After a busy day, you’re finally ready to lay on your bed and get some rest. But before you can get some shut-eye, it’s a good idea to be mindful of what you’re taking to bed with you. Studies have shown that what we sleep in and what we sleep with affects our comfort levels, and these can affect the quality of our sleep.
So, what should be in bed with you? To ensure that you get a good night’s rest, consider making these sleepwear essentials and accessories as your new sleep buddies:
Pajamas
The iconic pajama pair never gets old when it comes to sleepwear. They keep you warm and protect you from nasty bug bites while you sleep. They’re also a good excuse to wear something cozy and stylish, even to bed.
Pajamas come in a variety of textures, designs, and styles. Do you prefer silk pajamas or cotton pajamas? Though they may seem similar in that they have top and bottom pieces, the difference in materials used can have an effect on how well you sleep. Some people prefer cotton pajamas because of their breathable fabric, while others might prefer silk because of its smooth texture. It’s all a matter of preference, really.
Once you’ve made up your mind, there are plenty of places to get good pajamas. For instance, you could buy women’s pajama tops online for a more convenient shopping experience.
Onesies
An alternative to pajamas that gives you the same amount of comfort and protection is onesies for adults. You might think that onesies are just for babies, but they were actually originally designed with adults in mind. Onesies will really make sure your skin is protected from any bed bugs and are perfect for the colder seasons of the year, as their closed design regulates heat.
Like pajamas, onesies come in different types and materials. Figure out what feels best on your body. You’ll have to be as comfortable as you can for sleep, after all. You don’t have to go for onesies with an awkward design; there are many fashionable options that can better suit your style.
Nightgowns
Nightgowns are another type of sleepwear with many variations to choose from. Generally, nightgowns are long, loose-hanging sleepwear that is perfect for restless sleepers who move a lot in their sleep.
Similar to pajamas and adult onesies, they are differently tailored according to wearers’ preferences. For instance, some women might prefer sheer nightgowns during the summer, while others might prefer cotton nightdresses that they can put over a chemise or pajama bottoms.
You can decide on the type of nightgown you want by considering a few things, like the current climate or weather and what feels good on your skin. You can even opt for a sexy silk slip or a classic white design with dainty trim. Whatever style you prefer, choose gowns using the least restrictive fabric so you can stay comfortable in bed.
Eye Masks
Accessorizing to bed may sound strange, but it’s pretty common, though perhaps not in the way you think. We’re actually advised to remove jewelry before sleeping, to avoid any unwanted scratches or injuries caused by friction against our accessories.
However, we are encouraged to keep at least our eyes shielded from any bright lights before we go to bed. This is to induce the feeling of sleep and relaxation. One way to feel fully rested is by wearing eye masks while you sleep. This accessory ensures that you remain undisturbed by any light in your environment, including the light from street lamps or even the notifications from your phone.
The usual eye covers are black satin ones, but you can definitely go for any style or material of eye mask, as long as it helps you sleep. Just make sure that the eye mask effectively blocks off light. In this case, sheer eye masks won’t do much good. Go for something with thicker material that feels cool against your eyelids.
Earplugs
Another accessory you can use to improve your sleep quality is earplugs. It looks and sounds cartoonish, but earplugs do block out the noise around you to ensure that you focus only on sleep. Earplugs are great if your sleep is usually interrupted by other people’s snoring, or if you live in a noisy area.
Like eye masks, earplugs are a form of protection against these disturbances that could cut your sleep short. This is especially helpful if you’re a light sleeper who wakes up at the slightest noise and has a hard time going back to sleep.
When choosing your earplugs, consider their material over their appearance. Silicone earplugs that fit well in your ears are preferred over cute but rigid plastic earplugs that hurt when you lie on them. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit on these tiny sleep accessories, as they will be beneficial for you in the long run.
Sleeping Cap
Like the adult onesie, this last sleepwear accessory seems a little outdated, but you’ll be surprised to see a variety of modern sleep caps online. You don’t have to stick to the old-fashioned design of a nightcap either; you can use a head scarf to cover your head and hair while you sleep.
Traditionally, nightcaps were meant for keeping people’s heads warm during the winter. These days you can wear it any time of the year. Keeping your head covered during sleep helps keep your hair in place so that your tresses aren’t messy and in knots when you wake up in the morning. This is helpful for those who have long hair, or for curly-haired girls who want to avoid frizz in the morning.
You can have fun with this one. The modern nightcap has been reimagined in so many ways that there’s certainly a lot to choose from. You can go for something minimalist and modern, or go full-on Victorian period with your nightcap.
What to Avoid
Now that you’ve been briefed on proper sleepwear, it’s time to get into what you should avoid so you can get a good night’s rest. Avoid doing these nighttime slip-ups to ensure you get the most out of your sleep:
Wearing Makeup
Not only is wearing makeup to bed uncomfortable, but it can also irritate your skin. Makeup left on overnight can mix with the natural oils of your face and the dirt from the day before, leading to unwanted breakouts. To avoid this, set a schedule to wash off your makeup before going to bed. If you’re one who tends to forget to wash your face, set an alarm on your phone to remind you.
Tight Clothing
You’ll want to be wearing breathable fabric that hangs a little loose from your body as you sleep. This will allow you to move freely into a sleeping position that you feel comfortable in. Clothing that’s too tight can apply uncomfortable compression to your body, which can lead to health issues like heartburn. Some women also make the mistake of wearing wired bras to bed. Not only do these garments restrict movement, but they can lead to injuries, especially if the wire tends to slip from under the foam and fabric.
Ditch skintight clothing and invest in loose sleepwear. Also, remove any undergarments like bras or bralettes that could make for an uncomfortable sleep.
The quality and quantity of your sleep can really be affected by the sleepwear you choose, so make sure to choose wisely in this respect. Opt for loose clothes in comfortable fabrics and ensure uninterrupted sleep by putting on eye masks and earplugs. Remove your makeup and use wraps to keep hair out of your face so your skin doesn’t get irritated. As you make these changes to your bedtime routine, you can be assured that you’ll wake up refreshed and recharged in the morning.
