Why is silk better for your health?
Why is silk better for your health than other popular bed linen fabrics? The simple answer is that silk is a naturally created fabric that is full of proteins that provide plenty of benefits for the skin, hair and general wellbeing.
Other fabrics typically go through a much more rigorous manufacturing process, whereby they are subjected to harsh chemicals and treatments. These popular bed linen fabrics require bleaching, shrinking and dyeing before they are able to be made into a piece of bedding.
Silk on the other hand is crafted without the use of toxic chemicals and excess water and, with quality craftsmanship, will last for many years in comparison to alternative fabrics.
The right bedding is also crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
Whilst the composition of our bedding may not even cross our minds, what your bedding is made from can have a huge impact on your sleep quality. Put simply, better sleep means better health. Most duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases are made from synthetic fibres, which not only damage easily or quickly lose their quality through washing, but don’t do your skin and overall health any favours, either.
In this article we delve deeper into how our choice of bedding impacts our health, and the benefits of all-natural, silk bedding in comparison to man-made fabrics.
How does silk respond to your body temperature?
Silk is a very breathable fabric, due to the air pockets it contains. However, it’s also a great insulator, meaning you don’t have to worry about overheating or shivering through the night.
Silk is very responsive to body temperature, meaning it’ll keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Changes in temperature cause disruptions to sleep, which can lead to more general health problems such as increased stress levels and memory problems.
Silk for asthma and allergy sufferers
The naturally hypoallergenic properties of silk can really benefit people who suffer from allergies. Silk bedding is less prone to dust mites, unlike synthetic bedding which allows them to thrive due to the damper conditions of the fabric. No dust mites means less asthma and allergy flare ups. Silk is naturally repellent to a large number of known allergens and even covering cotton bedding with silk can prevent reactions caused by dust and moisture.
Is silk good for your skin?
If you suffer from dry skin or a dry skin condition such as eczema, silk bedding may be your saviour. Silk contains proteins from the amino acids that naturally occur within the material, which your skin needs to repair itself. The smooth texture of silk means it glides over the skin, ensuring you get a more comfortable night’s sleep, whereas cotton or synthetic fibres may pull, which can lead to wrinkles and speed up the aging process, as well as cause itching. To find out more about how silk may transform your skincare routine for the better, read our How Can Silk Benefit Your Skin? article.
It’s toxin free
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, harmful chemicals are often added to synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, during the production process. These toxins can then penetrate the skin while you sleep, exposing you to damage and irritation. Natural fabrics are also more hygienic, as synthetic fibres absorb bacteria which makes them a breeding ground for germs, while silk is naturally non-absorbent and so won’t retain any bacteria.
Polyester is thought to be the worst offender when it comes to toxin levels, which is commonly found in standard duvet covers and bedding sets.
Why do we need better sleep for our health?
How does sleep help us to eat better?
Sleep deprivation can make it more difficult to control your appetite, and fatigue will more than likely see you reaching for caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks throughout the day. This is because your body will require more energy if it’s been awake for longer. Additionally, sleep plays a large role in regulating how your body uses food for energy, meaning that getting good quality sleep (and enough of it) can help you to maintain the correct level of nutrients your body needs from your diet.
Mental health benefits of getting a good night’s sleep
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. When we don’t get enough sleep, we may spend the day feeling irritable, frustrated and unmotivated. This leaves us susceptible to low moods. If this is happening on a regular basis, it can have detrimental effects on our mental well-being and state of mind, which can affect our relationships, work performance and ability to perform daily tasks.
Whilst silk bedding is certainly not a guaranteed or quick fix for any health problems, it certainly doesn’t hurt to switch to a natural, toxin-free fabric for your bedding to help you get the right level of sleep. After all, you spend around eight hours a night in bed.
If you’re looking for your first silk bedding set, why not take a look at our best-selling ivory silk bedding range? Made from 100% mulberry silk, this signature set features pillowcases, a duvet cover, and a choice of a fitted or flat sheet. These items are all purchased separately, so you can try one or two items before you commit to the full set.