Sleep deprivation linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s
Not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. You know by now that sleep is essential to brain function, but did you know that sleep deprivation is also linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a greater amount of a certain protein (beta-amyloid) in the brain and nervous system. While you’re getting some shut-eye, your brain is busy cleaning out these toxins that contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that even one night of not getting the appropriate amount of sleep increases this protein in the cerebral spinal fluid.
Sleep is associated with clearing metabolic waste out of the system. If you don’t get enough sleep over a period of time, the beta-amyloid stays in your system. The build-up of beta-amyloid is linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Nearly 50 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s and dementia are the top causes of disability later in life. The Alzheimer Association predicts a 68% increase in dementia in lower and middle-class countries by 2015.
How to get better quality sleep
If you’re struggling to sleep, there are some ways to get better quality sleep:
Increase bright light exposure
Our bodies have a circadian rhythm. Getting more bright light during the day helps your body, mind, and hormones stay awake during the day and settle down and sleep at night. Try getting into the sunlight daily or invest in a bright light bulb.
Don’t consume caffeine late in the day
Caffeine stimulates the nervous systems which encourages your body to stay awake. Quit consuming caffeine at least six hours before bed.
Have a bedtime routine
Have a routine before bedtime such as reading a book or taking a bath. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, allowing for at least 7 hours of sleep if possible.
Reduce blue light exposure
Smartphones, tablets, computers and even your TV emit a blue light. This light tricks your body into thinking it’s daytime and so it doesn’t release melatonin. This could cause you to have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night. If you need to use your devices you can:
- Download an app to block blue light on your computer or smartphone
- Wear glasses that block blue light
- Stop watching TV for at least an hour before bed
The most important tool: A good mattress
A good mattress is one of the most important tools for getting good sleep quality. How do you know if you need a new mattress?
- You are tired all the time
- You Toss and turn all night
- Your current mattress is sagging
- You can’t get comfortable on your mattress
How to choose the right mattress
There are a few things to look for when choosing a mattress:
- Your body should be distributed evenly across the sleeping surface
- While laying down, your body should be well supported across the shoulders, hips, back, and ribs
- Your spine should be aligned in a neutral position with the rest of your body
- Type of mattress (memory foam, gel, spring coil, pillow-top, etc.)
Sleep is important to overall health and brain function. Lack of sleep is tied to various health conditions including early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. By having good sleep habits and sleeping on the right mattress, you can improve your health and reduce your risk for serious health conditions.
Teenagers and sleep: Top 10 Christmas gifts
Teenagers
and sleep can be an interesting challenge. Either they’re sleeping too much or
sleeping too little. However, for a teenager, sleep is very important.
It helps their
brain develop, helps them concentrate more and make them feel happier. The
average teenager should be getting seven to eleven hours of sleep every night. You
would think that since your teenager is spending
so much time in their room, that they’re spending a good portion of that
time sleeping, but this isn’t always the case.
Teens experience
a natural shift in their circadian rhythm and it’s more difficult for them to
fall asleep before 11pm. Add to that early school morning starts, extracurricular
activities and distractions from their mobile phones and the Internet, chances
are your young adult isn’t getting as much sleep as they should. Help teens
sleep better by limiting screens in the bedroom, encouraging them to exercise
more and to get fresh air during the day, and introducing them to a good
bedtime routine.
When it
comes to teenagers and sleep, a sleep-friendly bedroom would also help. We’ve
put together a list of some of the best Christmas gifts to your teen on their
sleep journey:
- Fairy lights
are a great way to decorate and light up the room! Hang it above your
teenager’s bed to create a soft glow for them to bask in before they go to bed.
