Author: International Wool Textile Organisation
A Simple Way to a Good Night’s Sleep.
Sleep is a vital aspect in the health and well-being of humans. Numerous studies have linked a lack of sleep to the risk of obesity, overall mortality rate, depression, and heart disease. Too little sleep can also affect the emotional development of children.
A simple way to a better night’s sleep may be to sleep in, on or under wool. There is evidence that sleep quality can be affected by the type of fabric of both bed linens and bed clothing. Now, increasing scientific evidence of wool’s ability to improve sleep quality.
Deeper, Longer, Better
Recently, a three-year study conducted at the University of Sydney showed that wool sleepwear promoted faster sleep onset than cotton sleepwear. Differences in sleep quality also showed that a combination of wool sleepwear and bedding produced a deeper and longer sleep with participants waking less frequently.
Participants slept in Merino wool or cotton pajamas, and under duvets of either cotton, polyester, or wool at three different temperatures: cold (17°C), neutral (22°C) and hot (29°C). The difference at high temperature was most marked.[1, 2] Generally, the lower temperature, 17°C, was found to be more conducive to sleep, and the findings highlight wool, next to skin, as an efficient insulator, researchers concluded.[1, 2] An earlier study showed that periods of immobile sleep increased when participants slept on a fleecy wool under-blanket. Participants reported feeling better in the morning and having improved sleep quality.[5] Similarly, when participants in another study slept on wool-on sheepskin underlays, they felt they had slept better. Researchers concluded that the wool pile diffused pressure points, provided better insulation to the sleeper, absorbed perspiration better than alternatives, and had a more reassuring handle.[6]
The Science of Sleeping with Wool
The Absorption Factor
Scientists believe that wool improves sleep because it absorbs the sweat human bodies produce during the night, keeping skin dry and comfortable. In a leading German study at Holstein Institute, researchers found that wool blankets absorbed 50% more perspiration from sleepers than acrylic blankets. Consequently, when sleeping under wool blankets, the micro-climate of the bed maintained a comfortable level of humidity, as evidenced by the sleepwear worn by participants: their pajamas stayed drier.[3] Wool’s moisture-absorbing properties derive from molecules in the fiber, which are able to create hydrogen bonds with water, immobilizing the water and incorporating it into the fiber itself, with a small amount of heat released.[4] Generally, wool can absorb up to 30% moisture to its own weight without feeling wet.[5]
Dynamic Thermal Capacities.
Wool garments have been reported to lower the relative humidity at the skin surface, and to delay the on-set of sweating which results in smaller changes in core temperature. “Buffering” is the term used for the probable explanation for these smaller changes to core body temperature.[4] Buffering is a form of skin-clothing microclimate humidity control: As the rate of moisture evaporated from the skin increases, the relative humidity of the microclimate adjacent to the skin increases and the fibres respond by increasing moisture vapour content. This slows (or buffers) the rate of rise in humidity within the microclimate. As moisture levels decrease, the fibres give up some of their stored moisture, again slowing the rate of humidity change.[5] These properties hold true irrespective of whether the wool has been processed by the woollen or worsted system, and largely irrespective of yarn twist.[4]
About IWTO
With a world-wide membership encompassing the wool pipeline from sheep to shop, the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) represents the interests of the global wool trade. By facilitating research and development and maintaining textile industry standards, IWTO ensures a sustainable future for wool. To learn more about IWTO and its activities, visit www.iwto.org.
[1] Woolmark.com brochure on the benefits of sleeping in or under wool www.woolmark.com/news-events/news/study-backs-wool-for-a-good-nights-sleep/ | (retrieved 14/11/2017) | [2] The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Shin, M., Halaki, M., Swan, P., Ireland, A., and Chow, C. Nature and Science of Sleep, 22 April 2016. | | [3] K.H. Umbach, Comparative Thermophysiological Tests on Blankets Made from Wool and Acrylic-Fibre-Cotton Blends. The Journal of the Textile Institute vol. 7, issue 3 (1986), pp 212-222. | [4] R. Laing and P. Swan, Wool in Human Health and Well-being, from Natural Fibres: Advances in Science and Technology Towards Industrial Applications (Springer, Netherlands, 2016) pp. 19-34. | [5] N.A. G. Johnson and I.M. Russell (eds). Advances in Wool Technology. The Textile Institute, CRC Press, Woodhead Publishing Limited (Cambridge, England, 2009) p. 273 (buffering), p. 284 (30% absorption). | [6] P.R. Dickson, Effect of a fleecy woollen underlay on sleep. The Medical Journal of Australia 140 (1984) pp. 87-89. | | Best Duvet Filling? Wool is Better than Down for Sleep, Study Reveals. www.thewoolroom.com/blog/best-duvet-filling-wool-is-better-than-down-forsleep-study-reveals/ (retrieved 14/11/2017) | | In a study of Australian pre-school children on bedding fabrics and underlays, children who slept in any synthetic bedding in summer or winter were more likely to be reported as having a sleep problem, than those who slept in cotton or wool [4]
]]>This article was written by Chill Angel friend and wanderwriting.com blogger, Alex Gulsby. It's all about the Danish principle of Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), or the “art of creating intimacy,” which essentially equates feelings of coziness with lifelong happiness. It captured my interest because Chill Angel is all about being cozy and comfortable at home. I thought our fans would enjoy learning about Hygge, which can lead to increased happiness in life...
