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At Cambridge Court, providing a comfortable and healthy living environment for each resident is a top priority. And all of that starts in the bedroom. Getting a good night’s sleep is intrinsically tied to your health and well-being. Quality sleep leaves you feeling rested and refreshed and improves things like your immune system and mental health. However, as you get older and your internal clock changes, getting a full night of sleep becomes harder. Luckily, you can make sleeping through the night easier with the right bedding and blankets.

Sheets and Blankets

As you age, your skin becomes more delicate and sensitive to harsh or itchy materials. Now more than ever, it’s important to find soft sheets that don’t irritate your sensitive skin. The same goes for your blankets. Here’s what you should look for the next time you buy new bedding.

• Choose soft, breathable sheets and blankets. 100% cotton is likely a safe bet for most.
• Opt for waterproof bed sheets if you deal with sweating or nocturnal enuresis.
• Use a variety of blankets that can be layered to help control how cool or warm you’d like to be during the night.
• Find bedding that is easy to wash and maintain without the need for special care or dry cleaning.
• Have a set of winter and summer sheets on hand to accommodate the changing weather.

Pillows and Pillowcases

Your pillow and pillowcase are in constant contact with your face while you sleep, and choosing the wrong ones could result in less restful sleep. It could also cause skin issues and frizzy hair.  Because of this, it’s vital that you choose a smooth pillowcase that won’t pull on your skin or hair. Silk and satin are excellent options that are thought to have several benefits, including encouraging smoother hair and fewer wrinkles.

For pillows, choose something with cooling and hypoallergenic properties. Hypoallergenic materials are especially helpful if you regularly experience dust mite allergies.

How Often to Wash Bedding and Blankets

Dirty bedding can lead to health issues including asthma and skin breakouts among others. That’s why it’s important to regularly wash your sheets, blankets and pillowcases. At Cambridge Court, we’re proud to provide residents with housekeeping and laundry services. But if you’re doing laundry on your own, here’s what experts say about how often to wash your bedding.

• Sheets and pillowcases: Once per week — more if you have pets in the bed frequently
• Duvet covers: Once per month
• Comforters and blankets: Once every 2-3 months
• Pillows: Once every 4-6 months (only if machine washable)

Best Bedding Shops Near Kearney, NE

If you’re long overdue for some new bedding, you’re in luck. There are several bedding stores less than 10 minutes away from Cambridge Court in Kearney, NE:

• Slumberland Furniture: 5816 2nd Ave W
• Bruce Furniture & Floor Covering: 2026 Central Ave
• Husker Sit N Sleep: 2120 Central Ave

Additional Sleep Tips for Seniors

Bedding and blankets are pieces of a much larger puzzle. Here are a few additional tips that can help seniors sleep better.

• Take naps: As you get older, your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns change, and it’s more likely that you’ll find yourself tired during the day. Experts say that a 30-90 minute nap is good for brain health. But don’t go longer than 90 minutes, as that can have the opposite effect and make you feel more groggy than refreshed.
• Invest in a good mattress: A good night’s sleep starts with the right mattress. Make sure you invest in one that has the right firmness, texture, and size for you to sleep comfortably. If a new mattress isn’t in your budget, opt for a sturdy mattress topper to increase the comfort of your bed instead.
• Protect your mattress: Spills and little accidents are bound to happen in bed. Make sure your mattress is protected with a waterproof cover to prevent stains or moisture damage.
• Avoid blue light: Watching your favorite TV shows before bed can feel relaxing. But the blue light coming from your TV screen can actually keep you from falling asleep.
• Develop a wind-down routine: A routine can trick your brain into going to sleep. Try going to bed at the same time every night and developing a wind-down routine. Your routine can include reading, drinking herbal tea, or taking a relaxing bath.
• Make your bedroom cozy: Use items like essential oil diffusers or sound machines to make your bedroom a calm environment that encourages relaxation and sleep.

If you’re interested in a happier and healthier version of yourself, getting enough sleep is essential. And good sleep goes hand-in-hand with good bedding. Whether you’re a Cambridge Court resident or someone who’s caring for an older parent or family member, consider buying new bedding as a means to increase the length and quality of sleep.

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