Buy them at CottonOn. - South
African stormy summer nights can be humid and hot. Pop this hot-or-cold pad
in the freezer and cuddle with it to cool down. And in winter, put it in the
microwave and warm yourself up! Available in a variety of animals, ranging from
a poodle to a sloth. You’ll find them at Typo. - A
quick easy gift to get your teenager is a sleeping mask. It helps block
out any light that may disturb their sleep and helps them sleep long and
heavier. They are fairly easy to find, but we love these BodyShop
sleep masks. - Get your child some decorative
bedding to adorn their bed with! Patterned throw pillows, a duvet cover and
some woolly throws will decorate and add more character to your teen’s room. Don’t
forget, the sheets are important too since they envelope your body while
you sleep. Sealy
sheets are 100% cotton Percale, with a minimum 200 thread count. This soft,
breathable fabric will definitely contribute to a better night’s sleep! - Teenage
girls in particular will love this gift, but teen boys would benefit from it
too: An overnight sleep mask. Put it on before bed and wake up with
beautiful, rejuvenated skin. Since it is worn for longer than a usual face
mask, it gives the minerals in the mask a longer time to work. The Skoon
Ruby Overnight Hydrating Mask is a great sleep mask, made right here in
South Africa. - Light,
comfy PJs are a gift that help contribute to better sleep. Mr Price has
a fantastic range of pyjamas. Check them out
here. - A
Fitbit is a great Christmas gift for your teen! Not only is it easy to
accessories, but it can track your activities during the day and at night! By
downloading the Fitbit app, the smart watch can help your teen better
understand their sleeping hours and when they fall in and out of a deep sleep. - A
cooling gel mask can help your teen reduce their under-eye bags and help
with swollen eyes. Wearing it before you go to sleep (or even while you sleep)
can give great results the next morning. - Sometimes,
the home environment can be noisy and makes it difficult for teenagers to sleep
peacefully. Gift them some noise cancelling headphones to help them
sleep better. You’ll find some at Takealot.com. - Soothing music
before bed can help induce a more peaceful sleep. Buy your teen a Spotify
premium account so they can listen to some relaxing music without being
interrupted by an advert. Your teen will love this gift during the waking
hours, too!
Looking forward: Bedroom design trends for 2020
Western Cape interior designer, Sarah Donnelly, has been
designing remodelling and renovating homes for over 10 years in the UK, Ireland
and here in South Africa. Sealy South Africa recently caught up with Sarah and
her team at Overberg Interiors to find out more about the bedroom design trends
for 2020.
Exercise, diet and routine are essential elements of good
sleep hygiene, and so is bedroom design. Many people underestimate the
importance of a sleep environment that promotes good sleep. In her latest blog
post, Sarah discusses the latest trends in bedroom wallpaper, furniture, linen
and lighting, and how with clever design you can create a sleep sanctuary you
simply won’t want to leave! If you’re planning on doing home upgrades during
the upcoming holidays, be sure to read Sarah’s bedroom design trends for 2020. Click
here to read the blog.
In terms of bedroom environment, these tips go beyond what’s
trendy and beautiful and speak specifically to creating the optimal sleep
environment:
- Nothing beats a comfortable mattress. Sealy is
dedicated to constantly developing new sleep technology and creating the
world’s most comfortable beds, all beautifully designed. We think our mattresses are so beautiful,
you won’t want to cover them with linen! (By the way, did you know we also make
our own linen? All our sheeting is made with 100% cotton Percale, with a
minimum 200 thread count.) - Our body’s naturally follow a dark-light cycle,
which means if a lot of external light comes into your room, your sleep will be
affected. Invest in good quality black out curtains to help you sleep longer,
especially in summer. - Create a more serene space by clearing out any
clutter and all reminders of work.
The link between screen time, teenagers and insomnia
The truth is studies vary on their conclusions of whether screen time is linked to teenagers and insomnia. However, there is no debate that spending lots of time on phones and tablets browsing the Internet and interacting on social media does negatively impact sleep quality.
A survey conducted by The National Survey of Children’s Health (U.S.) determined that approximately 20% of kids between the ages of 14-17 spent seven or more hours looking at screens everyday. They may even be modelling their parents. Adults spend about 10 hours a day looking at screens.
How does screen time affect health?
- Mental health
Spending too much time on social media could be taking a toll on teenagers’ mental health. In adolescents who spent a great deal of time on social media, 95% displayed symptoms of depression.
One in five teens spend at least seven hours interacting on social media. A study published in Preventive Medicine Reports showed that teens who had a lot of screen time had a high rate anxiety and depression.
They also found an association with long hours of screen time leading to distractibility, difficulty making friends, less emotional stability, and difficulty finishing tasks.
