Bedlinen and the Menopause

Recent bedlinen and sleep studies have uncovered valuable insights that women over fifty in the UK wish to impart to younger generations. Leading the list is the importance of prioritising self-care, 8 hours a night sleep, followed closely by the realisation that perfection is unattainable. Additionally, these women express a desire to advise their younger selves on various matters, such as maintaining dental health, avoiding comparisons with others, embracing self-love, and recognising that life is too brief to forgo carbohydrates. Other noteworthy pieces of advice include cherishing life's small pleasures, trusting one's instincts, aging gracefully and acknowledging the challenges of menopause while assuring that it can be navigated. The recently commissioned research revealed that 64% of women were unaware of the impact menopause could have on sleep until they experienced it. 

While 63% expressed relief at no longer having periods, half reported difficulties managing symptoms, which included hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and feelings of low mood or anxiety. Nearly a third indicated that sleep deprivation due to menopause has significantly affected their energy levels. Despite attempts to improve sleep through various methods such as keeping windows open, using lavender pillow sprays, and sleeping without clothes a staggering 81% were unaware that the correct bedlinen products could assist in regulating body temperature and enhancing sleep quality.

Research indicates the key life lessons valued by British women over fifty. These include the importance of dental care, embracing aging gracefully, and acknowledging the challenges of menopause while recognising that they can be overcome. Many women endure menopause symptoms in silence, often resorting to drastic measures for relief, particularly concerning sleep quality. Simple adjustments, such as using wool or Coolmax type fabric bedlinen, can alleviate menopause related night sweats and hot flashes, as wool and Coolmax naturally regulates body temperature by absorbing moisture and releasing it when the air is drier, leading to improved sleep quality. Additionally, the study shows that 40% of women over fifty recommend that younger women maintain connections with old friends, even amidst busy lives. 

They also emphasise that relationships require effort, advise against remaining in unfulfilling jobs and suggest not becoming overly fixated on weight. Furthermore, 36% of respondents reported feeling more at ease in their own skin after turning fifty, and over half believe that fifty represents a new thirty. Interestingly, when reflecting on their lives, many women feel their peak happiness, attractiveness, and health occurred at age 52, rather than at 21 or 30. Beyond sleep issues, half of the participants experienced challenges with memory and concentration, while 39% reported a diminished sex drive. Alarmingly, nearly 20% of the 1,000 women surveyed expressed feelings of depression.

Every individual in the UK will encounter menopause symptoms at some stage in their life, either directly or indirectly. Research such as that conducted by British Wool is crucial for enhancing menopause education, information, guidance, and support for those affected. There are more than thirty psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms associated with menopause, many of which can be severely debilitating. It is essential that we educate ourselves and one another to ensure that those going through menopause do not feel isolated.