Typically, we buy sheets in sets. Sheets were originally made with double thread, but this type of fabric was not very functional, since it took a long time to dry and ironing was very expensive. Finally, they found the perfect material, cotton, although decades later more materials appeared and now you have a wide range of fabrics to choose from.
You could say that a set of sheets is the essential clothing of our bed and the most intimate, since its fabric will be directly in contact with our body. It simply serves to cover the bed and if it has a beautiful design, decorate it.
Sheet sets consist of three pieces, one of them is the "bottom sheet" that is positioned in the lowest part in contact with the mattress. Secondly, we have the "top sheet", which is placed on the upper part, covering the bottom and in the event that you are cold, your body. Finally, we find the third piece that can be optional, "the pillowcase", which does the function of wrapping our pillow.
The Perfect Sheets for You
Although it seems that sheets are a very simple thing, in reality there are many types of materials:
1.- 100% Cotton sheets one of the best options for the summer. It is very important to note that they are made of a natural material without synthetic mixtures, which helps prevent the appearance of allergies and they are very soft.
2.- Percale Cotton Sheets It is commonly thought that percale fabric is made with a mixture of 50% polyester and 50% cotton, but it can also be made from other fabrics in different proportions. You will be able to enjoy a fabric resistant to washing, of good quality and with a very soft touch.
3.- Cotton Satin Sheets They have a shiny and very soft appearance. These types of sheets are made with silk fibers, rayon or other materials and will give an elegant and sophisticated touch to your bed. Being such a soft fabric, it can be somewhat slippery.
4.- Polyester sheets It is one of the most common materials in the textile world and is artificially manufactured by resin. It is very resistant to chemical agents and a humid environment, as well as difficult to discolor by the sun or for wrinkles to remain on it.
5.- Flannel sheets They have a soft touch and are very warm. They can be made of 100% cotton or a mix of cotton and polyester. Along with this type of sheets, we can find coral sheets, soft and warm like the previous ones but made of synthetic materials.
Sheet Designs for Everyone
When it comes to design, we can find hundreds of patterns and colors to choose from. Within the patterns we have a great variety, but the most common are geometric shapes such as stripes, squares or polka dots. But if we want to get out of the conventional, we can opt for a natural pattern, such as flowers, animals, fruits or landscapes that will give a fresh and colorful touch to your home.
Choose the Right Sheet Size
Size is a relative thing because they can be custom made. Normally, we have to choose between the established measures. For each bed size, there is a specific sheet size.
Your top sheet should also be larger than the bottom one, since this way will perfectly cover the bed. Finally, you can also get comfortable fitted sheets with rubber at the ends to make the task of making the bed much easier.
How much do sheets cost?
In the case of the sheet sets, pricing is not too much of a problem as there is something to suit all budgets. Depending on what materials and characteristics the sheet contains, it will be more or less expensive. A 100% cotton sheet will always be more expensive than an 80% polyester and 20% cotton, since cotton is a natural material and polyester is artificial.
Taking Care of Our Sheets
Treating our bedding with delicacy is very important, because a large part of our rest depends on it. Especially the set of sheets, the part that touches our body during the whole night.
The first important thing is to do a good wash periodically. Normally, they can be washed in the washing machine, but always look at the warnings on the labels. It is also important to wash them with neutral soaps and let them air dry.
For the Summer, Choose Cotton Sheets
Cotton sheets are your best option for getting a good night's sleep in hot weather. Among its benefits is its ability to regulate body temperature; that is, they are cool in hot times and warm during winter. Being light they prevent you from perspiring too much at night. They also absorb body moisture without the sheet sticking to your body.
Egyptian cotton is the highest quality, because its extra-long fibers allow a fine yarn that provides softness, resistance and lightness to the fabric. Another recommended material is linen because it remains moderately cold in the face of heat and absorbs humidity from the environment.
Why Is It Important to Sleep Fresh?
Do you find that when the temperature spikes you cannot sleep? you are not alone and there is also a scientific explanation: in the face of any extreme variation in the weather, your body decreases the production of melatonin, which is the hormone responsible for you to fall asleep.
One tip that experts give is to keep your room at a temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius to rest correctly. The reason is that a hot climate will force your body to exert itself to regulate its temperature and a cold one will cause it to increase its activity to warm up, which will disturb your sleep. Don't forget to ventilate your bedroom at least once a day, preferably in the morning.
