Most of us notice it straight away: after a good night's sleep the day feels easier, and after a broken one even simple tasks drag. Sleep is the most reliable productivity tool we have, and much of what makes a night good or bad happens in the bedroom. This guide covers what gets in the way of good sleep, and the simple changes to your room, your bed and your evening that make the biggest difference.
How does sleep affect your working day?
When you sleep well, it is easier to concentrate, keep your energy through the afternoon and stay patient when the day gets busy. A short or broken night does the opposite. You do not need a perfect routine to feel the difference; small, consistent changes to how and where you sleep add up.
What stops people sleeping well?
- A warm, stuffy bed. Waking up hot or damp is one of the most common reasons for a broken night.
- Light and noise. Street lights, early sunrise and a busy house all pull you out of sleep.
- Screens and late work. Answering emails in bed keeps your mind switched on when it should be winding down.
- Sheets that do not stay put. A fitted sheet that pulls loose leaves you remaking the bed at 3am.
How does your bedding affect sleep quality?
Your body sheds heat overnight mostly through the evaporation of sweat. Sheets that trap moisture keep it against your skin, which is what makes a bed feel hot and clammy. TENCEL lyocell is 50% more absorbent than cotton and naturally breathable, so it draws moisture away and lets it evaporate, keeping the surface you sleep on drier. The fibre is also smooth rather than fuzzy, which suits sensitive skin, and our fabrics are OEKO-TEX 100 certified, so they are tested for harmful substances. Read more in Are TENCEL Sheets Good? An Honest Guide and What Are the Healthiest Sheets to Sleep On?
How do you set up a bedroom for better sleep?
- Keep it cool and dark. Blackout curtains and a fan or open window make the room easier to sleep in.
- Choose breathable bedding. Our cooling sheets are 100% eucalyptus TENCEL in Queen and King, and a bedding bundle gives you sheets and a duvet cover together.
- Make the fit right. Our fitted sheets have 18-inch deep pockets with all-round elastic and corner straps, and hold firmly on mattresses up to 20 inches deep.
- Keep the bed for sleep. Work, emails and scrolling belong somewhere else.
What evening routine helps you sleep better?
A short, repeatable wind-down tells your body the day is over: put screens away, dim the lights and do the same few things each night. Our guides to building a sleep ritual and how good sleep helps with stress have more ideas, and if you work nights, see our sleep guide for shift workers.
Frequently asked questions
Does sleep quality affect productivity?
Most people find they focus better and have more energy after a good night's sleep, and a broken night makes the next day harder.
What bedding is best for better sleep?
Breathable sheets that wick moisture, such as 100% TENCEL lyocell, with a fitted sheet deep enough to stay put on your mattress.
Do cooling sheets help you sleep better?
If heat or sweat wakes you up, they help by moving moisture away from your skin so it can evaporate. See Do Cooling Sheets Actually Work?
How often should you change your sheets?
Fresh sheets make a bed more inviting; our guide How Often Should You Change Your Sheets? covers how often and why.
