Silk is a protein fibre produced by certain insect species and some other animals, such as pseudoscorpions. The most well-known of these natural silk-makers is the silkworm, the larva (or caterpillar) of a silk moth. In nature, the different types of silk made by insects and animals are used for a variety of purposes. Honeybee and bumblebee larvae use silk to fortify the interior of their wax cells, for example, and cecropia moths insulate their cocoons with it.
Thousands of years ago, the practice of weaving silk to make textiles began in China, where it would remain until the opening of the Silk Road. The production of silk — known as sericulture — would later spread to several other countries, including India, Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam. A species of silk moth named Bombyx mori creates a type of silk named mulberry silk, which accounts for approximately 90% of the world’s silk production. Today, silk continues to be used in clothing, bedding, upholstery, wall hangings, and a range of other textile items.
Silk’s soft but strong fibre has a prism-like structure that refracts light at different angles, producing a range of colours and lending silk-woven fabrics their lustrous sheen. Silk pillowcases have risen in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to their elegant appearance and unparalleled softness — but the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase are thought to extend beyond mere comfort and looks.
Do silk pillowcases help you sleep better?
A relaxing sleeping environment is key to achieving good-quality rest, and upgrading your pillowcase is one of the steps you can take to make your bed a more comfortable place to sleep.
Silk’s hollow-centred fibres make it lightweight and breathable, which helps the material regulate body temperature throughout the night. The fabric has moisture-wicking properties and dries very quickly. For these reasons, silk pillowcases may be particularly beneficial to people who “sleep warm,” as well as those who experience night sweats or hot flashes. Because silk is a natural insulator, a silk pillowcase can also help to keep you at a comfortable temperature in the cooler months and is suitable for year-round use.
Are silk pillowcases hypoallergenic?
Silk has hypoallergenic properties, meaning it contains few allergy-causing substances (known as allergens). Manmade materials like nylon and polyester are less likely to be hypoallergenic because they’re typically exposed to or treated with more chemicals in the manufacturing process.
Are silk pillowcases good for your skin?
The closely woven fibres of a silk pillowcase form a low-friction surface, which can be kinder to your skin than other materials used in bedding. Rougher fabrics, like linen and cotton, tend to create more friction between your face and the pillowcase as you sleep. Additionally, silk absorbs less moisture than many popular bedding fabrics, allowing the skin to retain more of its hydration (as well as any skincare products you might apply before bed).
Are silk pillowcases good for your hair?
Hair cuticles are more likely to be caught or snagged on coarser bedding fabrics like cotton and linen. The smooth material of a silk pillowcase can reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, which may help to prevent frizz and tangles. Additionally, cotton is more porous than silk: it will absorb moisture from your hair, while silk may help your hair to keep its natural hydration. People with chemically treated hair or hair that is prone to breakage may benefit from using a silk pillowcase, as well as those with dry hair or flaky scalps.
Are silk pillowcases durable?
Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres in the world. The Bombyx mori silkworm produces mulberry silk, which consists of two primary proteins: sericin and fibroin. Fibroin — which forms the structural centre of the silk — contains a high proportion of glycine, an amino acid that acts as a building block in the construction of proteins. The presence of glycine for allows tight packing, while alanine and serine (the other amino acids in fibroin) strengthen the fibres and make them more resistant to breaking.
When cared for correctly, silk pillowcases can last for a long time. Many silk pillowcases today are machine washable, and should be washed in cold water on the delicate (or gentle) setting as hot water can damage the fibres. Silk loses 20% of its strength when wet, making its fibres more susceptible to stretching or breaking in this state.
It’s also recommended to use a pH-neutral detergent to wash your silk pillowcase — products that are too acidic or alkaline can cause silk to lose its softness. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener on a silk pillowcase and read the information on the detergent container: it will usually indicate whether or not the solution is suitable for silk. Always follow your silk pillowcase’s specific care instructions for the best results.
Silk pillowcases are durable, comfortable, and suitable for year-round use. In addition to their temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, they may also be beneficial to hair and skin. Upgrading your pillowcase can elevate your sleeping environment, which may aid in improving sleep quality.
It is important to remember that while a comfortable and restful sleeping environment can help those seeking to achieve better sleep, ongoing or serious problems with sleep should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.