One of the things that can plague people during (peri)menopause is insomnia. Healthy, restful sleep is sustenance for the body. During sleep, the body releases toxic waste, regulates temperature and hormones, repairs cells, the brain stores new information/consolidates memories, etc.
However, during the menopausal transition- which causes hormonal changes – getting quality sleep can be challenging. And that, my friends, can lead to cranky, miserable, frustrating days and even chronic illnesses like depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Cranky and ill are not the goals.
I do not play around with sleep. I’m usually in bed by 10 pm and asleep by 10:30. Then I’m up by 5:30-6 am. So I get roughly get 6.5 to 7 hours of sleep. That’s optimum for me. Anything else is a bonus. That said, people experiencing menopause need all the sleep support they can get. Of course, there are many ways to support sleep. But one of the ways I’ve found to be incredibly useful is the type of fabric my sheets are made of.
Try These 5 Fabrics For Sleep Support
Linen sheets
My favorite sheet. Linen is breathable and moisture-wicking (pulls moisture from your body), which makes it perfect for cooling down during hot flashes and night sweats. The downside is it wrinkles easily. But weirdly enough, the wrinkles look cool.
Cotton sheets
Cotton is natural, light, soft, breathable, and regulates body temperature. It’s also moisture-wicking, which means it absorbs moisture from the body. A win for the hot menopausal skin. Look for sheets with a high thread count for added softness and durability.
Tencel sheets
Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from eucalyptus trees known for its moisture-wicking and cooling properties. It’s also hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin.
Bamboo
Bamboo sheets are known for their cooling properties. Of course, that makes it a great option for people experiencing menopausal night sweats and hot flashes. Although very sustainable and marketed as such, converting bamboo into fabric requires dangerous chemical treatment, which can harm the environment, people handling the fabrics in factories, and end-users like us who use them.
Silk sheets
Silk is a biodegradable, luxurious, and breathable fabric that can help regulate body temperature. It’s also gentle on the skin and hair, which makes it ideal for women with sensitive skin or those experiencing hair loss during menopause. But be mindful that silk is not considered environmentally friendly as worms are boiled alive, and children of India’s silk trade work under deplorable conditions. There are alternative options like peace silk, orange and spider silk. Something to consider.
The Big Picture
Sleep is important, and lack of it can disrupt every aspect of your well-being. Ultimately, the best sheets for you will depend on your personal needs and preference. When purchasing, consider factors such as your sleeping habits, body temperature, and any allergies or sensitivities you have.
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