- The Benefits of Wool

A better night’s sleep is scientifically proven

Wool is often considered a luxury, despite having been a mainstay for products of all kinds for thousands of years. However, this traditional bedding material is making a comeback for those who are demanding quality and sustainability in today’s consumer culture. With recent research underlining wool’s benefits upon sleep, as well as its evermore important eco-friendly credentials, there has never been a better time to reconsider this luxurious choice – a choice with more health benefits than may at first meet the eye.

Unique temperature control through all seasons

The harmful effects of sleep deprivation are numerous and well known. They include a weaker immune system, an increased risk of accidents, emotional problems, more rapid ageing and poor performance at work. When compared to synthetic fibres, wool bedding’s insulating property, with its unique three-dimensional form allowing it to trap small pockets of air, will improve your sleep by keeping you warm through those chilly winters ⁽¹⁾. This fact may come as no surprise; however, did you know that wool also works to cool your bed temperature during hotter nights?

It is a familiar fact that the body’s core temperature must be maintained at around 37˚c in order for major organs to perform efficiently. Depending on our activity level and our surroundings, our bodies remove excess heat by creating perspiration, thus keeping the body temperature constant ⁽²⁾. When wool is used in bedding, a microclimate is created, helping to control humidity and body temperature.

As wool naturally absorbs moisture, being able to absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet, wool bedding will ease those clammy summer nights (UK Agriculture). Wool’s unique properties mean that it responds to any humidity level and regulates the microclimate, absorbing and storing moisture, or releasing this moisture when the humidity decreases. This means that wool is naturally breathable in the summer and a natural insulator in the winter.

Thermophysical comfort is the result of this temperature regulation. It is a state in which the individual is free from thermal stress, and directly indicative of a degree of rest. By regulating the microclimate, wool does the all the hard work for your body. Achieving a steady temperature will allow an even heart rate and blood pressure, which will in turn result in a deeper night’s sleep. Numerous studies have examined the performance of wool and synthetic bedding and without fail demonstrated that wool provides better thermophysical comfort – and thus more restful sleep – than any other type of fibre.

One study compared the thermophysical responses with wool and acrylic bedding. In this case, K. H. Umbach found that the pulse rate of sleepers under the wool blanket was a normal 60 beats per minute, whereas this rose irregularly up to 80 beats per minute under the acrylic blanket, indicating greater stress on the sleeping person. Umbach also observed that the wool blanket absorbed 50% more perspiration than the acrylic blanket, and cotton pyjamas worn by the participant remained drier while they were under wool blankets. Thus he concluded that the microclimate under the acrylic blanket was too hot and humid for comfort ⁽³⁾. An additional trial by P. R. Dickson determined sleep quality by monitoring movement during the night. Again, it was proven that the wool offered the most restful sleep ⁽⁴⁾.

Natural wool is the safe and healthy choice

Great for peace of mind and unlike synthetic materials, wool is flame retardant and self extinguishing, aided by its water absorbing abilities – another fact which has been proven in recent trials ⁽⁵⁾. In addition, because wool tends to control humidity, it reduces the damp conditions that encourage dust mites, mildew, dust and mould build up which is great for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Furthermore, the health benefits of wool have been illustrated by a study of newborn babies with a low weight. This study proved that babies nursed on lamb’s wool consistently showed an improvement in weight gain compared with those nursed using cotton ⁽⁶⁾.

As well as being a great choice for young children, wool bedding can help to ease the pains of conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Wool’s natural resilience aids comfort by reducing pressure points. Tests conducted comparing wool and polyester underlays for elderly and bedridden patients in hospitals, showed dramatic differences between the two. For example, 77% of those on wool had no skin problems compared with just 38% on polyester ⁽⁷⁾. The health benefits of sleeping in wool bedding were once again shown to far out rank alternative synthetic materials.

Other benefits to great value and eco-friendly wool

• Sheep’s wool is naturally renewable and sustainable.
• Its production does not cause unnecessary cruelty to animals.
• As a natural fibre, wool is biodegradable and recyclable.
• Wool naturally maintains its shape, so no need for “plumping up” your bedding.
• Wool is easy to care for: only some wool duvets are washing machine and tumble drier friendly, but in general you can simply keep it fresh by airing on hot sunny days, and with the occasional dry clean if necessary.
• Buying wool helps wool retailers who are presently fighting the decline in wool production. Cheaper synthetic products have displaced wool, with wool accounting for 7.6% of the world’s fibre production in 1970 but only 1.7% in 2007 (The Woolmark Company). However, the wool industry is fighting back, and with this material’s numerous benefits over its synthetic counterparts, now is the time to reconsider wool.

Tips for choosing your wool bedding

• You should note that wool products do not use the Tog system of measuring thermal insulation, due to their unique “breathing” ability. Rather, wool bedding is measured by grams per square metre.
• If you do not wish to splash out on an entire set of wool bedding, bed toppers are a great alternative as they still offer many of the benefits of comfort and temperature control.
• The many advantages of wool have been combined with magnetic therapy in some products, to offer the ultimate improvement in general wellbeing.

A wide range of wool bedding products is available at My Greener Home, from all-British bedding with a reduced carbon footprint, to luxury products from New Zealand which are specially tailored for all seasons. There is plenty of supporting evidence that makes wool bedding the clear choice for ensuring a healthy, safe and comfortable night’s sleep. So have a browse today and consider enhancing your bed - and your sleep - with the ultimate in bedding.

References

1.    W. E. Morton and J. W. S. Hearle, Physical Properties of Fibre, The Textile Institute Manchester, 1986 Edition.
2.    ‘Wool - Why is it Comfortable?’, B. Holcombe, Proceedings of the 8th Int. Wool Text. Res. Cont., Vol V., Fibre Assemblies and Product Properties, ed. G. H. Cranshaw (WRONZ) 1990, 205-214.
3.    ‘Comparative Thermophysical Tests on Blankets Made From Wool and Acrylic-Fibre-Cotton Blends’, K. H. Umbach, J Text. Inst., 1986, No 3.
4.    ‘Effect of a Fleecy Woollen Underlay on Sleep’, P. R. Dickson, The Medical Journal of Australia, January 21, 1984, p87-89.
5.    CPB-99 ‘The Flammability Performance of Wool and Polyester Mattress Overlays’, R. Woolin, J. L. Webb, I WS Technical Information Bulletin, 29 June 1987.
6.    ‘Weight Gain and Movement Patterns of Very Low Birthweight Babies Nursed on Lambswool’, S. Scott, P. Lucas, T. Cole and M. Richards, Child Care and Development Group University of Cambridge and the MRC Dunn Nutrition Unit Cambridge, Oct. 198O-Sept. 1981.
7.    ‘Wool Pile Sliver Knit Bedpad Evaluation at Franklin Park Nursing Home’, L. R. Mizell, W. H. Marsden and V. Butler, Summary report by New Market Outlet Section, IWS November 1974.