There’s nothing worse than tossing and turning all night, waking up groggy, and wondering why you’re so tired. Spoiler alert—it could be your bedding! Yep, that cozy sanctuary you return to every night might secretly be sabotaging your sleep. Don’t worry, though; we’re here to call out the most common bedding mistakes and how they could be ruining your sleep.
Using the Wrong Pillow for Your Sleep Style
Did you know that your ideal pillow depends on how you sleep? Side-sleepers, back-sleepers, and stomach-sleepers all have different needs! For example, side-sleepers typically need a firm, thick pillow to keep their neck aligned, while stomach-sleepers benefit from something softer and flatter to avoid neck strain. Sleeping with the wrong type of pillow can leave you waking up with neck pain or feeling restless from a night spent constantly adjusting. If your pillow feels as supportive as a wet noodle, it’s probably time to rethink your options.
Overlooking the Importance of Mattress Firmness
Your mattress is the foundation of your sleep. A mattress that’s too firm might leave you with soreness, while one that’s too soft could leave you sinking into awkward positions. Both scenarios spell disaster for a good night’s rest. Different body types react to firmness in unique ways, so figure out what works for you. Been sleeping on the same mattress since your college days? If the answer is yes, it’s time for an upgrade.
Neglecting To Replace Old, Worn-Out Bedding
Another bedding mistake that could be ruining your sleep has to do with your sheets and covers. For example, that blanket you’ve had since high school probably isn’t holding up as well as you think, and it could be making you restless when sleeping. Worn-out bedding loses its ability to trap warmth without overheating. On top of that, old sheets may be teeming with dust mites and other icky stuff that makes falling asleep a nightmare. If you’re waking up sweaty or sneezing as soon as you get situated in bed, old bedding could be the culprit. While there are plenty of ways to care for and extend the life of your bed sheets, sometimes you need to treat yourself to something new.
Ignoring the Affect of Bedding on Allergies and Comfort
The materials that make up your bedding—cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo—affect your comfort levels. Each textile provides a variety of benefits. Allergic to dust mites? Hypoallergenic materials, such as bamboo or microfiber, are your new best friends. Sweaty sleeper? Look for breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to stay cool. If your sheets feel scratchy or irritate your skin, you’re not getting any rest! Investing in the right bedding materials helps you get a good night’s rest.
