Spring is here, and with it, a whole new set of sleep challenges to overcome. Unpredictable weather, allergy flare-ups and anxiety caused by looming deadlines can all make sleep difficult this time of year. Factor in the beginning of Daylight Saving Time and you have a recipe for sleep deprivation.
While there are many ways to combat springtime sleepiness — including eating healthy, exercising daily and wearing a weighted eye mask to bed — one of the simplest ways is to switch up your bedding. Sleep specialists say that people tend to sleep best when their bedroom environment is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and bedding can play a big role in helping your body maintain its ideal temperature.
So, how do you give your bed the perfect springtime makeover? Read on as we break down the steps to transition your bedding from winter to spring.
1. Change Out Your Sheets
First, replace your winter sheets. As much as we love the cozy warmth and softness of flannel, it’s time to kiss it farewell until next winter. When warm weather arrives, you don’t want to end up overheating and drenched in sweat.
Instead, look for lightweight sheets with moisture-wicking properties. Here are a few options worth considering:
- Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are becoming more popular by the day, and for good reason. This highly sustainable plant is known for its moisture-wicking abilities and softness. Bamboo sheets are also antimicrobial and mildew-resistant, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
- Eucalyptus: Another hypoallergenic option, eucalyptus sheets have a lot going for them. For starters, they’re surprisingly softer — softer even than cotton. They also feel cooler to the touch and have top-notch moisture-wicking abilities, making them a must-have for sweaty sleepers.
- Egyptian Cotton: If you’re looking for a high-quality set of bed sheets you can use year-round, consider Egyptian cotton. Considered the gold standard of cotton sheets, this luxury fabric is breathable, durable and doesn’t pill.
These sheets can be a bit of an investment, but keep in mind that you can use them for both the spring and summer seasons. You won’t regret buying them, especially if you sleep hot!
2. Upgrade Your Duvet
Once you’ve sourced the best bed sheets for spring, it’s time to turn your attention to your duvet. Duvet warmth is measured in units of thermal resistance called “togs.” This scale goes from 1 to 15, with 1 being the coolest and 15 being the warmest.
If your winter duvet already feels a little too warm for spring, consider replacing it with a 1-7 tog duvet. There are also 10 tog duvets that are ideal for year-round use.
Don’t forget to consider the filling of your duvet. Hot sleepers can generally benefit from choosing a natural duvet that offers greater breathability, while allergy sufferers may want to stick to a synthetic option.
3. Add a Comfy Throw Blanket or Coverlet
When dressing your bed for spring, don’t forget to add a throw blanket or coverlet! Throw blankets and coverlets are perfect for those cold spring days and add effortless style to your bedding.
If you live in a place where it gets chilly in the spring, consider styling your bed with a weighted throw blanket. On top of keeping the spring chill at bay, these heavy blankets apply soothing pressure that promotes a sense of relaxation and contentment.
Prefer to keep your bedding on the lighter side? A coverlet may be your best bet. For a polished look, keep a lightweight quilt coverlet folded at the end of the bed. When the weather turns brisk, you can pull the coverlet on top of your bed and use it as an extra layer.
4. Choose Your Pillows Wisely
Sure, you probably don’t need new pillows for spring, but there are a few good reasons why you may want to replace your old ones anyway. For starters, they’re just that — old. Body oils, dead skin cells and sweat can accumulate on your pillow over time, which is why most sleep experts recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years.
Spring is also prime time for dust mites, the microscopic, insect-like pests that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups in many people. These tiny creatures can settle down in many areas of the home, including draperies, carpet, upholstered furniture and — you guessed it — pillows and bedding.
If you’re sensitive to dust mites, consider replacing your old pillows with hypoallergenic ones. Hypoallergenic pillows usually feature a protective barrier that helps keep dust mites out and other harmful allergens out.
5. Have Fun with Spring Colors and Patterns
We can’t talk about transitioning bedding from winter to spring without mentioning color or pattern. Spring is all about lighter colors and floral patterns that remind us of beautiful blooms, fresh fruit and blue skies. To that end, consider adding a fun pop of color and pattern to your bedroom with spring-inspired bedding. For example, you could evoke feelings of nature with floral bed sheets or give your bedroom a playful vibe with fun coral accents. If you’re designing your bed with sleep in mind, consider choosing throw pillows and blankets in soothing shades of green and blue to help put you in a state of relaxation.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom for Spring
As spring unfolds, replacing your heavy winter bedding with spring-inspired sheets and comforters can go a long way in helping you get the snooze you need. Plus, it adds a beautiful, breezy look to your bedroom that can boost feelings of contentment. With these easy steps, you can refresh your bedding and turn it into a serene sanctuary you’ll never want to leave!
