Natural Bedding Maven Shares Tips On Creating A Healthy Bedroom

10/25/2015 8:39 AM

Here at Sweet Lily, we admit to being sleep deprived. It’s a classic New York problem—and a cause of concern as sufficient sleep contributes to our overall wellbeing. In efforts to create an environment that induces more shuteye, we reached out to Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute, one of our favorite bedding brands that is based in Venice Beach, California. Parachute makes beautiful products that are ethical, environmentally responsible and reasonably priced.

Ariel was kind to answer our top questions on how to create a blissful bedroom. Check out her answers below

We have read the benefits of making one’s bedroom a place of simplicity and calm, two words that speak to the Parachute ethos. What is your advice for a soothing bedroom space?

I absolutely agree with maintaining a place of simplicity and calm in your bedroom,
although that can look different for everyone. You spend a third of your life in bed, so your sleep experience matters. It affects so much of your life: your happiness, your health, your productivity. Because Parachute is focused on giving the customer a premium experience,
we’re committed to simplifying everything. We made a lot of deliberate decisions as far as our design aesthetic and neutral color palette, wanting to appeal to both men and women but still
give people options. When choosing a color for your bedroom, specifically, it’s important to pick a color that calms you personally. You also should choose sheets that make you feel great – whether silky Sateen, breathable Percale or supple Linen. I’m sleeping in our Linen Sheets and Linen Blend Duvet Cover, but outfitting a bed has to be based on personal preferences.

When running a start-up, every day is a first time for something. My days are so frenetic, I prefer to keep my room clear of clutter to keep calm. I only stock my nightstand with my essentials: water, book and my smartphone.

From the mattress to the sheets, we understand that a considered bed is key. Please describe the benefits of Parachute’s sheets. And do you have any mattress suggestions you’d like to offer? Materials? Brands?

The quality of the thread and the manufacturing process are what matters the most in bedding. It’s the length of the fiber that dictates quality. Longer is better, so always look for long strand cotton. At Parachute, we use Egyptian long-staple fibers and the highest caliber of cotton, which results in bedding that is softer and will last much longer than sheets made from a lower quality fiber with a higher thread count. Our bedding is Oeko-Tex certified, free of toxins and synthetic finishes. 

In my search for manufacturing partners, I discovered that the world’s best linens are made in
Italy. Parachute is manufactured in Tuscany by true artisans who have been weaving world
class bedding for over 60 years. You’ll feel the difference.

We have heard a lot of great reviews about people loving the combination of Parachute bedding with mattress companies like Tuft & Needle, Leesa, Keetsa and Casper. They all offer excellent mattresses and a 100-night guarantee, so if the feel is not right for you, the mattress can be returned and you can try another brand. I have a Hästens mattress. Like Parachute, Hästens prides craftsmanship above all else. They have been making mattresses by hand in Sweden for over 150 years, using only the finest natural and renewable materials. Ultimately, it’s most important to find which mattress best complements your personal values and preferences.

What are your nightly rituals for inducing sleep?

Taking a shower at night is something that really helps me to relax, to wipe off the day’s
stresses and to cleanse myself. The hot water soothes my muscles, so I try to take a quick
shower every night. Additionally, I minimize food portions close to bedtime as well as cut back on caffeine and spicy foods. I like to drink chamomile tea in the evening, which is almost instantly relaxing, because it’s rich in calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals that naturally relax muscles and nerves.

Meditating and stretching are also important to me. A lot of yoga positions are good for relaxing. Ten minutes of yoga followed by 20 minutes of meditation...it's very hard for me to stay awake after that!

Finally, I banish the blue light. Blue or green toned lights from the TV, alarm clock or your phone can interfere with natural melatonin production, making it harder to sleep through the night. If I’m watching a show before bed, it’s on a television, not on my computer. My number one piece of advice – though I admittedly have difficulty adhering to it – is to disconnect from your devices. Try it for a half hour before lights out, and I promise you will notice the impact on the quality of your sleep.