Screen time has a social impact, too. Because teens are spending so much time on social media, they are not having face to face interactions with their peers.
- Teenagers and insomnia
One of the biggest disadvantages of screen time is that it might cause insomnia. Sleep is an important part of health. Teens require more sleep than adults, about 9 hours to be exact. Not getting enough sleep affects the mind and the body. The average teen gets about seven hours of sleep.
The body naturally releases melatonin to signal that it’s time to go to sleep. Electronic devices emit a blue light that can suppress the release of melatonin, causing you not to be sleepy. The blue light tricks the body into thinking it’s still daytime. You feel alert instead of sleepy. This happens with teenagers as well. The more time a teenager spends on their phone, tablet, or computer in the evening with social media or answering texts, the longer it takes for their body to release melatonin. This causes challenges with falling and staying asleep. As a result, teens don’t get enough sleep which can lead to symptoms of depression and contribute to their overall mood.
Tips to cut down screen time
Here are some tips to help your teen manage screen time:
- Establish rules about screen time like how much time and where they can use their phone or computer
- Encourage your teen to be social and have face to face interactions
- Balance their screen time with activities
- Educate your teen about media
- Keep screens out of the bedroom
Screen time might play a role in teenagers and insomnia. Constantly being on their phones or other electronic devices can keep them from getting exercise, participating in family activities, give them anxiety and cause insomnia. By using the tips above you can help your teen have a more balanced outlook on using their devices and having a healthier lifestyle.
Is your teen sleeping in a hand-me-down bed?
Instead of buying your teen the latest phone or other tech gadget, consider investing in a good quality mattress for them. Teenagers need a good quality mattress that supports their growing bodies.
Teens who sleep better are generally in better moods and get better grades – we think that’s reason enough to make the Sealy choice when it comes to choosing a bed for your young adult. When it comes to selecting the right size, don’t forget to anticipate growth spurts. Buying a mattress that’s bigger than your teen currently is will be well worth it in the long run.
Poor sleep quality can affect your salary
There
may be several reasons why you’re not getting good quality sleep including not
having a bedtime routine, drinking caffeine late in the day and looking at your
phone, computer or television before going to bed. But did you know that not getting enough sleep
could also affect your salary?
Better
rested employees are more productive and could earn a higher salary because of
it.
Why sleep is important to your work
performance
- Brain function
Sleep is important for your brain
because it rests while you sleep and prepares for the next day. As you sleep,
your brain forms new neuropathways, which helps with learning and
problem-solving.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you
may not be able to focus on tasks or find solutions to problems. You may also
have problems getting along with friends or co-workers because lack of sleep
makes you irritable.
Not getting enough sleep also makes
you feel stressed out more easily and you lack the motivation to do your
work.
- Physical health
When you sleep your body goes
through a healing process. This includes
the repair of your heart and blood vessels.
People who continually don’t get enough sleep, are at more at risk for
heart disease, diabetes, kidney malfunction, and stroke.
Sleep also keeps your hormones
balanced. When you don’t get enough
sleep, your hunger hormones are out of balance you eat more because you feel
hungry. Poor sleep quality also affects
how your body handles insulin and as a result blood sugar tends to be higher
increasing your risk for developing diabetes.
- Daytime productivity
Most importantly, people who have a
deficiency of sleep have problems at work or school. Losing even a small amount
of sleep each night can cause you to make more mistakes and take longer to do
your tasks, which affects your job performance.
Productivity and top job performance
are important to your livelihood. If you
work in the medical field, for instance, there is no room for mistakes or a
lack of concentration as someone’s life could be at stake.
One
of the most important factors for sleep quality: Your mattress
One
important factor that affects your sleep quality is often overlooked. This is
the mattress you sleep on. Having the
right mattress is important to getting good sleep. If you don’t have a good
mattress, you could be losing sleep and not know it.
Now
that you know how important sleep is, how do you know if you need a new
mattress? Typically mattresses last
between five and 10 years.
