We sleep for almost 1/3^rd of our life and rightly so. It is a natural state of rest in which the body and mind undergo a range of restorative and reparative processes. Sleep is extraordinarily critical for mental and emotional well-being. However in our today’s world of technology and over-consumption, 2 out of 5 people complain of lack of quality sleep. People face problems in both, falling asleep and retaining it.

If the problem is about people finding it difficult to get sleep, three immediate steps which can help are:-

1. Have early dinner. (2-3 hours before going to bed)
2. Zero Screen time from at least 90 minutes before sleep.
3. Try Mint based drinks, a cool and light stomach is necessary for good sleep.

The second part which is retaining sleep is underemphasised and it has a lot to do with your choice of bedding.

The most frequent mentions on why people  don’t get a deep sleep are sweating (Hotsleepers) or humid bed, Skin irritation due to static charge, too hot or too cold bed (No thermal regulation), discomfort due to rough beddings(breathability). 

The top end cotton fabrics like Supima & Giza Egyptian cotton solve for most of these problems, however natural fibres have an edge against them when it comes to providing comfortable sleep. Tencel is a brand name for a type of Lyocell fiber that is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp. Tencel was first developed in the 1970s by the Austrian company Lenzing AG, which is still the primary producer of fiber today. The production process involves dissolving wood pulp into a solvent and then extruding the solution through tiny holes to create individual fibers. These fibers are then spun into yarns and woven into fabrics.

To scientifically understand this, please read on.

There are two evaluative properties in a fabric which determines how well it treats you in bed and would perform in the bedroom and  other utility purposes. These two prime properties in turn develop into multiple features that we look for, to have a sound sleep.

1. Fabric smoothness
2. Moisture Management

Fabric Smoothness

When viewed under an electron microscope, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres exhibit a smooth fibre surface, giving bed textiles a pleasant feel and ensuring long lasting comfort even after many washes.

What does this lead to

•  Gentle on Skin :- Due to Smooth surface of the fibre, Tencel fabric embraces our body gently giving a cozy feel while sleeping. This work wonders for people with sensitive skin. People with Sensitive skin often get up with rashes, all they need is a natural fibre like Tencel to give them soft touch and gentle embrace in bed.
•  Long-lasting softness :- Owing to the fiber’s sleek cross section, TENCEL™ fibers enhance the soft touch of fabrics even after repeated washing. Measurements and hand evaluations of softness show that TENCEL™ fibers feel twice as soft as cotton. The softness of TENCEL™ fibers lasts longer and is able to withstand repeated wash and dry cycles compared to cotton.
•  Improved wrinkle recovery :- Because of the smooth surface of Tencel, The fabric can regain its actual form with lesser stress within the weave. The smooth surface of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers decreases visible wrinkling in fabrics made of these natural fibers, even after repeated washing and drying. This claim is well supported by the Durable Press Rating Test.
•  Sheen, A flattering appearance for the fabric:- The efficient dye uptake of TENCEL™ Lyocell enables color dyes to penetrate deeply into the fiber structure, resulting in impressive color brilliance. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers exhibit a smooth surface area, giving textiles a luxurious sheen. The combination of deeper dye uptake and smooth fiber surface makes the color of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers appear brighter and perceptibly more intense than that of cotton fabrics.

 

Moisture Management

TENCELTM Lyocell fibers are hydrophilic and hygroscopic and can absorb ~ 70% water. Water is absorbed and transported within the fiber. Polyester fibers are not hygroscopic and not absorbing. Only 2-3 % water can be adsorbed at the surface.

What does that lead to

1. Minimal Static Charge:- The ability to absorb moisture makes TENCEL™ fibres tension-free with lower electrostatic charging. This leads to an uninterrupted sleep with no worries of getting up due to feeling a click against you from the sheet.
2. Unfavourable for Bacterial growth:- Tencel is made of natural resources and hence they come with features to protect you against any bacterial infections or odour issues. Through moisture management, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres absorb moisture efficiently, as measured by the Vapor Uptake test and Water Retention Value. In comparison to polyester and synthetics, and even to cotton, there is less available moisture formed on the surface of the fibre for bacteria to grow. Consequently, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres provide a less favourable environment for bacterial growth.Particularly, on three of the odour-relevant bacteria types tested, (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli), a significantly lower growth rate was observed on TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres compared to cotton and polyester fibres under moderate humidity conditions.
3. Contributes to breathability and Thermal regulation:– TENCEL™ fibres naturally manage the transportation of moisture, enhancing fabrics by keeping your skin feeling pleasantly comfortable. Derived from natural material, the sub-structure of modal fibres is structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture. This contributes to breathable fabrics that support the body’s natural temperature regulating properties, creating a refreshingly cooling sensation on your skin. the microscopic fibrils of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are structured to regulate the absorption and release of moisture, thus supporting the body’s natural thermal regulation and providing breathable comfort.

 

Tencel has botanic origin and is biodegradable/compostable.

To understand Tencel better, please watch this insightful YouTube video to gain a better understanding of how Tencel is produced and its benefits for the environment.

Youtube link on how Tencel is made: https://youtu.be/PCdngJ5ZQ9k