasons? If you're looking for an easy way to get better sleep, connect with your space, and feel in tune with the natural movement of the year, here's why to add a seasonal bedding rotation to your wellness routine.
Reasons to shift your bedding with the seasons
If you already attend to hygiene by washing your sheets, you might not see the point of periodically changing your bedding altogether. But a seasonal bedding change can do wonders to support your sleep quality and foster a positive mindset.
First and foremost, changing your bed linens every few months allows you to adapt the weight of your bedding for grade-A sleep in any weather. Sleep Foundation reports that the ideal temperature for slumber is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you use the same comforter or duvet all year long, it's difficult to regulate your temperature from season to season. In the summer, you'd be better off with lightweight fabrics and blankets, while hitting the perfect temperature range in winter will likely call for heavier padding. Depending on where you live, you may also need transitional, medium-weight options for spring and fall.
Switching up your bedding can also breathe new life into a space, rewarding your brain with a sense of novelty and control over your environment. For rest and relaxation, your bedroom should be a sanctuary. So if it's beginning to feel stagnant, you need to give it a refresh, stat.
Bedding is one of the quickest and most impactful ways to give your whole room a new vibe. Try a different pattern, experiment with layers, or change the color scheme altogether. You can even bring the rhythms of nature indoors by selecting bedding that aligns with the seasons, such as bright tropical florals for warm weather months and patterns with woodland prints, plaids, or even snowy patterns in winter. But revitalizing your bedding is about so much more than the bedspread. There are countless ways to reimagine your bed set for both comfort and style.
Easy ways to shake up your bedding game
As we mentioned already, the weight of your bedding can play a huge part in the quality of your sleep. So one of the most important ways to change your bedding seasonally is to change the thickness of your comforter or duvet to suit the temperature. However, the same goes for your sheets. For warm weather, dress your bed with sheets that will feel smooth and cool against your skin. While cotton is a year-round favorite, don't be afraid to try out lightweight linen sheets or even silk bedding sets to keep you cool all summer. In winter, cozy flannel sheets will trap your body heat and keep you toasty through the night.
In addition to swapping your comforter, you may also want to add extra layers in cold months. Tuck a fleece or sherpa layer between your sheets and duvet to sleep snug as a bug in a rug. Or capture both warmth and charm by tossing a chunky knit throw or faux fur blanket invitingly across the foot of your bedspread.
And if you're the type who loves to decorate your home for every holiday, bedding is a simple and fun place to bring in a little seasonal cheer. Accent your fresh bedding with graphic throw pillows bearing nature prints, seasonal sayings, or holiday icons. If nothing else, it's a great excuse to spend some extra time browsing your favorite home goods store for cute bedding and linens.