Tackle Sleeplessness During Stressful Times with Natural Down and Feather
NEW YORK (May 6, 2020)—One common effect that this COVID-19 pandemic has been the added stress on our already busy lives. For many, this added stress has led to restless–or even sleepless—nights. As we seek solutions to our sleeplessness, the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC) has dedicated a section of their website to help consumers understand the health and wellness benefits of down and feather bedding and how it—and other simple practices—can contribute to getting a better night’s sleep.
“Down and feather fill– unlike synthetic bedding fill– is a natural insulator and more breathable than any synthetic fill material,” notes ADFC President Travis Stier. “This breathability helps the body maintain comfortable and consistent temperatures and humidity as we sleep. Down also provides superior warmth without the added weight of other fill materials currently on the market.”
According to a Harris Poll survey of American adults, commissioned by ADFC, 70% of the consumers surveyed who use down and feather products agreed that they get a better night’s sleep with down and feather bedding. Furthermore, 55% agreed that there are health benefits to sleeping with down and feather products.
The ADFC site has more tips about how bedding choice and other simple changes can help in getting a better night’s rest:
- Turn down the thermostat: The bedroom should be cool, dark and quiet. This recommendation pairs perfectly with having down and feather bedding because down offers superior warmth without the added weight that layers of blankets create.
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Staying at home for extended periods of time has shifted sleep routines by excluding commutes and outings. Having a consistent sleep pattern helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Implementing a calming routine before bedtime can even help the body understand it is time to wind down.
- Unwind and reserve your bed: As tempting as it may be to lie in bed all morning without your commute, a bed should be reserved for nighttime activities, and not a place to eat or continue your work. Confining yourself to your bedroom, or general bed area, will detract from your subconscious association of your bed and sleep. Associating stressful activities with a bed can impact your body’s ability to wind down for the night.
“With the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning many of us, it is helpful to know that something as simple as replacing your synthetic comforter with natural, breathable bedding can really help make a difference in your ability to get a good night’s rest,” concluded Stier.
For additional information, fact sheets and infographics about getting a natural and more restful night’s sleep with down and feather products, please visit https://downandfeathercouncil.com/tips-for-restless-nights/.
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About the American Down & Feather Council (ADFC): The American Down & Feather Council (ADFC), a section of the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA), is a voluntary association of manufacturers of natural fill bedding products, as well as dealers, buyers, sellers and processors of feathers and down for use in home fashion products. The goal of the ADFC is to further the common interests of the down and feather products industry and to maintain and improve product quality.
For more information about the down and feather industry, please visit www.downandfeathercouncil.com.