It will come as little surprise to learn that university students are not getting enough shut-eye. In fact, some 60 per cent report poor quality sleep. But that is not all down to burning the candle at both ends and pulling too many all-nighters. Most simply experience difficulties falling or staying in the land of nod.
This is a big problem, says Lee Chambers, an environmental psychologist and wellbeing consultant, because sleeping well is fundamental to our health, mood, attention and cognitive performance. “As a student, it is likely we are starting to fall into our adult biorhythm, and as our learning is significantly impacted by our sleep, it is a vital time to try to optimise it,” he explains.
Starting university opens up a new chapter of exciting, positive change, and it could be the first time you have had control over your sleep environment and routine. Besides perhaps a soft rug and inspiring prints for the wall of your room, your bedding will need the most consideration if you are to catch enough Zs.
Chambers suggests keeping your environment dark, cool and mellow as bedtime nears and offers some advice on bedding: “Look to invest in higher quality products, as you use them for eight hours every day, and it can have an impact on your sleep quality and quantity.”
We agree, and we set out to find the single bedding sets for students that are soft, affordable and good quality. Design is important, so our round-up includes options with bold stylish patterns and others that are more muted for those who prefer an understated palette. We also gave the bedding a spin in the washing machine to check out just how easy they are to care for.
Naturally, we also got between the sheets to see how our selections felt on our skin and if they supported our slumber. This was the most important factor because, as Chambers says: “If you want to be hitting those higher grades, have the energy for your hobbies and be a happier friend to be around, take your sleep seriously and your sleep will give you so much in return.”
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