How to Create Hygge in your home
A Hyggekrog, according to Meik Wiking’s Little Book of Hygge is “the nook of your home where one can sit and have a hyggelig time.” The Danes have known about and cultivated hygge for centuries, proving its success by earning title as the “World’s Happiest Country” time and time again.
]]>How to Create Hygge in your home
A Hyggekrog, according to Meik Wiking’s Little Book of Hygge is “the nook of your home where one can sit and have a hyggelig time.” The Danes have known about and cultivated hygge for centuries, proving its success by earning title as the “World’s Happiest Country” time and time again.
Whether you believe in the ability of coziness to create overarching happiness in your life or not, everyone could use a little more Hygge, or peace and calm around here. And since the core of Hygge can be traced to your space, creating a hyggekrog is one step forward in establishing wellness in your life.
Step 1: Light
As Meik Wiking put it so well, the goal is to create pools of light within your home. Candles, lamps, and fireplaces are not only warm and inviting, but also provide a natural element to your home that will help you to wind down and shift out of high gear. You want nothing harsh or florescent to invade the space of your hyggekrog so search for energy efficient lights and lamps with low temperature. The proper lighting can magically transform not only a space, but also your mood after a hustling and bustling day.
Step 2: Blankets
The fluffier, heavier, and cozier the better. We won’t tolerate anything too thin, itchy or pilling. Consider neutral colors and patterns that are as soft on the eyes as your skin. Like with your lighting, you will want to go natural, so animal skins, whether faux or real, can make a great addition to any hygge space. The more deliberate your choice in blankets, the more you will appreciate it later, so rather than shop online, consider taking an outing with your closest friend or family to find one. Each time you look at or use the blanket, you will be brought back to that time spent together.
Step 3: Your Person
Consider wearing something that makes you feel as cozy as you look. Thick, wool socks, warm, dark colors and blacks, scarves and cardigans are all very hygge. Because of this, Chill Angel temperature balancing pajamas and loungewear makes for the perfect hyggelig ensemble. It’s made from 100-percent superfine merino wool, so extra soft and luxurious to the touch. Pair the classic jammie top with the lounger pants in black for a sure way to stay cozy. Even surrounded by all that warmth from blankets and candles, your body will maintain the perfect temperature. And you can rest easy knowing that your USA-made pajamas are 100-percent natural.
Step 4: Sounds
Throughout the day, our brain and ears work diligently to block out noise pollution. Sirens, engines, loud conversations and groaning computer screens are not hyggelig and can cause a great deal of stress, even tending to make actual silence seem initially eerie. Bring natural, soft music and noises into your home. Play a meditative CD of nature sounds or songs from your favorite jazz musician. Everyone experiences hygge in their own way, so don’t force it. Choose sounds and music that make you feel happy and calm, even if they don’t fit the stereotypical bill for someone else.
Step 5: Hearth
With all these elements at hand - lights, blankets, cozy pajamas, and music - how you choose to shape this space is up to you. There is no wrong answer, only what makes you happy. Choose a nook in your home where you can curl up, whether it be a thick leather couch, rocking chair or window seat where you can watch the weather roll by. Spending time with your loved ones in this space is very hyggelig and the more good times you share here, the deeper your happiness will root in your new hyggekrog. So brew some tea, play some jazz, and settle in.
]]>"These pajamas are not only for those who struggle with sleep, but for any and every outdoor enthusiast."
