Person sitting up in bed hugging a Putnams British Wool pillow

The Science of Sleep: New 2026 Study Reveals Why British Wool is the Ultimate Bedding Material

Februar 11, 2026

We all know the feeling of tossing and turning, flipping the pillow to the "cool side," or waking up feeling clammy in the middle of the night. At Putnams, we have long championed the benefits of natural materials, but a fascinating new study by British Wool (in partnership with the International Wool Textile Organisation and Bangor University BioComposites Centre) has provided scientific proof that wool isn't just a traditional choice; it is a superior performance fibre.

The report, titled Performance Analysis of Wool Bedding, pitted wool against the most common alternatives: Synthetic (Polyester), Feather & Down, and 100% Down. The results were conclusive: wool outperforms them all in the critical areas of thermal insulation and moisture management.

Let's explore the findings and why switching to British Wool could be the secret to your best night's sleep.

1. Superior Warmth Without the Bulk

One of the most common misconceptions about bedding is that "thicker equals warmer." Wool duvets often appear thinner (less "lofty") than fluffy synthetic or down options, leading many to believe they offer less warmth.

The study scientifically debunked this myth. Researchers measured Thermal Conductivity (K-value), essentially, how easily heat passes through a material. A lower K-value means the material is a better insulator, keeping warmth in.

The Findings:

Wool had the lowest thermal conductivity of all materials tested, making it the most effective insulator.

Wool provides 25% better insulation than Synthetic duvets.

Wool provides 30% better insulation than Feather & Down duvets.

Wool provides 17% better insulation than Down duvets.

The Putnams Take: If you love warmth but hate feeling weighed down by heavy, bulky covers, our British Wool bedding range offers the perfect solution. You get scientifically proven superior warmth in a streamlined, breathable profile.

2. The "Thermostat" Effect: Regulating Body Temperature

Have you ever woken up freezing because your heat escaped, or sweating because it was trapped too effectively? The study tracked temperature sensors inside duvets over an 8-hour period to see how they held onto heat.

While the temperature at the top of the duvets remained consistent, the middle of the wool duvet maintained a significantly higher temperature (22°C) compared to the others (13-15°C).

Stable Comfort: Wool demonstrated only 20% heat loss from the bottom to the middle of the duvet.

Volatile Alternatives: Synthetic and feather options lost between 34-47% of their heat in the same zones.

This unique ability to maintain a stable internal temperature is why wool is often described as having a "natural thermostat," keeping you consistently cosy without the dramatic temperature fluctuations that disrupt deep sleep.

Person lying on a large double bed reading a newspaper article The Performance Analysis of Wool Bedding

3. Banishing Night Sweats: The Moisture Management Miracle

Perhaps the most groundbreaking findings from the report concerned humidity buffering. We naturally lose moisture while we sleep, and if that moisture is trapped, it leads to a hot, clammy environment.

The researchers tested how the materials handled moisture at 37°C (body temperature) and 50°C (simulating higher humidity/sweat load).

Key Findings on Moisture Transmission:

Wool is dynamic: As humidity rises, wool responds by working harder. It transported nearly twice as much moisture at 50°C as it did at 37°C.

Beats the Competition: At elevated temperatures, wool transmitted up to 139% more moisture than synthetic duvets and 151% more than feather & down.

The "Clammy" Synthetic Reality: Notably, during the high-temperature test, condensation actually formed inside the synthetic duvet, dripping back into the test bath. This perfectly explains why synthetic bedding often leaves you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.

Why this matters for your sleep: Effective evaporation is how our bodies cool down. Because wool transmits moisture so efficiently, it supports your body's natural cooling mechanism, preventing that "sticky" feeling and helping you return to a comfortable sleep temperature faster.

4. Speed Matters: The Rapid Response of Wool

It is not just about how much moisture a duvet can move, but how fast it does it. The study measured the Water Transmission Rate and found that wool is significantly faster at moving humidity away from the sleeper.

Up to 120% faster than Synthetic duvets.

Up to 153% faster than Feather & Down duvets.

Up to 49% faster than Down duvets.

This rapid response means that before you even wake up feeling damp, the wool fibres are already working to wick moisture away into the atmosphere.

Conclusion: The Natural Choice for Better Sleep

The British Wool report concludes that wool possesses "superior performance relative to synthetic fillings and to feather & down in several key areas". It is scientifically better at keeping you warm, keeping you dry, and regulating your bed's micro-climate.

At Putnams, we are proud to support British farmers and offer you the highest quality sleep solutions. Whether you are looking to upgrade your duvet or find the perfect pillow, choosing British Wool is an investment in deeper, drier, and more restorative sleep.