Can static electricity affect my sleep?

Textiles
Written By Daya Dezyn

Natural and synthetic fibres can create static electricity around us, many of us unaware that it can happen while we sleep. What if instead of rejuvenation to our minds and bodies, we wake up the next day feeling tired and irritable. Not too long ago I had these really soft microfibre duvet cover, they felt great to the skin but every time I got into bed I felt nervous. You see, as I moved my body about here and there, I’d often see a wave of electric sparks. It got me thinking, should I be concerned? How is my body reacting to this? It got me anxious just thinking about it instead of a good night’s rest. There is limited direct research on the specific effects of static electricity during sleep. However, we can explore how static electricity from our bedding can sometimes cause discomfort.

What Causes Static Electricity in Bedding?

Static electricity is the result of an imbalance of electrical charges on a material's surface. When two materials rub against each other, electrons are transferred from one to the other, leaving one object with a positive charge and the other with a negative charge. Bedding materials, especially synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or other non-conductive fabrics, are prone to this because they can hold charges more easily compared to natural fibers like cotton or linen.

Factors that contribute to static buildup include:

  • Dry Air: In dry environments, like those created by winter heating or air conditioning, the air has less humidity, which prevents static charges from dissipating.

  • Friction: The movement of your body against the bedding (shifting or tossing during sleep) generates static buildup due to friction.

Effect on Sleep and Comfort

  • Discomfort: The sensation of static shocks or tingling can cause discomfort during sleep. While these small shocks are harmless, they may disturb your rest by waking you or causing slight stress, leading to restlessness and a decline in sleep quality.

  • Itching and Dry Skin: Static electricity can worsen dryness in the skin by creating friction and making fabric cling to the body. This is especially relevant in already dry environments where the skin can become irritated, leading to itching or discomfort that interrupts sleep.

  • Temperature Regulation: Certain synthetic materials that build static electricity can trap heat more than natural fibers, making you feel too warm or cold. Poor temperature regulation can disrupt the sleep cycle.

Impact on Health

  • Stress and Irritation: Your mental well-being and cognitive performance can be affected by repeated static-related discomfort. The disruption to quality sleep can make you frustrated and thus increase your stress levels. If you worry about the electric shocks and it becomes an anxious matter, this is a source of psychological distress. And nobody wants this.

  • Air Quality and Static: High static environments can increase the attraction of dust and small particles to the fabric, potentially aggravating allergies or respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. This is more of an indirect health concern, but poor air quality in the bedroom can negatively affect sleep too.

Which Fibres Should I Go For?

From my uncomfortable experience with non-natural (synthetic) bedding, I believe we should be switching to natural fibres of which include cotton, linen, bamboo, wool and silk. These materials don’t accumulate charges as easily as synthetic ones and will reduce the static buildup, ensuring a more comfortable sleeping environment. There are many other benefits with natural fibres, for example it has greater breathability and better at wicking moisture away so it can regulate the ideal temperature for your body. Hazardous chemicals are not used to produce them so it is great for people with sensitive skin and won’t aggravate your immune system. On the other hand synthetic fibres which include polyester, microfibre, lyocell, fleece and rayon are often chemically treated and has the ability to accumulate more static electricity, resulting in more clingy or statically charged bedding which can be uncomfortable and stress-inducing. Even though synthetic bedding are usually more affordable, natural bedding has far better long term value in terms of comfort, sustainability and your health will benefit greatly from it. After a long day of our mind and body well-spent, all we long for is relaxation and undisturbed rest. So do yourself a life-enhancing favour and start investing in some good quality cotton sheets and linen duvets.

For extra peace of mind, look for GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified products. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) is a certification that ensures textiles are made with organic materials and follow environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing practices. For example, fair labour practices and safe working conditions. Meanwhile, OEKO-TEX® is a certification that tests for harmful substances at various points of the production such as the raw material right up to the final finished product. Its compliancy means it is safe for human health and the fabric is free from chemicals that are irritants or carcinogens. It is not limited to just natural textiles but focuses on the safety of the final product. 

Daya Dezyn
Previous

Teas around the world
Next

How to experience your best coffee at home