As featured in Kidspot
For context, synthetic fabrics are made by humans with chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural fibres that humans get from living organisms with little or no chemical changes. Natural fibres like silk, cotton, linen, wool and cashmere are generally free from harsh chemicals, biodegradable, breathable, and lightweight - yet still warm.
Alternatively, the benefits of synthetic fibres like nylon, acrylic and polyester is that they tend to be more durable than most natural fibres, and offer practical benefits like stretch, waterproofing and stain resistance (especially enticing when it comes to shopping for your children).
1. Is there a link between body temperature and sleep quality?
The hormone to make you sleepy - melatonin - is initially produced as as response to a cooler core body temperature, as published in Journal of Physiological Anthropology. Similarly, this is what maintains it through the night as well. This is the key reason I recommend to have an evening shower - emerging from the warm cubicle into a colder bathroom lowers your body temperature, and hence makes you more sleepy. At the same time, note that the shower should not be too long or too hot, or you’ll raise your core body temperature and therefore find it harder to sleep.
2. What is the ideal temperature for optimal sleep?
18-21 degrees. Keep a blanket over you!
3. What happens when a baby overheats during sleep?
As above, bub will be waking constantly due to the lack of sleepiness hormone melatonin. Babies, kids, adults - we all have the same biological make up remember!
4. Would you recommend natural fabrics over synthetics for bed linen/blankets? Why?
Absolutely. Natural fabrics are thermoregulatory - the absorb and release heat, rather than keeping it trapped within you. In light of the importance of temperature (above), it’s fundamental to keep cool through the eve. They also soak up moisture should you get sweaty, which furthers your capacity to stay cool as a cucumber and wake up super fresh.
