The Easy Hack For A Warm & Cosy Bed In Winter

A doona is simply not enough in winter when temperatures drop in the wee hours, but this simple sleep hack will help you on your way to a toasty, restful snooze in no time.

According to the Sleep Health Foundation, four out of 10 Australian adults experience some form of inadequate sleep during the night. While many factors contribute to this statistic, we’re sure a lot of us can agree it can be hard to lock down quality shut-eye time when we’re too busy shivering from chilly temperatures.

If this sounds like you, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the solution is far easier than hot water bottles, electric blankets and 10 layers of track pants.

In fact, as Pillow Talk’s bedroom buyer Debbie Farrell says, the answer is all in the blanket, or rather, the placement of your blanket.

“One of the easiest things you can do to keep warm is to put a blanket underneath your quilt,” she tells us.

While most of us were taught (in those nostalgic childhood bed-making lessons) to place the blanket over the quilt, Debbie insists that we switch up the system if we really want to keep cosy.

“The warmth you feel from your quilt actually comes from the air that is trapped between its fibres; together this works with your body heat. If you put your blanket over the top of your quilt, you flatten out those fibres and are essentially pushing all that lovely warm air out.”

The solution? “Always put your blanket underneath your quilt.”

The best blankets for sleep

Of course, not all blankets are made equal, and there are a few things to consider when it comes time to choose the best blanket for you.

“My personal preference is blankets made of natural fibres like cotton, bamboo or wool as they breathe, wick away moisture and can regulate body temperature,” says Debbie.

Blankets made of natural fibres are also slightly heavier than those made of microfibre, and this feeling of weight can be highly comforting for some sleepers.

“Some people mistake heaviness for warmth and will still feel cool unless they feel a little weight on top of them. Wool is a great option for people who really enjoy that lofty warmth with an extra little bit of weight.

“What’s more, wool is also perfect for couples as it has temperature-regulating properties which can absorb warmth and spread it evenly across the bed to keep both sleepers at a comfortable temperature.”

A second fabric to consider is microfibre. “Microfibre blankets are hypoallergenic, which is great for people with allergies and are easy to care for as they are machine washable,” Debbie explains.

This makes them a more durable choice, particularly for children’s beds, and they’re often a whole lot cheaper than those made from natural fibres.

Still cold? Try swapping your sheets to a flannelette set!