You
may need a new mattress if:
- You’re tired all the time
- You toss and turn all night
- Your current mattress is sagging
- You can’t get comfortable on your
mattress - It’s just as easy to fall asleep on
the sofa or floor as it is the bed
Here
are some tips for choosing the
right mattress:
- Your body should be distributed
evenly across the sleeping surface - While laying down, your body should
be well supported across the shoulders, hips, back, and ribs - Your spine should be aligned in a
neutral position with the rest of your body - Type of mattress (memory foam, gel,
spring coil, pillow-top, etc.)
We spend one-third of our lives
sleeping. Sleeping is important to
health, work productivity and our relationships. Having the right mattress is crucial to
getting a good night’s sleep and being the healthier, more productive person
you want to be… which just might translate into a higher salary.
Too hot? Use these essential oils for sleep
Too much heat can affect sleep quality, making it difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay in sleep mode. Ideally, the body needs a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius for relaxation. If your room temperature is much higher than this, you might find yourself tossing and turning, lying awake in bed, staring at the ceiling, frequent dream interruptions, etc. Luckily, using essential oils for sleep is becoming more common. They can be helpful – even in warmer weather.
The human brain responds emotionally to all kinds of aroma, be it the smell of dirty socks or a garden of roses. The function of smell is one of the most primitive of human senses. Its mechanism is a result of thousands of years of evolution, which helped prehistoric humans survive in harsh conditions. When the aromatic compounds of essential oils come in contact with the olfactory(smell-related) nerves, these nerve cells send impulses to the limbic system, which is associated with various emotions. That is how different scents trigger different kinds of responses from the brain.
The best essential oils for sleep
Lavender oil: Lavender is the world’s most used and adored essential oil of all times for relaxation and sleep. The heavenly smell of lavender oil relaxes the mind and calms the central nervous system. It makes you fall asleep faster and improves quality as well as the duration of sleep. Even if you do not own a diffuser, just a few drops on the pillow or temples can make you a sound sleeper.
Rose essential oil: One drop of rose oil is extracted from around 60 Persian roses. Just imagine a room full of roses! This popular essential oil is profoundly relaxing and soothing for the mind. It immediately removes fatigue, overcomes restlessness, and gets you in the mood of relaxation. Rose oil has been used to cure insomnia and sleep disorders for ages.
Ylang-ylang essential oil: The thick floral scent of ylang-ylang essential oil acts as a mild sedative and decreases mental activity. This can help you fall asleep faster if you have a habit of working late at night. A 2013 study found ylang-ylang to prompt a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate of healthy adults and suggested it as an effective sedative to cure insomnia.
Sandalwood oil: Sandalwood oil has an alluring earthy, woody scent that creates a pleasant aroma. It has a grounding and cooling effect on the body and mind. If applied topically, it relaxes muscles and promotes a sense of calmness. For hot South African summers, sandalwood oil makes a perfect companion for a good night’s sleep, as its cooling property can help lower the body temperature and support an easy transition to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep.
How to use essential oils for sleep
- Scalp or foot massage: This is the best way to enjoy the sedative power of essential oils, especially as all these listed oils have cooling effects. Massage also relaxes the muscles and removes fatigue while offering a range of skin and hair benefits. Add four to five drops to a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil. Give yourself a grounding foot massage and a soothing scalp massage. Enjoy a peaceful sleep.
- Diffusion: Add a few drops of your preferred oil to a diffuser. If you do not own a diffuser, mix 8-10 drops to a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray this liquid in your bedroom, pillows, clothes, etc.
While using essential oils can help you sleep better, they should be used carefully and always diluted, as they are very concentrated. Also, some simple bedtime hacks like drinking a glass of water, wearing light cotton clothes and taking a shower before bed may further help you enjoy a comfortable and serene sleep.
Of course no amount of essential oils can negate the effects of an uncomfortable mattress. If your mattress is more than eight years old, you struggle to sleep and you wake up with aches and pains, it might be time to consider investing in a new mattress.
Amusing thoughts about sleep in South Africa
While we at Sealy take sleep seriously, we love to look on
the lighter side of life – much like Christel-Michel
Kruger, the writer behind The Nocturnal Wenchy blog. In her latest blog post, Wenchy
takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the challenges of trying to get a good sleep in
South Africa.
Describing the challenges of
a nocturnal mind wanderer, Wenchy writes, “You may just get comfy, roughly throw your leg over your
partner, let out a big sigh (the same one you make when you take your bra off
at the end of the day) and bam the thought hits you… ‘Did I lock the back
door?’”
