One of the greatest pleasures in life is slipping into a bed fitted with clean, cool and comfortable sheets. Our beds are a refuge from routine stressors as well as a welcome reward at the end of a long, tiring day. So just imaging the extra boost you’d get from knowing your sheets, pillowcases and blankets were made from natural materials that are free from harsh fabric treatments. Especially for people with sensitivities to chemicals, organic bedding could be the key to deep, restorative rest. Let’s take a look at the basics of organic bedding.

Materials

Cotton is a common choice for organic bedding, but it is by no means the only option. Some other materials are bamboo, wool and silk. Regardless which you choose, it’s crucial that it was farmed or grown without the use of pesticides or other toxic chemicals. All of these options include excellent benefits including moisture-wicking properties, breathability and a smooth, soft feel next to the skin. Cotton, bamboo and wool sheets generally are categorized according to their thread count, while silk’s fibers are measured in “mommes.” Medium-weight silk usually is in the 20 to 28 momme range, and 400 to 600 thread-count sheets are ideal in cotton, wool or bamboo.

Price

Organic bedding is usually more expensive than traditional bedding because the cost of producing the materials is higher and the difference is passed on to consumers. However, if you consider the benefit to your overall health of not sleeping on chemically treated bedding for a third of your life, the investment becomes more logical. The availability of organic bedding also is fairly limited, though it slowly is increasing. The best resources for organic sheets and blankets are online retailers.

Care

In particular with cotton, wool and bamboo bedding, maintenance is quite easy. This is important for people with allergies, who likely wash their bedding quite often. Machine washing is possible in a lot of cases. These materials all have been known for centuries for their durability and universal appeal. Also, many organic fabrics have the benefit of being antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

Environmentally Responsible

Not only is it nice to rest easy in the knowledge that you are sleeping on chemical-free sheets from an allergy standpoint, it’s also great to feel good about how the materials are sourced. You will be assured that you purchase something that was grown responsibly without harming workers, the people living near the farm or the environment. As more consumers make the investment in organic bedding, manufacturers will be able to increase production in a sustainable way.