How often should you wash your bedding if you have night sweats?
A significant portion of our lives is spent in bed, and the quality of our sleep often dictates the quality of our day and our well-being. This is why maintaining a clean and comfortable sleep environment is crucial and requires regular bedding changes. But how often should you change your bedding and why? Does the fabric of your bedding play any role when it comes to the frequency of washing it?
In this article, we’ll look at the frequency of changing your cotton, flax linen or Tencel lyocell bed sheets.
How often should you change your sheets?
Firstly, let’s start with the general recommendation when it comes to how often should we change our sheets. Usually, it’s sufficient to change your sheets every two weeks, however, some factors may influence this timeframe. For instance, if you experience hot flushes, are a hot sleeper or sweat excessively during the night you may need to change your bedding more frequently to maintain cleanliness and comfort.
What to do if you suffer from night sweats?
Night sweats are common, with studies showing that 41% of people experience excessive sweating while sleeping. Stress is a significant trigger, causing individuals to sweat up to 30 times more than normal. This sweat can make hair oily and contribute to dandruff-causing fungus on the scalp, which can be absorbed by the pillow.
In such cases, even if you decided to invest in just pillowcases specifically designed for night sweats this change can be really beneficial. Cooling pillowcases will not only help you deal with beads of sweat running down your face and neck but will also help to keep your hair dry (so you get a few extra minutes of sleep knowing you don’t need a blow dry in the morning).
Why durability of your bedding fabric matters?
The more we wash our bed sheets, the shorten they will last and the more costly they become over their lifespan (if you consider the cost of detergent, electricity and replacing the worn-out sheets). That’s why durability is another important factor when choosing your bedding.
Cotton sheets vary greatly in their quality and, thus, durability, and are prone to pilling and may require frequent washing.
Flax linen, on the other hand, may require more delicate care to maintain its integrity over time.
Other options are Tencel lyocell sheets, made from a sustainable fabric based on eucalyptus wood pulp. Tencel has strong fibres, are regarded as highly durable. They not only get softer with every wash but also retain their shape and quality over time, making them a good long-lasting investment rather than just another bedding purchase.
If you’d like to learn more about Tencel, see the article ‘What is Tencel Lyocell and what are its benefits?’
Why do you need to change bedding frequently?
Another reason why your bedding has to be changed frequently is to prevent bacterial growth. This aspect can vary largely depending on the fabric your bedding is made of.
Cotton is the most popular choice for bedding, but it is susceptible to bacteria growth due to its ability to retain moisture. Every person sweats at night, though some sweat more than others. This means that, over time, sweat and other bodily fluids can accumulate and create an environment that encourages bacterial growth.
Flax linen, is naturally antimicrobial, but can also harbour bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
Tencel absorbs moisture quickly and therefore prevents bacterial growth. Bacteria multiply 2000 times slower on Tencel than on synthetic fibre, preventing odours and keeping your linen smelling fresh for longer.
What are the consequences of not washing your sheets when needed?
Neglecting to wash your bedding frequently enough can have consequences beyond the accumulation of bacteria. It can also cause allergies, skin sensitivity or exacerbate existing skin conditions. The impact may differ depending on what type of fabric your sleep in.
Cotton sheets, although breathable, can harbour dust mites, a common allergen. These microscopic creatures thrive in warm and moist environment created by sheets with inadequate moisture management properties. If you have allergies or asthma, you may find your symptoms like sneezing, coughing, congestion to get worse. If you have sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, like eczema, the accumulation of sweat, oils, and dirt on unwashed cotton sheets can aggravate irritation and inflammation.
Flax linen, is known for its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties, and is commonly less prone to triggering allergies. The collection of allergens and irritants can still affect those with sensitivities if linen bedding isn’t washed frequently enough. It’s possible for dust mites and other particles to get into the linen fabric and cause allergic responses or skin rashes.
On the other hand, Tencel bedding has benefits for managing skin sensitivity and allergies. Because of its remarkable sweat- and oil-wicking abilities, there is less chance of allergies and irritants settling on the sheets. Tencel is a great option for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin because it is antibacterial and prevents the growth of bacteria and dust mites. You can keep your sleeping environment cleaner and healthier by routinely cleaning Tencel bed linens. In fact, a study found that around 80% of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis sufferers said that Tencel items were preferable to the textiles they typically used.
How often should you wash your bed linen?
Proper hygiene and regular washing of all bedding, regardless of the fabric, are essential for maintaining a fresh and allergy-free sleep space. Dust mites, germs, and other allergens that might trigger allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin can be removed by washing your sheets when needed.
Generally, it could be recommended to wash cotton sheets every week and Tencel sheets every two weeks. But if you sweat more during your sleep and your bedding feels damp or ‘clammy’ when you wake up, you should take the sheets off your bed and wash them straight away. Usually, this means that cotton sheets will require more frequent washing, possibly every 2-3 days.
Remember to follow the care instructions specific to each fabric to preserve their quality and durability.
Is Tencel bedding a good option for night sweats?
If you have allergies, sensitive skin, or skin conditions, investing in Tencel bed sheets can be particularly beneficial and a real game-changer. Tencel’s hypoallergenic properties and resistance to bacterial growth minimize the risk of triggering allergic reactions or aggravating skin sensitivities.
Tencel lyocell sheets can be the smart option whether you are looking for the best bedding for night sweats or best menopause bedding. Thanks to Tencel’s cooling and moisture-wicking properties, Tencel sheets can help regulate body temperature to keep you cool, dry and comfortable throughout the night.
The are multiply reasons why sleeping in Tencel bedding can bring many benefit – you can find out more in the article 10 Reasons to Sleep on Tencel Bed Linen
Where to get best Tencel sheets in the UK?
Cassvensi offers a wide range of Tencel bed sheets in the UK, known for their exceptional quality and performance. Cassvensi bed linen products – breathable duvet covers, cooling pillowcases, temperature-regulating fitted sheets are all made in Portugal, and are crafted from 100% Tencel without any blends, ensuring maximum temperature regulation and moisture management thanks to using high-quality 600 thread count yarns. With these Tencel lyocell bed sheets, you can enjoy a cool and restful sleep, especially during menopause or hot summer nights.
Our article ‘How to select the best Tencel sheets to get better sleep?’ explains what features to look at when choosing Tencel bedding.
Conclusion
Every bedding has their pros and cons and it’s important to select the right linen to get the best quality of sleep. By investing in Tencel bed sheets from Cassvensi, you can enjoy the benefits of a sustainable fabric that actively promotes a cool, comfortable, and bacteria-free sleep environment. Upgrade your bedding today and experience the difference Tencel makes in your sleep quality and overall well-being.