This article discusses how the principles of the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen can be used to help with insomnia. Read on for suggestions on how taking small actions, such as switching to comfortable silks bedding, can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Inside this Article:
Lack of Sleep: A Serious Public Health and Safety Issue
With nearly a third of American adults saying they suffer from insomnia, it seems like not sleeping is practically our national pastime. Unfortunately, these sleepless nights can have serious consequences such as drowsy driving and motor vehicle accidents as well as costly and dangerous workplace mistakes. Not getting enough sleep is also closely tied with major health problems including obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and depression.
Kaizen Method: Small, Continuous Improvements to Sleep
Kaizen is a well-known business philosophy popularized in Japan in the years following World War II. The word “kaizen” loosely translates into “improvement,” with the principles of Kaizen focusing on constant improvement through consistent incremental change. In a business setting, this small improvement plan leads to greater quality, efficiency, and productivity.
In recent years, the principles of Kaizen have been adapted by sleep experts to tackle the problem of insomnia. The Kaizen concept of implementing small, manageable change is easily adaptable to sleep routines and has proven quite effective.
Alex Savy, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Founder of SleepingOcean.com, weighs in on the Japanese technique of Kaizen for sleep:
“So, to put it simply, the Kaizen technique is basically an embodiment of healthy sleep hygiene that can be achieved through consistent steps. One of the key principles of Kaizen is making small, incremental changes over time. Instead of trying to overhaul our entire sleep routine all at once, we can focus on making small changes that can lead to big improvements.” Savy adds, “One area where Kaizen can be particularly helpful for improving sleep is in our sleep environment. Creating a sleep-conducive environment is crucial for getting quality sleep.”
The small changes recommended with the Kaizen sleep protocol include implementing better habits and creating an environment that is highly conducive to sleep:
- Keeping a sleep diary
- Using a sleep tracker
- Getting in the habit of going to bed at the same time every day
- Maintaining a cool, comfortable room
- Relaxing with essential oils and soothing lighting
- Blocking light with blackout curtains
- Using a noise machine
- Changing bedding frequently
- Sleeping in clean, comfortable bedding
Alex Savy maintains that silk is an ideal fabric for sleep-conducive bedding according to the Kaizen approach:
“Certain fabrics can increase one’s comfort, allowing them to feel more relaxed and, potentially, sleep better,” Savy said. “Silk, for example, is a good option for people with sensitive skin. It will also work for hot sleepers, as natural silk is breathable and doesn’t cause overheating at night.”
Dr. Sony Sherpa, a holistic physician with Nature’s Rise, concurs that silk is a powerful insomnia-fighting tool:
“Poor bedding fabric can be a contributing factor to insomnia, making it harder to get comfortable and drift off. Recent research has suggested that certain fabrics may help insomniacs sleep better by bringing comfort and promoting relaxation. Fabrics like silk have been known to reduce friction and improve breathability, regulating temperature throughout the night.”
Mulberry Park Silks Bedding: Hygienic, Clean and Comfortable for Sound Sleep
We are thrilled to see growing numbers of sleep professionals validating the benefits of silk. But it comes as no surprise to us. Time and again, Mulberry Park Silks clients tell us that switching from cotton, synthetic, or blend bedding to our pure silk bedding has provided them with better, more restorative sleep. This is due to the unique biology and properties of mulberry silk, a, protein-based fiber that naturally fosters cleanliness, health and comfort:
- Hypoallergenic. Pure silk is naturally hypoallergenic. It is spun from the cocoon of the silk worm and contains a nourishing protein called fibroin that coats each fiber to repel allergens and irritants.
- Resistant to mold, mildew and mites. The protein-based structure of silk helps naturally repel mold, mildew, and dust mites, all of which make sleeping uncomfortable.
- Moisture wicking. Unlike cotton, which absorbs and retains moisture, pure silk wicks moisture away from the skin to keep sleepers dry and comfortable
- Breathable and temperature regulating. Silk fiber and silk fabric are breathable. They work to regulate body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Gentle on sensitive skin. The soft, charmeuse weave of our silk sheets, pillowcases, duvets, and bedding is gentle and non-irritating to even the most sensitive skin (even for babies). Silk also protects skin by helping it naturally retain moisture.
All Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases, bedding, and accessories are made from 100% pure mulberry silk of the highest grade, 6A. We use only genuine silk fabric, never satin or inferior blends. We’ve also taken the extra step of ensuring that our silk is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as safe from harmful substances.
A Wide Selection of Bedding and Accessories to Support Better Sleep
We founded Mulberry Park Silks to offer a wide variety of silk bedding and accessories at fair and affordable pricing. That means plenty of options for anyone looking to embrace the Kaizen philosophy by adding the relaxing comfort of silk to their bed. We offer silk pillowcases and sheets in a choice of three weights: 19, 22, and 30 momme. These come in a variety of colors and can be purchased individually (shop silk pillowcases here and silk sheets here) or in sets. Our duvet covers are made from our popular 22 momme silk and coordinate beautifully with all of our bedding.
Mulberry Park Silks also offers Kaizen-friendly accessories and apparel. Incremental improvements can lead to big change. Consider treating yourself to a spa-like experience with our Silk Aromatherapy Lavender Eye Pillow to soothe and relax your nervous system, or block light to promote deep sleep with our Pure Silk Sleep Mask. You can even wrap yourself in the soothing luxury of silk as you wind down for bedtime in our Silk Robe; made from 100% pure 22 momme silk, this one-size kimono style robe features a convenient hanging loop; an external belt; and internal ties for secure closing. The sleeves also button up with a sewn-in tab for extra convenience.
Our Silk is Machine Washable
If your goal is relaxation, you don’t want to use bedding that is time-consuming or difficult to care for. Fortunately, Mulberry Park Silks bedding and accessories are easily washed by hand or machine right at home. This means you have no worries about keeping your bedding clean and in perfect shape for sleeping well. Check out our easy-to-follow care guidelines for silk sheets and pillowcases here.
Wherever you are in your journey to good sleep, Mulberry Park Silks is here to help. Please contact us for assistance or with any questions. We are happy to make personalized recommendations and will even send you a complimentary swatch sample of our beautiful silk to check out at home.
