The natural foundations of better sleep
Plans to eat better, move more or feel more balanced often start with good intentions. But without the right sleep, they are much harder to sustain.
Sleep underpins everything. It affects how we think, how we feel and how our bodies function day to day. As Naturalmat’s in-house sleep expert explains, sleep is when the body restores and repairs, helping us wake feeling clear, energised and ready to take on the day.
Often the first thing to look at when improving our sleep is the sleep environment itself, which should naturally support rest and make it easier to drift off.
Why natural materials make a difference
During the night, your body is constantly regulating temperature. If you get too hot or too cold, your sleep becomes lighter and more disrupted.
That’s where natural materials come in.
Natural fibres such as organic wool, cotton and coconut fibre are breathable and temperature regulating. They allow air to circulate and help keep your body at a comfortable, consistent temperature throughout the night. Natural fibres are also naturally resistant to dust mites, so don’t rely on any chemical treatments. This helps create a cleaner, more balanced sleep environment that works with your body.
Synthetic materials, on the other hand, tend to trap heat and moisture, which can lead to overheating and disturbed sleep.
It’s a simple principle. When your environment works with your body, sleep comes (and stays) more easily. Natural materials can be implemented in your mattress, bedding, bed linen and even accessories around the room.
Sleep is about more than just your mattress
A good night’s sleep isn’t just about what you lie on, it’s also about how you prepare for it.
Simple habits can have a huge impact on your sleep health. Going to bed at a consistent time, dimming lights, reducing screen use in the evening and allowing yourself time to wind down all help support your natural sleep rhythm. Creating a calm environment can be a big part of that routine.
Botanical scents have long been used to support relaxation. Lavender is widely recognised for its calming properties, while camomile is often associated with helping to ease the mind before sleep. Used as part of a bath, a pillow mist or a gentle evening ritual, they can act as a subtle signal that the day is coming to an end.
These small cues help your body shift from alert to restful.
Building a sleep environment that works
Your bedroom should be a space that encourages rest.
Keeping it cool, dimly lit, quiet and comfortable can make a significant difference to sleep quality. Natural bedding plays an important role here, creating a more consistent sleep climate throughout the night.
Comfort matters too. A supportive mattress, breathable bedding and materials that feel good against the skin all contribute to a deeper, less interrupted sleep.
About Naturalmat
Naturalmat have been pioneering sustainability in the mattress industry since 1999. All of their beds, mattresses and bedding are made by hand at their solar-powered workshop on the banks of the river Exe in Devon and their raw materials come from natural, renewable sources.
Everything they make is handcrafted using natural and organic fibres which are far more breathable, comfortable and longer lasting than synthetics, and they’re completely free of harmful chemicals. Naturalmat source their organic wool directly from farmers on their doorstep in the southwest, and in 2023 they became the first B Corp certified bed and mattress company in the UK. This year, they’ve been awarded the King’s Award for Sustainability.
