Wool pyjamas help people fall asleep 15 minutes faster, scientists find
Written by News on 11/10/2018
Wearing wool pyjamas could be more effective at tackling insomnia than counting sheep, research suggests.
The body can be kept in the “thermal comfort zone” most conducive to restful sleep by wearing wool, Australian scientists said.
In a study of students in their 20s, they nodded off four minutes faster on average when wearing pyjamas made from merino wool rather than cotton, taking 11 minutes instead of 15.
They also enjoyed an extra seven minutes of sleep per night.
Adults aged 65 to 70 got to sleep even faster when wearing woollen PJs, falling asleep after 12 minutes compared with 22 and 27 minutes for people wearing polyester or cotton.
Researcher Dr Paul Swan, from the University of Sydney, said: “Not so long ago sleeping under wool bedding was the norm, and science is now rediscovering the benefits of sleeping in wool.
“Maybe it is not a coincidence because wool regulates your body temperature far better, keeping you in what is known as ‘the thermal comfort zone’.
“You therefore not only fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, but also have deeper, better quality sleep.
“Enjoying good sleep has become increasingly difficult in modern times, and so anything that helps is great for your mental and physical health.”
The research in Australia was carried out over periods of nine and four night, involving 17 students and 36 older adults.
Participants were put to bed in British-level night-time termpeatures of 17C (62.6F).
Findings, reported in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep, were released to mark Wool Week, part of the Campaign for Wool, whose patron is the Prince of Wales.
(c) Sky News 2018: Wool pyjamas help people fall asleep 15 minutes faster, scientists find
