You’ve probably heard the sentiment in hundreds of advertisements over the years – “you spend 1/3 of your life in bed, so shouldn’t you invest in something where you spend most of your time?” There are so many articles and posts out there about runners needing good sleep to optimize their performance—and just generally feel better all the way around.
I remember reading an old article that said this:
It’s during the third and fourth stages of a typical sleep cycle when a body heals itself. That’s when the human growth hormone (HGH) is released from the pituitary gland. Although it’s gotten notoriety as a performance-enhancing drug, in its natural form it plays a key role in building and repairing muscle tissue and bones, as well as acting as a catalyst for the body to use fat as fuel. Without the right amount of HGH in the blood, recovery from workouts is hindered, prolonging the time it takes the body to build a strong aerobic engine.
But what if you’re not getting to those stages appropriately? Obviously, your performance will suffer. There could be a variety of factors that contribute to lack of sleep (late night runs or diet, for example), but a lack of a good and comfortable bed is also something that could be holding you back. If the past few years brought about anything positive, it may have been really starting to understand what is worth investing in.
I’m sure many of us focus on eating healthier and/or creating multi-faceted training rooms in our garages or spare rooms. And I know we all invest in at least a few new pairs of running shoes each year. But I also wonder if we would benefit from an upgrade in the sleeping department to really complete the health circle. We all know the importance of rest days to avoid injuries and burnout, so wouldn’t it also make sense to ensure that our literal rest time is as restful and comfortable as possible too?
Enter the Sijo Cooling Eucalyptus AiryWeight Sheet Set.
- Set Includes: 1 fitted sheet, 1 optional flat/top sheet, and 2 pillowcases. (Note: Twin & TwinXL sets include (1) pillowcase)
We’ve been sleeping on the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheets for the past month or so and have really liked them. Sheets alone won’t suddenly turn you into a sleep superstar—but they’re definitely part of the equation that contributes meaningfully to recovery and overall health. I run very hot at night and when I toss and turn and don’t sleep well, let’s be honest—neither does she. I sleep noticeably cooler in these sheets compared to others we’ve had, so the temperature-regulating properties seem to be doing their job.
Construction & Feel:
These are seriously soft sheets. The fabric is made from 100% TENCEL lyocell derived from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood, and you can tell right away that they’re designed with comfort in mind. Sijo’s sheets are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and stays cooler (according to Sijo) because it absorbs 70% more moisture than cotton.
They’re also hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety, which means no harsh dyes, bleach, or irritating chemicals next to your skin.
Fit:
We’ve got a pretty tall mattress, plus a topper—so “sheet slippage” has been a common enemy in our house. This sheet set has generous, deep pockets and fits mattresses up to 16 inches thick. The sheets stay snug, and we haven’t had to wrestle with them midweek to re-tuck corners. Small win? Sure. But it’s one of those annoyances you don’t realize you hate until it’s gone.
Sustainability:
Sijo emphasizes eco-conscious manufacturing. The eucalyptus used in their sheets is sustainably grown, and the closed-loop production process used to create TENCEL lyocell fibers reuses water and solvents to reduce waste. It’s bedding that’s good for your body and good for the planet.
As a parent of three, I can appreciate good marketing as much as I do good products—and while Sijo doesn’t come with the cheeky name of other brands we’ve tried, the performance and sustainability focus is more than enough to make a lasting impression.
Product & Specs:
- Material: 100% TENCEL Lyocell (Eucalyptus)
- Fit: Up to 16” mattress depth
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified
- Hypoallergenic & Cooling
- Starting Price: $95 (Twin size; varies by size)
- Color Options: 13 options
The AiryWeight Sheets may not make you faster, but if better sleep leads to better recovery, which leads to better performance—then they just might help in ways you didn’t expect.
