How to choose bedding and mattresses. Two basics you need to know for a good night's sleep.
When choosing bedding, what criteria should you use? It's often said that "heat retention is the most important thing for bedding," but is that really true?
1. About Temperature
The relationship between the condition inside the bedding, or "bed climate," between the duvet and the mattress, and a good night's sleep is not that simple. There are other important points to consider when choosing bedding besides heat retention.
If the temperature inside the bedding exceeds skin temperature, sweating increases due to the heat, wasting physical strength and preventing deep sleep. This is because humans dissipate heat from the skin's surface to prevent the brain and organs from overheating. Conversely, if it's too cold, you can't sleep soundly because your muscles tense up and shiver.
A comfortable bed temperature is around 33℃, where body heat is gradually released from the skin surface and you don't feel cold. This means that bedding needs to have the function of maintaining the temperature inside the bed at around 33℃ throughout the four seasons.
Also, a duvet that doesn't conform to the body is a problem. If the fit is poor, cold air can creep in from the shoulders and feet, and every time you toss and turn, drafts are created, causing discomfort.
2. About Humidity
You also need to consider the humidity inside the bedding. When you fall asleep, your skin surface temperature rises and the amount of sweat increases. Heat is released, and the temperature of your brain and body decreases. Humans sweat about a cup's worth during a night's sleep, but in summer, the amount of sweat is usually higher due to the high temperature. Sweat increases the humidity on the back of the mattress, and the relative humidity can reach 80-90%.
Moisture released from the body during sleep moves through the bedding to the room and floor. Bedding needs to have the function of absorbing, transmitting, and releasing moisture.
A humidity of about 50% inside the bedding is considered comfortable, but since the amount of sweating varies greatly with the seasons, humidity control is said to be more difficult than temperature control.
In addition, individual differences must be considered. Body heat generation and sweating differ depending on constitution, physical condition, medical history, body type, and lifestyle. The temperature and humidity of the room also vary depending on the bedroom, so it is difficult for even family members to be satisfied with the same bedding. Choose bedding that suits you.
When choosing bedding and mattresses, the important factors are 1. temperature, 2. humidity, and then individual differences and the bedroom environment. The columns below clearly explain the key points for choosing bedding such as duvets, mattresses, and pillows.
The condition of the small space between the duvet and the mattress is called the bed climate. Its temperature and humidity affect sleep. A comfortable bed climate is said to be around 33±1℃ and 50±5% humidity throughout the four seasons. What is the relationship between bed climate and futons?
・How to find a pillow that suits you
More and more people are realizing the importance of pillows and looking for one that fits them perfectly. However, finding the perfect pillow is surprisingly difficult. Many people choose based on the curve of their neck, but that alone is not enough. How can you find a pillow that suits you?
・Mattresses: Sleeping posture and tossing and turning are key.
In the "How to Choose a Pillow" column, we mentioned that when lying on your back with a pillow, the curve of your entire spine should be slightly gentler than when standing. This time, we will consider the relationship between sleeping posture and mattresses (bedding), as well as tossing and turning.
・What kind of mattress is suitable for Japan's climate?
Japan is long from north to south, and the climate, temperature, and humidity vary greatly depending on the region and the four seasons. What kind of mattress (bedding) is suitable for Japan?
・About down (down and feather)
There are various fillings for futons, but for duvets, there is nothing better than down. In this column, we will talk about the origin and types of down.
・Tropical nights: Tips for getting through restless nights
In the hot summer, does the temperature not drop at night, causing you to struggle with restless sleep? In summer, you toss and turn frequently. Tossing and turning ventilates the moisture on your back, but each time, your sleep becomes shallower.
・Chemical substances and bedding
The potential dangers that human-made chemical substances pose to life are unpredictable.How safe is the bedding that covers the body during sleep?
Winter, when the daylight hours are short and the nights are long.How can you sleep comfortably on cold nights?
