Design Your Sleep Sanctuary

Set yourself up for a perfect night’s sleep

Find our night time Goldilocks zone 

“The Goldilocks Effect stems from our inclination towards finding an optimal point that satisfies our needs or preferences. Whether it’s temperature, taste, size, or complexity, humans have a tendency to seek out options that are neither too much nor too little, but rather fall within an ideal range.” 

A good night’s sleep starts with the right bed setup—one that supports your body, regulates temperature, and creates a feeling of comfort and security. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components: 

Bed Size 

Bed size plays a critical role in sleep quality. A cramped bed can cause restlessness and disrupted sleep. For single sleepers, a Double or Queen bed offers ample space. For couples, a Queen or King ensures comfort, especially if one partner moves a lot during sleep.  

Top Tip: Toes peeking over? Taller individuals benefit from extra length. (Look for “XL” versions). 

Mattress Firmness 

Mattress firmness should align with your sleep position and body type: 

Soft: Ideal for side sleepers and lighter individuals, as it cushions pressure points like shoulders and hips. 

Medium-Firm: The most versatile, suiting most body types and positions—recommended for couples. 

Firm: Best for back and stomach sleepers or heavier individuals, as it offers spine support. 

Take note: Modern options like hybrid or memory foam mattresses balance contouring and support, reducing motion transfer and improving sleep quality. 

Pillow Choices 

Pillow selection also depends on sleeping posture: 

Side sleepers: Need thick, firm pillows to align the neck and spine. 

Back sleepers: A medium pillow works best for neck support. 

Stomach sleepers: A soft, thin pillow or none at all prevents neck strain. 

 Memory foam, latex, and adjustable fill pillows (with removable stuffing) provide customizable comfort and long-lasting support. 

Now that we have the base sorted, lets get to the fun part. Texture, weight, size and material all play an important role when it comes to dressing your bed.  

Sheets, Blankets, or Duvets 

Sheets and light blankets offer flexibility for layering and seasonal changes. Duvets are warmer and plush, with a sleek, modern look. Down or down-alternative options offer insulation and comfort. In warmer climates like much of South Africa, a duvet with a low tog rating or a cotton blanket may be preferable for breathability. 

You know we love the unique wool duvets from Karoo Creations, and it’s not just because we love their story! 

Bedsheet Fabric 

A bedsheet might be a basic thing, but there’s nothing better than a great sheet and few things as terrible as a bad one! 

Cotton (especially percale or Egyptian cotton): Breathable, crisp, and ideal for hot climates. 

Linen: Extremely breathable and temperature-regulating; ideal for humid conditions but has a more textured feel.

Blends (poly-cotton): Wrinkle-resistant and durable but less breathable than natural fibres.  

Take note: These are often the cheapest options but are truly not ideal to regulate body temperature and promote a restful night.  

For comfort, natural materials like 100% cotton or linen are superior, especially for sensitive skin. 

Heated Blanket vs Heated Beanbag or Hot Water Bottle 

Heated blanket: Offers consistent warmth across the bed, ideal for cold climates or people with circulation issues. However, it must be used with care and shouldn’t stay on all night unless it has a timer. 

Heated beanbag or hot water bottle: Great for targeted warmth (e.g., cold feet or sore muscles). They cool down gradually, encouraging natural body temperature regulation overnight. 

Top tip: For safety and simplicity, hot water bottles or microwavable beanbags may be preferable in households with children or pets. 

Aircon on or off? 

Many a couple has had to sort this out. Some people love it, some hate it. What are the benefit of sleeping with the aircon on and can there be drawbacks?  

Benefits: 

• Regulates the room temperature consistently, improving sleep for those who overheat. 

• White noise from the unit can help some sleepers doze off more easily. 

• May improve air quality if filtered correctly. 

Drawbacks: 

• Can dry out nasal passages and skin, leading to irritation. 

• If the air filter isn’t cleaned regularly, allergens may circulate. 

• Not everyone sleeps at the same temperature, which means bed mates might have a fight on their hands around who controls the aircon remote.  

Top tip: To use air conditioning effectively, set it between 18–22°C and use a humidifier or a bowl of water to maintain moisture in the air. 

Too hard, too soft…perfect.  

Creating the right sleep environment is deeply personal. Investing in quality bedding and finding the right combinations that suit your sleep style can dramatically improve sleep quality and will boost your overall well-being. Trial-and-error is the way to go. Think about the best night’s sleep you’ve had recently and work your way towards that, tweaking one element at a time until you find your personal goldilocks zone.  

Still not satisfied? You can do more! 

Air quality and proper ventilation play a critical role in achieving restorative sleep. Poor air circulation can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide, indoor pollutants, and uncomfortable moisture—all of which can negatively affect sleep quality.  

Elevated CO₂ levels, common in poorly ventilated rooms, reduce the oxygen available for respiration during sleep, often causing restlessness, headaches, or waking up feeling fatigued. 

Ventilation—whether natural (open windows) or mechanical (fans or HVAC systems)—helps regulate humidity and reduce allergens like dust mites, mould spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products or furniture. These irritants can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory discomfort, disrupting sleep or lowering sleep efficiency. 

Stagnant air steels sleep 

A natural flow of fresh air also promotes thermal comfort and self-regulation. Stale, warm rooms can lead to overheating, increasing nighttime awakenings. In contrast, well-ventilated spaces with a steady, clean airflow help maintain optimal body temperature and support the body’s natural cooling process during sleep. 

To improve bedroom air quality, ensure regular ventilation, use indoor plants that purify air (like peace lilies or snake plants), and consider using HEPA air purifiers. Avoid scented candles, aerosols, and smoking indoors. A clean, breathable sleep environment supports deeper, uninterrupted rest and promotes overall health. And isn’t that what we all crave?