Mattress Innovations: How Cooling Tech Can Affect Sleep

Almost 30% of the American population has had insomnia or sleep-related issues. 35% of Americans report sleeping less than the recommended minimum of seven hours per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Lack of sleep has been proven to increase the risk for chronic health conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer to depression.

According to sleep researchers, temperature is one of the most important factors influencing sleep quality. Heat exposure not only increases wakefulness, it also decreases important rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In fact, REM is more sensitive to temperature regulation than any other sleep cycle.

How can mattress technology help?

A mild drop in body temperature, controlled by your body’s internal thermostat, helps to induce sleep. When your body struggles to reach that temperature, you struggle to sleep.

Mattress innovations have been made possible by technological advances, such as cooling tech. New, smart textiles allow heat to be stored and released from the material over a certain temperature range. Phase Change Material (PCM) technology in finishes such as BalancedTemp and Chiller react to temperature fluctuations to maintain a comfortable, personal climate.

Performance yarns or finishes with cooling properties are not only a great selling point to consumers, they can actually influence consumer health. Humidity also plays a major role in disrupting healthy sleep, as it is one of the biggest factors in heat exposure. Performance finishes like Feran Ice, for example, help regulate surface temperature according to humidity levels due to effects on evaporation performance of the mattress fabric.

What does this mean to consumers?

Better sleep can mean improved heart health, memory and work performance, according to experts at National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Breathability, cooling and moisture-wicking are the hot trends for sleeping cool. While consumer demand is high for these smart textiles, the benefits go far beyond comfort and span into the health advantages that come from better sleep.