Lack of sleep can affect our immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast we can recover if we do get sick.
During sleep, our immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when we have an infection or inflammation, or when we’re under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when we don’t get enough sleep.
So, our body needs sleep to fight infectious diseases. Long-term lack of sleep also increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.
How much sleep do we need to bolster our immune system? The optimal amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours of good sleep each night. Teenagers need nine to 10 hours of sleep. School-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep.
But more sleep isn’t always better. For adults, sleeping more than nine to 10 hours a night may result in a poor quality of sleep, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Eco friendly sleep simply means sleeping in a greener bedroom. The apparent advantage of anything ecofriendly is environmental sustainability. However, when it comes to the bedroom, eco-friendliness achieves much more than saving earth’s resources. An ecofriendly bedroom is healthy.
Now the question is, how can we make your bedroom eco-friendlier?
Ecofriendly mattress
Organic mattresses are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Some of their advantages include:
Naturally, fire-resistant materials: Meaning they do not use fire-retardant chemicals which can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.
Breathable material: Cotton and wool are breathable and absorbent meaning they will keep you cool in the summer and warm during the cold seasons.
Biodegradable materials: When you dispose of these mattresses, there is less impact on the environment due to the biodegradable nature of the materials.
Organic bedding
Enhance your sleep even more by spreading a pair of organic bedsheets on your organic mattress. Don’t stop there; go for organic comforters and pillows.
When it comes to organic bedding, we are talking 100% natural cotton.
Polyester and other forms of synthetic cotton are soft. But, 100% natural cotton is even softer. More importantly, organic cotton is breathable. Therefore, it allows air circulation and absorbs moisture, which keeps the body from getting too warm.
Less exposure to toxins
During your sleep, we toss and turn. These actions create friction between your skin and the bedding. With synthetic bedding, the tossing and turning expose you to toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances used in the manufacturing process. With organic cotton, there is no risk of exposure to anything toxic.
Green furniture
There are greener options for the bed, and other furniture in our bedroom such as wardrobes, dressing table, and sofa. Green furniture does not necessarily mean not using wood (although that would be the best way to eliminate cutting trees). It means that if we have to use wood, ensure the creation process had the least impact on the environment.
However, the greener way is to recycle furniture. For example, instead of buying a new piece of furniture, hit the used furniture stores. We are likely to get something vintage and unique.
Putting plants in our bedroom
House plants purify the air. They absorb VOCs such as benzene and ammonia. Besides, they improve the quality of air through emitting oxygen during the day.
So, by putting a plant in the bedroom, we are literally going green and decontaminating the air. Good air quality promotes better health and improves quality of sleep.
Clearly, eco-friendliness in our bedroom is not all about environmental sustainability. We will sleep in a space with less air contamination from chemical toxins, odors and VOCs. Also, by choosing organic bedding, we will not come in physical contact with harmful chemicals in synthetic fibers. Ultimately, green sleep is of high quality. And, we all know quality sleep is a crucial factor in a happier, healthier life.
Making our bedroom eco-friendly can improve sleep quality.
To Learn more https://earth911.com/business-policy/10-sustainable-mattress-companies/
https://emag.archiexpo.com/green-relaxation-birkenstock-expands-its-bedding-systems/
Save the date!
EvCC Sustainability Sponsored FREE Electronics Recycling Event 11/15/2023
3R Technology will be on campus providing FREE electronics recycling in Lot F (next to the large recycle dumpster) on Wednesday , November 15th 2023 from 10am to 2pm.
Accepted electronics list available here: https://3rtechnology.com/materials-accepted/
Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! Parking Lot F
November 15th 10am-2pm
Here is a list of items accepted: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d7sVx0BNARgqt_Tj0aOTvitlW7hiTihpoy4ecG_fMw4/edit?usp=sharing
Learn more about EvCC Sustainability! www.everettcc.edu/green
Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator sustainability@everettcc.edu