What should you consider when choosing bedding? It is often said that ``warmth retention is the most important thing when it comes to bedding,'' but is that true?

1. About temperature

The relationship between the comforter and bedding, that is, the conditions inside the bed, and a good night's sleep is not so simple. There are other important points to consider when choosing bedding other than heat retention.

If the temperature inside your bed exceeds your skin temperature, you will sweat due to the heat, wasting your physical strength and not getting a deep sleep. This is because humans dissipate heat through the surface of their skin, preventing the brain and organs from becoming too hot. On the other hand, if it's too cold, your muscles will tense up and you'll shiver, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep.

A comfortable bed temperature is around 33 degrees Celsius, where body heat is gradually released from the skin surface and you don't feel cold. In other words, bedding must have the ability to maintain the temperature inside the bed at around 33°C throughout the four seasons.

Comforters that don't contour to your body are also a problem. If the fit is poor, cold air can creep in through your shoulders and feet, and every time you turn over, you can create drafts that can cause discomfort.

2. About humidity

You also need to think about the humidity in your bed. When you fall asleep, the surface temperature of your skin increases, which increases the amount of sweat you produce. Heat is released and the temperature inside the brain and body decreases. The amount of sweat that humans sweat during a night's sleep is about the same as a glass of water, but in summer, the amount of sweat is higher than normal due to the high temperature. Sweat increases the humidity behind the bedding, and the relative humidity can reach 80-90%.

Moisture released from your body during sleep moves indoors and toward the floor through your bedding. Bedding must have the ability to absorb moisture, allow it to pass through, and release it.

It is said that a humidity of around 50% in a bed is comfortable, but since sweating varies greatly depending on the season, controlling humidity is said to be more difficult than controlling temperature.

In addition, individual differences must also be considered. The amount of heat generated and sweat produced by the body differs depending on your constitution, physical condition, medical history, body shape, lifestyle, etc. The temperature and humidity of the room changes depending on the bedroom, so it is difficult to be satisfied with the same bedding even for a family. Choose bedding that suits you.

The following are important when choosing bedding and mattresses: 1. Temperature, 2. Humidity, individual differences, and bedroom environment. The column below provides easy-to-understand tips on how to choose bedding such as comforters, mattresses, and pillows.

・The comforter should be one that is neither too warm nor too cold, nor stuffy.

　The condition of the small space between the comforter and bedding is called the sleeping climate. The temperature and humidity affect your sleep. It is said that a comfortable temperature in the bed is 33±1℃ and humidity of 50±5% throughout the year. What is the relationship between the climate inside the bed and the futon?

・How to find the pillow that suits you

More and more people are realizing the importance of pillows and are looking for the perfect pillow for them. However, it is surprisingly difficult to match this pillow perfectly. Many people choose based on the curve of their neck, but that alone doesn't suit them well. How can I get the pillow that's right for me?

・The key to sleeping on a mattress is your sleeping position and turning over.

In the ``How to Choose a Pillow'' column, I mentioned that when you are lying on your back with a pillow, the curve of your entire spine should be a little more gentle than when you are standing. This time, we will consider the relationship between sleeping position and mattress (bedding), as well as turning over in bed.

・What kind of mattress is suitable for the Japanese climate?

Japan is long from north to south, and the climate and temperature and humidity vary greatly depending on the region and the seasons. What kind of mattress (bedding) is suitable for Japan?

・About feathers (down feathers)

There are various types of filling for futons, but when it comes to comforters, I have not found anything more filling than feathers. In this column, we will talk about the development and types of feathers.

・Countermeasures against tropical nights. What are the tips to get through the hard nights?

　Do you have trouble sleeping in the hot summer because the temperature doesn't drop even at night? I often turn over in bed in the summer. I turn over in bed to ventilate the moisture from my back, but each time I do so, my sleep becomes shallower.

・Scientific substances and bedding

The potential danger to life from chemicals created by humans is unpredictable . How safe is the bedding that covers your body while you sleep?  

・Preparing for winter sleep

In winter, the time until dusk is short and the nights are long. How can you sleep comfortably on a cold night?