There is something picturesque about seeing fields full of cotton on a summer’s day. Those soft puffs of white growing in the rows make you think of long drives through the country or a trip to your grandpa’s farm.
But as idyllic as cotton is to look at, it’s even more pleasant to snuggle up in when you go to bed at night. In fact, we have six benefits of cotton sheets you never knew about.
They’re Perfect for Hot Sleepers
Most of us can relate to the feeling of waking up hot and sweaty in the middle of the night, especially if you live in our home state of Alabama. But for as many as 40% of people out there, waking up in a sweat is a nightly struggle—no matter what the temperature is outside.
Even if you aren’t one of the “hot sleepers” of the world, going to sleep in cooler conditions is almost guaranteed to give you a better night’s sleep. Going to bed too hot can lead to tossing, turning, and even unpleasant dreams.
Whether you’re a hot sleeper or just want to keep bedtime a little cooler, cotton sheets are the perfect answer to long, balmy nights. Cotton is a naturally breathable material, meaning heat won’t become trapped uncomfortably right next to your skin. This keeps you comfortable all night long, especially when compared to synthetic sheets.
They’re a Durable Material
When we look at those cute little puff balls in the cotton field, “durability” isn’t the first quality that comes to most of our minds. But as far as natural materials go, cotton is one of the more durable options. That’s one of the reasons people have used it for all matter of clothing for thousands of years.
Now, many people will tell you that sheets made of synthetic materials are more durable than cotton sheets—and they aren’t wrong. Synthetic sheets are just a touch more durable. But when you consider the fact synthetic sheets are not breathable at all and far less comfortable, you’re far better off with cotton.
They’re Easy To Maintain
Another issue people face when it comes to synthetic sheets is their washability. Synthetic sheets can go through the wash dozens of times without the fabric breaking down, but they tend to absorb and trap stains. That means even when you wash them several times, the stains may not go away.
Cotton sheets, on the other hand, are incredibly easy to wash and keep genuinely clean. Their durability means they can stand up to a washing pretty well, even in a variety of washing conditions. But if you’re looking for the best way to keep your sheets clean, follow these steps:
- Use a gentle detergent.
- Add just under the recommended amount of detergent.
- Wash the sheets on a cool cycle.
- Dry your sheets on a low heat cycle or hang them to dry.
- Store your sheets with dryer sheets or dried lavender.
Of course, like we said, cotton sheets are durable. If you need to wash your sheets on a hot cycle once or twice during flu season, they will be able to stand up to that too.
They Come in Several Varieties
To an outsider observer, a cotton sheet is a cotton sheet. But when you do a little more digging, you find there are a variety of cotton sheets out there, so you can choose a set that you feel comfortable in. How can you get so many sheets out of the same material? The answer is simple—weave.
By weaving the fibers in different patterns, skilled sheets manufacturers can create a unique sleep experience. There are a few different types of weaves as far as bedsheets go. They are:
- Flannel: A brushed weave, associated with warmth and winter wear.
- Sateen: A denser weave that is warm, but not as warm as flannel.
- Twill: A diagonal weave pattern, known for being highly durable.
- Percale: A durable, crisp pattern known for being light-resistant.
Your ideal bedsheet weave will differ depending on your preferred sleep environment. However, if you’re looking for the most breathable, durable set of cotton sheets, we tend to recommend percale sheets. (PS: That’s what we do.) 😉
They’re Hypoallergenic
It’s hard to believe that just laying down for a good night’s sleep can trigger an allergic reaction in someone. But some people have been known to have it happen to them, and there was only one culprit behind the reaction: their bedsheets—or rather, what was lurking inside their bedsheets.
You see, even though fabrics are solid, there is a whole myriad of small gaps between the fibers. And where there’s a gap, dust, dead skin, and moisture can become trapped. All that can lead to dust mites and even mold in your sheets. Yuck.
But cotton sheets tend to have a tight weave, especially percale sheets. This gives less space for dust and mold to get stuck. With less room for allergens, cotton sheets are far more likely to be gentler on your allergies. And the fact that they’re easy to clean makes it easy to be sure there are no lingering allergens hanging around.
They’re Eco-friendly
There is a lot said about the state of affairs as far as the environment goes, and we’re all looking for little ways we can do our part. And since being environmentally friendly is one of the many underappreciated benefits of cotton sheets, you can help mother nature even in your sleep.
Cotton is biodegradable, meaning you don’t have to worry about your sheets sitting in a landfill for years and years after they eventually wear out. Cotton production itself is known to be one of the more sustainable processes in the textile world. And when your cotton is sourced within the country, you can know people expended fewer resources to get your cotton sheets to your door.
The only thing better than a cotton field on a sunny day is a set of cotton sheets on a moonlit night. Red Land Cotton’s high-quality cotton sheets made in the USA are just the thing you need to make it a very pleasant night.
