by Georgia Hartmann
Sleep is not just the absence of waking, but an active neurophysiological process and the primary activity of the developing brain.
Sleep duration, quality, and architecture changes over the lifespan, particularly in the first 5 years of life. Newborns spend as much as 80% of their day sleeping, and most toddlers and preschoolers spend half or more of their day asleep. For adults, it looks like one third of our life is spent in bed. Given the substantial time we dedicate to rest, it’s crucial to consider the environment where we lay our heads. [1-2]
In this blog post, I’ll share my journey toward choosing low tox mattresses for my family and delve into the critical reasons behind this decision, exploring the common toxins in conventional mattresses and their potential health implications.
Understanding Common Toxins in Mattresses
Conventional mattresses often contain a cocktail of chemicals used during manufacturing that can have adverse effects on our health. One prevalent group is volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. These substances can off-gas over time, leading to indoor air pollution and potential health issues.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2022 found robust evidence for exposure to indoor VOCs and many adverse health effects, ranging from allergy to serious chronic disease including cancer. For example, formaldehyde has significant association with asthma, nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia. Another VOC, benzene, is associated with lower respiratory infection, lung cancer, brain and central nervous system cancer, ear infections, and pneumonia. As for toluene, various studies have shown an association with preterm birth, low birth weight, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disease. [3]
We also know that exposure to these harmful chemicals has hazardous effects on reproductive outcomes. A paper published in the journal of Human Reproduction Update concluded that sperm quality, egg development, and conditions including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with long-term exposure to VOCs. [4]
Reducing the Risk: Choosing Low Tox Mattresses
Our choices, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on our health and the well-being of our loved ones. Opting for low tox mattresses is a conscious decision to prioritise the health of our families, especially considering the significant time we spend sleeping.
As we become more aware of the potential health risks associated with common toxins found in mattresses, the importance of choosing a safer alternative becomes evident. By doing so, we not only create a healthier sleep environment but also contribute to the long-term well-being of our families, safeguarding against the potential health implications linked to exposure to environmental toxins.
In the pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, embracing low tox mattresses is a meaningful step towards better sleep and a brighter, toxin-free future for our loved ones. If you are in Australia and looking for safe, low tox bedding for your family, head to The Natural Bedding Co and use the discount code TNBCGEORGIAHARTMANN10
[1] Chaput, J.P., et al. Systematic review of the relationships between sleep duration and health indicators in the early years (0–4 years). BMC Public Health, 2017. PMID: 29219078.
[2] Bragazzi, N.L., et al. Planetary sleep medicine: Studying sleep at the individual, population, and planetary level. Frontiers in Public Health, 2022. PMID: 36330122.
[3] Liu, N., et al. Health effects of exposure to indoor volatile organic compounds from 1980 to 2017: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indoor Air, 2022. PMID: 35622720.
[4] Siegel, E.L., et al. Indoor and outdoor air pollution and couple fecundability: a systematic review. Human Reproduction Update, 2023. PMID: 35894871.