]]>When I first heard about Chill Angel sleepwear, I was excited for the medicinal benefits. Finally, there is a cute, cozy solution for recovering cancer patients, menopausal women and those suffering from other various temperature imbalances. But as a 23 year-old, I didn’t expect to personally benefit from the products. Nor did I expect for these PJs to become such a staple in my backpacking gear closet, but boy, was I wrong.
Chill Angel’s 100-percent temperature balancing pajamas are not just elements of a doctor’s prescription. They’re super soft, anti-bacterial and scrunch up into a lightweight little ball when tucked into an Osprey. AKA: Easy to pack, cozy to wear, and not so stinky after 7 days of sweat and mud.
These pajamas are not only for those who struggle with sleep, but for any and every outdoor enthusiast. Founder Betsy Seabert has transformed the performance fabric we all know and love into a cute, reliable and versatile line of sleepwear. I pack my pair for every road trip, backpacking trip and car camping excursion. I’ve even worn the tee for long cycling workouts on those days when I won’t be able to shower, because I know I’ll stay dry and smell fairly fresh.
Chill Angel uses only the best quality and doesn’t cut corners. Expect 100-percent of the best New Zealand sourced merino wool and you’ll swear by merino purism for the rest of your life.
Don’t believe me?
Picture this: It’s 7 A.M. on a Sunday in the San Juan National Forest. With the sun creeping over the horizon, the mountaineering tent you’re snoozing in is getting too hot too fast. Soon, this greenhouse of heat will thwart any attempts to sleep in past 8. Slow mornings are just impossible when you over-prepare with winter gear. Except today, rather than wearing the synthetic, ankle snug base layer you normally sleep in, you’ve donned a set of Chill Angel boxer shorts and tee. For once, you’re as cool as a cucumber. Despite the sun, you successfully sleep in to 9 A.M., and though your campmates pick fun when you finally emerge from your bear den, it's only you on this trip that can attest to the best night of sleep in your life.
]]>You can read the full review here.
Here's my favourite part from the artcile:
"I love merino base layers, but I initially wasn’t sure I wanted to sleep in wool—I was afraid it might feel scratchier than the cotton and silk pajamas I’m used to. But the Chill Angel pieces passed the itch test. They’re made from superfine New Zealand merino that’s not blended with nylon or anything else.
]]>You can read the full review here.
Here's my favourite part from the article:
"I love merino base layers, but I initially wasn’t sure I wanted to sleep in wool—I was afraid it might feel scratchier than the cotton and silk pajamas I’m used to. But the Chill Angel pieces passed the itch test. They’re made from superfine New Zealand merino that’s not blended with nylon or anything else.
After a few weeks of testing, these have become my favorite pajamas. I reach for them instead of my super-plush flannel or my buttery cotton knits. I sleep great in them. But I also like how they feel before and after I go to bed. They make the evenings cozier and the chilly mornings less bracing. And if they help me get out of bed for dawn-patrol missions, that’s value in my book."
]]>It covers interesting topics such as spindle events and fluid intellect, and links to a study relating to sleep and enhancing brain activity - here are the highlights:
10 HOURS OF SLEEP AND ONE-SECOND NAPS
It’s common knowledge that sleep is good for your brain – and Einstein took this advice more seriously than most. He reportedly slept for at least 10 hours per day – nearly one and a half times as much as the average American today (6.8 hours). But can you really slumber your way to a sharper mind?
]]>It covers interesting topics such as spindle events and fluid intellect, and links to a study relating to sleep and enhancing brain activity - here are the highlights:
10 HOURS OF SLEEP AND ONE-SECOND NAPS
It’s common knowledge that sleep is good for your brain – and Einstein took this advice more seriously than most. He reportedly slept for at least 10 hours per day – nearly one and a half times as much as the average American today (6.8 hours). But can you really slumber your way to a sharper mind?
The author John Steinbeck once said: “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.”
Many of the most radical breakthroughs in human history, including the periodic table, the structure of DNA and Einstein’s theory of special relativity, have supposedly occurred while their discoverer was unconscious. The latter came to Einstein while he was dreaming about cows being electrocuted. But is this really true?
Back in 2004, scientists at the University of Lubeck, Germany, tested the idea with a simple experiment. First they trained volunteers to play a number game. Most gradually got the hang of it with practice, but by far the quickest way to improve was to uncover a hidden rule. When the students were tested again eight hours later, those who had been allowed to sleep were more than twice as likely to gain insight into the rules than those who had remained awake.
