Ditch the Duvet: The Health Benefits of Sleeping Under Wool

In pursuing a healthy and balanced lifestyle, we often prioritise aspects like diet and exercise, overlooking a fundamental pillar of our well-being—sleep. The Sleep Foundation emphasises that adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. However, according to the Sleep Foundation, 1 in 5 individuals in the UK struggle to achieve this recommended sleep duration.

Quality sleep is critical for our well-being. Prolonged periods of poor sleep can lead to a variety of health concerns; from compromised cognition and a weakened immune system to an increased risk of depression and poor physical health.

Discover how wool offers unique advantages to enhance your sleep experience. From regulating temperature and wicking away moisture to boasting hypoallergenic qualities and promoting enhanced REM sleep, each of these benefits plays a crucial role in delivering a night of rejuvenating and gratifying rest.

The Health Benefits of Sleeping Under Wool

Achieving a restful night's sleep begins with laying the right foundations, and one exceptional solution lies in our collection of premium woollen blankets. These blankets are more than just cozy layers; they are crafted to provide a multitude of sleep benefits, enhancing your overall sleep experience:

Enhanced REM Sleep

REM sleep is a crucial part of the sleep cycle that aids in memory consolidation and rejuvenation. Wool can increase the duration of the REM phase of sleep, allowing for a more restful, productive sleep. 

The Sleep Research Laboratory at the University of Sydney found that participants who slept on wool fell asleep 4 minutes faster than those on synthetic and had a significantly higher duration of REM sleep

Micro-Climate Control

Wool regulates your body temperature keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. A steady temperature also leads to a more restful sleep. Wool fibres are unique in their ability to both insulate and breathe, adjusting to the body's microclimate. It can help to keep a sleeper warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot, resulting in an ideal sleep environment.

According to a study published in Nature and Science of Sleep, the use of wool bedding was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of experiencing excessive sweating during sleep by 50% compared to other materials such as cotton or acrylic bedding, significantly improving sleep quality and overall comfort.

Hypoallergenic

Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and so is perfect for anyone with allergies or sensitivities, minimising allergens and irritants for a healthier sleep.

Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria, mould, and mildew. These properties make it a healthier choice for sleep products, reducing potential allergen exposure, and the resulting symptoms that can disrupt sleep. 

Improved Air Quality

One of the lesser-known but highly beneficial aspects of wool is its ability to naturally absorb and hold on to various indoor pollutants. Wool fibres can actually act as a natural air filter, capturing harmful particles such as dust, allergens, mould spores, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be lurking in your indoor air.

As you sleep under a wool blanket, you are essentially surrounded by a continuous air purification system. This creates a cleaner, healthier sleeping environment by reducing the concentration of pollutants in the air. 

Anti-Microbial

The protein composition of wool, specifically the presence of a protein called keratin, and its unique surface scale structure create an environment that is inherently hostile to bacteria. This inhibits bacterial growth, keeping your bedding fresher and cleaner for a longer period.

Sleeping on and under wool products, therefore, reduces the risk of bacterial contamination that can lead to odours or potential infections. This offers the comforting assurance of knowing that your bedding is as clean and fresh as it feels, even after extended use. 

Breathable & Moisture Wicking

Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy, drawing perspiration away from the skin. This ensures that the sleeper remains dry and comfortable throughout the night, leading to less sleep disruption.

Research conducted by the University of Sydney has shown that wool sleep products can help regulate skin's moisture content, reducing discomfort and sleep disturbances caused by excessive perspiration.

Superior Comfort & Sleep Satisfaction

Wool has a unique spring-like fibre structure. The natural crimp offers excellent support, as well as relief from bed sores and other conditions.

Using wool can improve overall sleep satisfaction. Its comforting texture and weight can lead to a sense of calm and relaxation, facilitating the transition to sleep. 

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Health Spotlight: Menopause

Hot flashes, a hallmark of menopause, can jolt sufferers awake, leaving them in a sweaty tangle of sheets. The decline in oestrogen can also lead to anxiety and mood swings, further exacerbating sleep problems.

Here’s where wool bedding comes to the rescue. Wool blankets are naturally breathable, helping to maintain a steady body temperature throughout the night. Wool’s natural moisture-wicking properties also absorb sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable all night long.

Even More Benefits to Wool

• Sustainable - Wool is a natural and fully sustainable fibre from a renewable source.
• Natural Flame Resistance - For safer sleep (especially for babies and young children).
• Odour Control - The moisture-absorbing properties of wool absorb sweat from the skin and halt the generation of odour-causing bacteria, keeping your bedding fresher for longer.
• Dirt Repellent - The antistatic nature of wool reduces the attraction of lint and dust and the surface scales prevent dirt from penetrating the fibre surface.

Ditch the Duvet

At Givan's, we are dedicated to ensuring you experience the utmost comfort during your night's rest. Recognizing the pivotal role that quality sleep plays in overall wellness, we understand that the choice of bedding materials is paramount in creating an ideal sleep environment.

That's why we wholeheartedly recommend the John Atkinson Woolen Blankets. Meticulously crafted and hand-finished in Britain, these blankets hail from the heart of Yorkshire, showcasing unparalleled comfort. Fashioned from premium materials such as merino wool, lambswool, cashmere, and pure new wool, they exemplify our commitment to enhancing your sleep experience.

With temperature-regulating properties, moisture-wicking capabilities, and hypoallergenic features, these blankets make a substantial contribution to achieving a restful night's sleep. By incorporating them into your sleep routine, you not only embrace unconventional solutions but also elevate your sleep quality, fostering improved cognitive function, a resilient immune system, and enhanced overall wellbeing.

The John Atkinson blankets go beyond mere functionality, adding a stylish and welcoming touch to your home. Crafted for endurance, they evolve into cherished keepsakes that withstand the test of time, creating a legacy of comfort and warmth for generations to come.