Check out
the full blog post here, to fully understand Wenchy’s challenges when it
comes to getting good sleep in South Africa.
Describing herself as “a fierce Mental Health advocate and a lover of frivolous laughter and intelligent conversation”, Wenchy knows the importance of sleep and a good mattress. Perhaps after following tips from our Sealy blog, Wenchy would consider changing the name of her blog to “The Well-Rested Wenchy”?
Keeping in the good-humoured
spirit of Wenchy’s latest blog post, we’ve rounded some of our favourite jokes
about sleep:
- I’m so good at sleep, I can do it with my eyes
closed! - Dear Sleep, I know we had problems when I was a
young kid. I love you now and I’m totally devoted to our relationship. - Sleeping is my drug. My bed is my dealer, and my
alarm clock is the police. - Happiness is… not having to set the alarm for
the next day. - What do you get when you eat cookies in bed?
Crummy sleep. - It hurts when someone you love says mean things,
like “wake up”. - Insomnia sufferers, look on the bright side…
only three more sleeps until Christmas! - What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer
Japan’s Kaizen techniques could help you sleep better
With all eyes on Japan for the Rugby World
Cup, we were pleasantly surprised when we discovered Japan’s Kaizen techniques,
which could help you sleep better.
Developing a habit of good sleep can really
help you shift your life on a daily basis. It will allow you to be active even
in the office while working, being energetic while supporting your favourite
team in Rugby World Cup and if you are a player, being able to perform better
and make your fans proud.
Sleep is essential to ensuring we remain
active and productive throughout the day. Our body cannot function properly if
it’s not given an adequate amount of it. All the organs of our body work all
day long, don’t forget to give them the proper rest and the only way is to
ensure to take your proper and quality hours of sleep.
We are fine with compromising on our
sleep, in order to wind up the work. But we forget that we cannot work
effectively if not having enough amount of energy. In all these circumstances,
people suffer from multiple sleep issues like Insomnia or continuous headaches or
unexplained moodiness.
If you are also suffering from any one of
these, try out some of the following Kaizen (A Japanese word meaning “change”)
techniques in order to improve the quality of your sleep:
- Let’s
start with the simplest form of Kaizen technique, known as Point
Kaizen. It simply refers to immediate, unplanned
and quick implementations. In order to improve your sleep, you can plan out
certain quick tactics like decluttering your bed area in 5 minutes before
sleeping, shutting out the lights, blocking out noise and a lot more.
- Technique
number two is System Kaizen.
It refers to the accomplishment of tasks in a systematic manner. So, in order
to ensure quality sleeping habits, make sure to keep an organised record of
your sleeping hours on daily basis with the aim of improving them.
- Line
Kaizen techniques not
only allow you the implementation of the specified task, but also on the
downstream ones. In addition to decluttering your bed and keeping a sleep
diary, try take a bath before going to bed. It will help you get better sleep
and be more refreshed for the day ahead.
- Plane
Kaizen refers to the
connection of several lines together in a stream. For better sleep, read a book
for five minutes at least (in addition to the other items you have added to
your list). It will not only give you a night of better sleep, but also the
powers of knowledge, learning, exploring and enhancing your vocabulary.
- Cube
Kaizen refers to the
connection of all processes together in order to come up with efficient
results. Good sleep is not a one-time task, but a habit to be developed. So,
make sure to be consistent and determined on your purpose. Set it as a goal.
Also, it’s about sleep, so don’t forget to make sure that you get yourself the
most comfortable and suitable sleeping area (Bed and Mattress).
It might seem challenging to change your entire
sleep routine all at once, but the Kaizen method encourages you to make small,
incremental changes, one step at a time. Don’t aim for perfection, rather aim
for small positive changes.
Does your sleep environment need the
Kaizen method?
When it comes to your sleep environment,
it’s important that you have a comfortable mattress. That’s the big change,
right? But besides a new mattress, you could consider making smaller changes,
such as investing in a new pillow. Your pillow plays an important role in
ensuring a good night’s sleep and maintaining proper spine alignment. You could
also improve your sleep environment by investing in new linen or curtains. Let
Sealy be your starting point – check out the range of Sealy Sleep
Accessories, which include a variety of pillows, linen and mattress
protectors.
How to choose the best support mattress
We spend a considerable amount of our lives on our bed. Undoubtedly, mattresses are worth every Rand you spend on them. So, when you have to buy one, ensure you have your mind set on the long-term benefits it can offer you; both in terms of investment and your well-being. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to picking the best support mattress. As individuals, we have different sleeping patterns, different physique and vast preferences. Therefore, before you buy a new bed, be sure it’s worth both your sleep and money.
Below are some
practical tips to guide you when it’s time to invest in the best support
mattress:
- Do some background findings.
This can be as simple as searching the internet or window shopping. For the
former, you can look up different manufacturers, the underlying technology employed in
their products, and other useful mattress tips. Also, you can check reviews
and user comments on similar products on the internet to get a fair idea of its
performance. If you prefer to window shop, visit various shops and stores and
find out as much as you can about each brand and product.
- The internet can also help you
find exciting mega deals and special offers on some of the best brands of
mattresses.
- One point people often ignore
is the size of the mattress. Consider the size of your room and be sure to pick
a mattress that can comfortably fit in the space.
- Shop at expert mattress stores.
If possible, look to purchase a mattress from an outlet that is specifically
set up to sell mattresses. Here, the staff will be able to help you choose the
ideal mattress based on your preferences. Also, such specialist outlets will
often offer guarantees, financing, and home delivery services. Use Sealy’s
handy Store Locator to find the closest Sealy stockist to where you are.
- Go for value not cost! Don’t
look for the cheapest mattress on the market, instead, aim for the best support
mattress that offers you good value for money. Remember, you can’t put a price
on a good night sleep!
- Aim for comfort! When it comes
to beds, people often believe a firm or rigid mattress is better than a
flexible one. Well, this is usually not the case. However, what is important is
how well the mattress supports your body weight and how much comfort it can
offer to the sensitive parts of your body. If you ever need to test a mattress
at a store, ensure you put on comfortable clothes that allow you to try out
different sleep positions for around 10 – 15 minutes. Be sure to do this with
several beds before you eventually settle for any.
- Explore! Try out all the
various types of mattresses/brands before making a choice.
- While it may cost you more
money, do not fall for the trick of using your old foundation for your new
mattress. The chances are that if your old mattress is bad, so is your old
foundation. So, spend a little extra and get a new foundation as well. This
will help support your body and make your new mattress much more comfortable.
- Preferably, buy a mattress that
comes with at least a 24-month guarantee. Thus, be sure to first inquire about
claims and warranty procedures. Did you know Sealy mattresses come with a
minimum of a 10-year warranty?
- In addition to your mattress foundation,
invest in a mattress protector. Stains are much harder to get out of a
mattress, and a stained mattress may void your warranty.
Read these mattress tips from In My Bag blog
Candice-Lee Kannemeyer, the writer behind the In My Bag blog,
recently made a smart investment: She bought herself a Sealy mattress. A
mattress should last you anywhere between eight to 10 years, so before heading
out to the shops, make sure you’re armed with all the information necessary to
make a smart decision.
“Always spend the most you can afford on a mattress. A cheap bed won’t give you the support you require for a good night’s rest. Also, a lower priced brand may compromise your comfort. I think it’s a good idea to shop around, read online reviews and opt for a trusted brand,” advises Candice-Lee in her blog post.
In her blog post, Candice-Lee outlines the important steps she took before finally deciding on her Sealy bed, including some helpful advice on mattress accessories that can help make your sleep more comfortable and prolong the life of your new bed. Did you know that Sealy sells Sleep Accessories?
- Pillows: We have seven different types of pillows, ranging
from gel pillows with a cooling fabric to pillows with a micro fibre fill for a
soft to medium comfort. - Mattress and Pillow Protectors: The different mattress
protectors and two varieties of pillow protectors will ensure you find the
cover the perfectly complements your Sealy mattress or pillow. - Sheets: Sealy sheets and pillow covers are made from 100%
cotton Percale, with a minimum 200 thread count.
Click here to view our range of Sleep Accessories.