How did the pandemic affect your sleep experience? Did you feel more well-rested, or not, thanks to the change in your daily routine?
A growing body of research has shown that the pandemic disrupted sleep patterns around the globe. With commutes reduced from hourlong slogs to the city to 10-second walks to the living room, workers could afford to get to bed and wake up a bit earlier.
A Brown University study analyzed data from 100,000 users of the Sleep as Android app and found that people in most countries slept later and more hours during the pandemic. North Americans woke up about 45 minutes later on average, and one-third of people worldwide slept more hours than before COVID-19.
But now we're getting back to the old routine, (well, sort of!) although the transition may not be easy. As we battle against our internal clocks, the time couldn’t be better to buy a comfortable new set of sheets that will help you settle into a deep sleep.
For many of us, the purchase of bedding never came down to more than what caught our eye on the shelf or felt soft to the touch. However, there are some basics worth keeping in mind as you shop.
- Thread Count: As a rule of thumb, a high number of threads per square inch is an indicator that a sheet is high quality. The standard for what constitutes a high thread count varies from material to material, though. For example, over 200 is generally considered good for cotton and over 80 is for linen. If you find sheets you like, do a quick search online for info about what the ideal range is for the fabric. But buyer beware: Some manufacturers use gimmicks to exaggerate the counts of low-quality materials.
- Fit: Is there anything more maddening on a Saturday morning than struggling to pull a mattress cover from corner to corner, only to have one slip off and put you back at square one? Avoid the headaches by getting bedding that properly fits your mattress. Take measurements of the depth and length of your mattress, and if you use a pad that adds an extra half inch or so, be sure to buy sheets that are labeled deep or extra deep.
- Set vs. Individual Sheets: Will these be your everyday sheets or something you’ll rotate with other bedding? Buying a set with a comforter, sheets and pillowcases is typically less expensive, but it’s also worth your money to think about what’s best for the long run. Different pieces (especially mattress covers) will wear down faster than others – will that make the rest of the set obsolete, or can it be matched easily with other pieces at the store or in your closet?
Sheets for the Season
With temperatures heating up, you may want to find sheets that will keep you cool on nights when the AC is struggling to stay ahead. By and large, sheets made of natural fibers are known to breathe well and keep dry when you break a sweat.
Cottons, and percale weaves in particular, are known as go-to summer bedding. Percale sheets are excellent breathers, usually made of high-quality fibers and feel smooth on your skin. Still fairly new to the scene, bamboo sheets are an alternative to cotton that possess many of the same advantages.
Linen is another popular summer sheet for its light weight and breathability. It is moisture wicking, meaning it absorbs water easily and releases it into the air quickly, ensuring sleepers stay cool and dry.
Let Your Work End with the Shopping
Once you’ve had the fun of picking out sheets that will give your bedroom a fresh new vibe, leave the bed-making and cleaning to someone else.
Call us today and book our professionals to stop by and deliver our signature, five-star hotel caliber turndown service at the time and date of your choosing.
Call or text: 305-537-6666, and book your service today.
Zabode. Live your life. We'll do the rest.
Pick the Perfect Sheets for Your Room
The following resources can help you find the best products on the market today that fit your needs and price point: