Most people don’t even consider their sleeping habits when they think about sustainability. Maybe you are doing things like recycling, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and composting, but the idea of eco-friendly sleeping hasn’t even crossed your mind.
You obviously do not want to sacrifice the quality of your sleep to make bedtime more eco-friendly. A good night’s rest is important for your health, and you need your sleep so you can wake up ready to be productive. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to make sleep more sustainable without having to lose a minute of rest.
Switch to a Sustainable Mattress
Your mattress is a good place to start if you are looking to become a more eco-friendly sleeper. Instead of using a mattress made from synthetic materials like polyurethane, you can do more to live a sustainable lifestyle by switching to a natural mattress. These sustainable mattresses are made from materials like natural latex, cotton, wool, and hemp.
Mattresses made from natural materials are better for the environment because they don’t require all of the hazardous chemicals that go into producing conventional mattresses. Along with that, the natural materials are biodegradable and in some cases recyclable. That means the mattress won’t end up sitting in a landfill for centuries after you are done using it.
Manage Your Thermostat
Your bedroom temperature can make a big difference when it comes to sustainable sleeping. Having a comfortable sleep environment is important, but an adjustment of just a few degrees can do a lot to make your sleep routine more eco-friendly. Try turning your heater down by at least five degrees every night when you go to sleep during winter. If you can raise the temperature on your air conditioner at night when you sleep during summer, it will also do a lot to reduce energy consumption.
This isn’t just a great tip for making bedtime more sustainable, it will also save money on your heating and cooling bills. According to the US Department of Energy, setting the thermostat back 8-10° for about eight hours a day can save you up to 10% on your annual heating and cooling costs.
Try Eco-Friendly Sleepwear
If sustainable sleep is your aim, you need to look at what you wear to bed at night. Of course, sleeping nude or in your underwear is probably the most sustainable option, but many of us don’t feel comfortable without something on when we sleep. The good news is that there are plenty of options for those of us who want to wear sustainable pajamas.
Organic cotton is ideal for sustainable sleepwear. It is a natural material that is produced using eco-friendly practices. It is also a good sleepwear material for its comfort and breathability. Beyond organic cotton, you can also find sustainable sleepwear made from materials like silk and bamboo.
Choose Eco-Friendly Bedding
Your choice of bedding can also have an impact on the sustainability of your sleep routine. Instead of choosing materials like nylon and polyester, you should go with bedding made from natural materials. Cotton and linen are obvious choices for eco-friendly materials, but you now have more options than ever when it comes to sustainable bedding. Hemp, silk, and bamboo are popular materials for sustainable bedding. You also have materials like Lyocell and Tencel, which are made from trees.
Beyond being good for the environment, these types of bedding also offer great comfort. Many of these materials are more breathable than synthetics. This can help with temperature regulation when you sleep. Since you will feel cooler and more comfortable with sustainable bedding, it can also make it easier when you set the thermostat back to conserve energy.
Find a Sustainable Pillow
In addition to pillows affecting your sleep, they also have an impact on sustainability. Many of them are made from synthetic foams or stuffing. The casings are also commonly made from synthetic materials. To bring a little more sustainability to your sleep routine, look for pillows made from natural materials.
Just like with many of these sustainable sleep options, cotton is a good material for making eco-friendly pillows. If you want alternatives to cotton, you have pillows made from natural latex foam, wool, and some that use recycled materials to make sustainable pillows. Along with being better for the environment, natural pillows are just as comfortable (if not more comfortable) than their synthetic counterparts.
We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. With the above-mentioned tips, you can make that one-third of your time on the planet a little more sustainable.