When we fall asleep, the brain enters a series of cycles. Every 90-120 minutes the brain fluctuates between light sleep, deep sleep and a phase associated with dreaming, known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM), which until recently was thought to play the leading role in learning and memory. But this isn’t the full story. “Non-REM sleep has been a bit of a mystery, but we spend about 60% of our night in this type of sleep,” says Stuart Fogel, a neuroscientist at the University of Ottawa.
Non-REM sleep is characterised by bursts of fast brain activity, so called ‘spindle events’ because of the spindle-shaped zigzag the waves trace on an EEG. A normal night’s sleep will involve thousands of these, each lasting no longer than a few seconds. “This is really the gateway to other stages of sleep – the more you sleep, the more of these events you’ll have,” he says.
Spindle events begin with a surge of electrical energy generated by the rapid firing of structures deep in the brain. The main culprit is the thalamus, an oval shaped region which acts as the brain’s main ‘switching centre’, sending incoming sensory signals in the right direction. While we’re sleeping, it acts like an internal earplug, scrambling external information to help you stay asleep. During a spindle event, the surge travels up to the brain’s surface and then back down again to complete a loop.
Intriguingly, those who have more spindle events tend to have greater ‘fluid intelligence’ – the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns – the kind Einstein had in spades. "They don’t seem related to other types of intelligence, such as the ability to memorise facts and figures, so it’s really specific to these reasoning skills," says Fogel. This ties in nicely with Einstein’s disdain for formal education and advice to "never memorise anything which you can look up".
And though the more you sleep, the more spindle events you’ll have, this doesn’t necessarily prove that more sleep is beneficial. It’s a chicken and egg scenario: do some people have more spindle events because they are smart, or are they smart because they have more spindle events? The jury is still out, but a recent study showed that night-time sleep in women – and napping in men – can improve reasoning and problem solving skills. Crucially, the boost to intelligence was linked to the presence of spindle events, which only occurred during night-time sleep in women and daytime slumbers in men.
It’s not yet known why spindle events would be helpful, but Fogel thinks it may have something to do with the regions which are activated. “We’ve found that the same regions that generate spindles – the thalamus and the cortex [the brain’s surface] – well, these are the areas which support the ability to solve problems and apply logic in new situations,” he says.
Luckily for Einstein, he also took regular naps. According to apocryphal legend, to make sure he didn’t overdo it he’d recline in his armchair with a spoon in his hand and a metal plate directly beneath. He’d allow himself to drift off for a second, then – bam! – the spoon would fall from his hand and the sound of it hitting the plate would wake him up.
]]>The business plan for Chill Angel was, like the rest of my fledging business, a real passion project for me. When I heard about Steamboat Springs' very own "Shark Tank" I couldn't resist the opportunity to put my ideas under the lens of scrutiny.
What a thrill it was then to find out that my entry had been nominated as the winner. You can read all about the competition and what it means to Chill Angel in this neat article from Steamboat Today.
]]>What a thrill it was then to find out that my entry had been selected as the winner. There was some serious competition with over ten new start-up companies in Steamboat this year. You can read all about the competition and what it means to Chill Angel in this neat article from Steamboat Today.
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These brave sleepwear pioneers spent the first three nights in their regular garb. The next four in Chill Angel. Then we repeated that process again. The data I gleaned from the sleep logs was invaluable to my ongoing garment development helping me get ready for our product launch. What I wasn’t ready for was being overwhelmed by the positive feedback and gratitude that I received from my lovely testers…
“I haven't been waking up to kick the blankets off in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat! I feel like I am just the right temperature, and really comfortable, whether the room is warm or cold.”
“The shape is nice, loose without feeling baggy, and I love the flat seams! I've never been much of a wool wearer, as it always feels itchy when I touch it, but once I had these on they weren't itchy at all.”
- Rachel
“I must say you have a winner here. This pj is far superior than any of the pjs I have tried. I definitely did not want to go back to my own pajamas even after just one night! I never had to change them after a hot flash or night sweat.”
“I could wear them for several days because they absorbed the sweat, but I'm guessing because they are wool they also have built in ""deodorizers." I also thought they may be itchy but were not. I am definitely getting more and now I have several of my Christmas presents done!”
- Patti
“I was impressed by the quality of the feel of the material. I also very much liked the shade of green used and thought the gold stitching was a nice accent.”
“As I started the study, I was experiencing nightly sweats that significantly was effecting the quality and quantity of my sleep. As the two weeks progressed, the night sweats themselves decreased.”
