How to get a natural night's sleep
Photo: iStockphoto 
Oh, the busy routine of green living: we worry about secondhand smoke, buy low VOC-paint to reduce exposure to offgassing, support clean air legislation and do what we can to reduce the toxins in our food and water.
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ShareYou'll spend about a third of your life in bed. For most of us, however, the bedroom is one of our least healthy living spaces. The main problem is this: mattresses and bedding materials are frequently treated with a family of flame-retardant chemicals known as PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether). Health groups have been concerned about the cumulative effects of PBDEs on the human body for almost a decade, and certain varieties are already banned in places like the European Union.
A healthier mattress
If you're chemically sensitive — or if the idea of chronic exposure to PBDE is causing you to lose sleep — replacing your mattress might be a good place to start.
Quality bedding represents a significant financial investment, but given how much time we spend in bed and our close proximity to its contents, options such as natural latex or organic cotton mattresses make sense. Latex offers the dual benefit of being resistant to dust mites, which are second only to pollen in causing allergic reactions.
Not in a position to replace your existing mattress? A latex or natural wool mattress topper will put some distance between you and PBDE. And while it won't stop offgassing, zippered mattress covers can dramatically reduce your exposure to dust mites.
The rest of your bedding
Speaking of wool: consider replacing treated blankets and quilts with more natural equivalents. Wool wicks moisture, is inherently flame-retardant, and provides year-round sleeping comfort.
Pillows are another hiding place for mites and chemicals. Fortunately, there is now a wide variety of options these days featuring buckwheat hulls, natural latex, wool and organic cotton. Just like mattresses, pillows can be protected with washable covers.
Organic cotton is the material of choice for sheets. Line drying or an hour's exposure to direct sunlight will kill any mites which survive the wash.
Other bedroom improvements
Like bedding, draperies are often chemically treated. The same materials which make good blankets work well for window coverings. You might also consider blinds made from untreated wood products.
Most carpets are synthetic. Replacing them with washable throw rugs is a great way to reduce allergens and chemical offgassing. Once again, wool proves its versatility as a safe and durable household fiber.
For those particularly sensitive to airborne allergens, a hepa room air filter can produce immediate health benefits.
Sleep tight
You'll rest easier with natural mattresses and bedding. Looking for more ideas? You'll find plenty at Gaiam, The Clean Bedroom and EcoChoices.
Copyright Lighter Footstep 2007
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View:Join SafePhaseOut
Posted By Jason Sabo - Tue, Apr 13 2010 at 1:26 PM ESTJoin the SafePhaseOut as we help the EPA safely phase out the chemical Deca-BDE! The EPA agreement sets forth a rational, effective transition to newer alternatives, while allowing critical services such as police, fire and airlines to continue to use existing fire safety products that are critically important to saving lives. Environmentally-friendly flame retardants that do not penetrate the skin are already in production and will be sold within the year. We must remain watchful of.... More
the futon shop
Posted By futonlove - Tue, Apr 13 2010 at 7:05 PM ESTI really appreciate your article. I work at The Futon Shop and we specialize in organic bedding. we have natural latex and chemically free mattresses for sleeping and for couches(futons) I am so happy that there are article supporting our mission, which is to help to heal the earth while you sleep. The more you “go organic” in what you wear,sleep on, wash and dry with and consume, the more you are doing to help replenish our planet and safeguard its future abundance.
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