“Early on in the study I did experience a noticeable improvement on how the Chill Angel PJ’s responded to the sweat episodes in relation to how my own PJ’s respond. I did not think that I would or could experience a difference as I have had issues with night sweats for so long and have tried so many different types of PJ’s to minimize the amount of moisture, cool, and clammy results that I experience from night sweats.”
“There definitely was an improvement when having a night sweat and wearing Chill Angel PJ’s. I did in fact go back to sleep more quickly. Thank you for allowing me to participate in this study. I have already recommended your product to several of my friends.”
- Kimberly
“So very comfy and good fit too. I have noticed a difference in my comfort level and am very pleased.”
“I think the pants will be nice as it gets colder and nightie just looks comfy too. Again, thanks for letting me try these awesome products!!”
“Love them and so happy to have found out about your product through this test process. Thank you.”
- Kim
“When I first heard the pajamas were going to be of wool I was a little skeptical. I put them on and they were like wearing nothing at all.”
“Where the pajamas cover my body I don’t sweat. Had the best night’s sleep so far last night!”
“When I wear my cotton top I sweat through the top but with Chill Angel I didn’t notice any sweat coming through, pretty cool!”
“Really enjoyed testing Chill Angel. Its changed my mind about merino wool. It’s light, airy and wicks away the moisture before you even know you’re sweating!”
- Linda
]]>Sleep is a time of renewal, memory consolidation, brain and neurochemical cleansing, and cognitive maintenance. Sleep is a restorative processes that supports the brain and body systems.
Sleeping less than seven hours per night can increase risk for serious consequences including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Sleep deprivation can have a detrimental effect on our happiness, emotional stability and overall quality of life. Sleep deprivation can also endanger our safety and cause accidents resulting from impaired motor skills.
A National Sleep Foundation reported that two-thirds of Americans are not getting enough sleep on weeknights and a recent Gallup poll also indicated that 40 percent of all American adults are sleep-deprived, getting significantly less than the recommended minimum seven hours of sleep per night. The problem is not limited to Americans, however. Studies conducted around the globe show similar results in the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China.
Arianna Huffington’s new book, “The Sleep Revolution” is a New York Times bestseller. Arianna states, “We are in the midst of a sleep deprivation crisis, with profound consequences to our health, our job performance, our relationships and our happiness. What we need is nothing short of a sleep revolution.”
According to the National Sleep Foundation, hot flashes and night sweats affect 75-85% of women around menopause. Prior to the hot flash, body temperature spike is accompanied by a sudden awakening from sleep. Hot flashes last on average three minutes leading to less sleep efficiency, however getting back to sleep can take much longer. Total quality sleep time is negatively affected and frequent awakenings cause next-day fatigue.
Chill Angel sleepwear can bring relief to women suffering from night sweats and hot flashes. By regulating the body’s temperature and absorbing moisture, the interruption from sleep will be noticeably less intense and less disruptive, improving the overall quality and quantity of sleep.
Chill Angel sleepwear is also antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, creating a natural and comfortable environment next to the skin.
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So, I began a quest to manage my body’s erratic temperature swings by other natural means. I quickly realized that all forms of energy work and bodywork help lessen the effects of hot flashes. Massage and exercise have noticeable positive benefits, not only on my physical body but also on my quality of sleep.
Acupuncture, Reiki, Tuning Fork Therapy, Integrated Energy sessions, Universal Rays sessions and daily meditation have all had a very positive effect on balancing my energy, which helps moderate the intensity of my heat disturbances. If I am out of balance, my symptoms get worse.
Speaking of balance, yoga has an amazing impact on my overall energy balance. Most noticeably, the quality of sleep I experience after taking a yoga class is much better than normal. Hot flashes do not disturb my sleep as intensely after a yoga class.
One important way to manage the effects of hot flashes and night sweats is to wear garments made from natural fibers. Cotton, silk, merino wool, linen, hemp are all good choices.
If I accidentally wear a garment made of Tencel, Modal, bamboo, rayon, polyester, nylon or other man-made fibers, or if there is too high of a spandex content in the fabric, my temperature spikes are much, much worse! These fabrics hold in the heat, creating more of a mini nuclear explosion rather than a normal hot flash!
For the most noticeable comfort during sleep, Chill Angel temperature-balancing sleepwear is the best choice for reducing the side effects of night sweats. Other natural fibers do not compare in the sleepwear category to merino wool. You will remain much drier, your temperature spikes will be reduced, and you will not get the chills. You will sleep significantly better in Chill Angel sleepwear.
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