Wool Mattress Topper on Bed

How Does Wool Regulate Body Temperature?

Understanding Wool & Its Benefits

Wool is a remarkable and versatile material, celebrated for its multitude of uses and advantages. One of its most notable features is wool temperature regulation, which makes it breathable, easy to clean, resistant to wrinkles, and naturally resistant to odors and bacteria. Additionally, wool's unique wool temperature regulation abilities ensure it maintains a comfortable body temperature in varying climates.

Often perceived as a fabric primarily for cold weather, wool actually possesses cooling and moisture-wicking properties that make it ideal for warmer conditions as well. These properties contribute to keeping you dry and comfortable, regardless of the temperature.

Continue reading to discover more about the fascinating natural properties of wool and its ability to regulate temperature effectively.

Wool Topper cross section close up

Understanding Wool

Wool is one of the oldest materials in the world. It even harkens back to the Stone Age. Made of natural hair-like fibers, wool comes from various animals. Sheep are the most prominent wool producers, but other wool animals include llamas, rabbits, goats, and even camels.

So, how does wool regulate body temperature? Wool is unique because of its temperature-regulating abilities. It has active fibers that react to body temperature changes. Essentially, wool works double time, helping you stay cool when the weather is hot and warm when it's cold.

This makes sense because the whole purpose of wool is to shield a sheep from the elements, and humans aren't that much different from sheep. In fact, our body temperature is only slightly lower than theirs.

But how exactly does wool regulate body temperature? What does the science say?

Is Wool Temperature Regulating? Here's the Science

The structure of wool makes it an effective insulator. Made of the protein keratin, also found in human hair, each wool fiber has natural kinks. These bends trap in dry air to keep your body warm. Instead of pulling and absorbing the heat away from your body, wool keeps this heat close to your skin. That way, you stay warm inside of your wool clothing, bedding, etc.

How does wool also regulate body temperature in summer? It’s all in the crimp and curl of the wool fibers. These structures create air pockets that absorb moisture and move it away from your body, keeping you cool and dry.

Benefits of Wool in Various Climates

Wool adapts to your body temperature, offering comfort all year round. Here are a few examples of how to use wool in summer, winter, and various climates.

Wool Topper cross section close up

Bedding

Studies show that wool bedding can lead to a better night’s sleep. With its temperature-regulating properties, wool keeps you toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. Its moisture-wicking abilities keep your bed dry, comfortable, and allergen-free. Air also passes through wool bedding easily thanks to the unique structure of wool fibers, adding more breathability.

Wool can be found in pillows, comforters, blankets, throws, and even mattress toppers like our Wool Mattress Topper at Peacock Alley. Handmade using the finest grade of 100% USA wool, it features a 2-inch pile that’s temperature-regulating, non-allergenic, and environmentally safe, promising a sleep experience like no other.

Wool-Insulated Outerwear

Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts often wear wool base layers to keep them warm and dry as they tackle ever-shifting weather conditions — from rainy and freezing to sunny and high temperatures. This wool layer naturally adjusts to the body’s thermal balance, making it perfect for high-performance apparel. Wool is also lightweight and easy to pack, providing comfort minus the bulk.

Wool Home Insulation

Wool can also act as a natural insulation in homes. It's an environmentally friendly option for starters, and it effectively blocks out noise while keeping heat and cool air inside.

Wool insulation regulates humidity and prevents mold. The moisture content in each sheep wool fiber also makes it naturally fire-resistant. Not to mention, it's safer and healthier than traditional insulation. Installers don't need protective gear when putting it into the home's walls.

Wool: The Sustainable Choice

Along with the benefits above, wool is a smart investment in our planet’s future. Here are a few ways that using wool products can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Wool as a Renewable Source

First off, wool is a naturally renewable resource. Every year, sheep produce fleece, are sheared during the warmer months, and then grow a new fleece that’s removed the following year (and so the cycle goes). As long as sheep have grass to eat, they’ll continue to produce wool.

Reusable Wool

Wool is also highly durable and long-lasting, making it one of the most reused and recycled fibers. According to the International Wool Textile Organisation, wool typically lasts 20-30 years and sometimes longer! Wool can either be passed down in its original form or made into something entirely new. For example, the closed-loop system reverts wool garments to their raw fiber state to create new products.

Wool’s Biodegradable Properties

Once the wool item reaches the end of its lifespan, it’s 100% biodegradable. Since wool is made out of keratin protein, microorganisms in the soil or water can easily break it down. In the right ground conditions, wool can degrade in about six months.

As wool breaks down, it also acts as a fertilizer, adding sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to the soil. This turns it back into rich soil and pasture that will eventually feed the sheep as they grow a new coat, contributing to an ongoing biological life cycle. In contrast, synthetic fibers take much longer to decompose and also release harmful microplastics into the surrounding ecosystem.

Wool-Temperature Regulation at Peacock Alley

From outwear to mattress toppers, wool products have powerful temperature-regulating properties. They’re also built to last, offering durable and high-quality items that can make your day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable. For a natural solution to a perfect night’s sleep, consider swapping your mattress topper out with one that’s made from carefully sourced wool.

Known for its superior natural properties and temperature regulation, the Peacock Alley luxury wool mattress topper offers a superior sleep experience. Each piece is made-to-order and generously sized to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Suitable for all seasons, our wool mattress topper will keep you fresh and cool in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter.

At Peacock Alley, we’re committed to giving you comfortable and sustainable choices so you can feel amazing about buying and using our bedding in your home. If you crave a good night’s sleep, consider investing in our premium, eco-friendly bedding to help you catch your Z's.

Wool is a remarkable and versatile material, celebrated for its multitude of uses and advantages. One of its most notable features is wool temperature regulation, which makes it breathable, easy to clean, resistant to wrinkles, and naturally resistant to odors and bacteria. Additionally, wool's unique wool temperature regulation abilities ensure it maintains a comfortable body temperature in varying climates.

Often perceived as a fabric primarily for cold weather, wool actually possesses cooling and moisture-wicking properties that make it ideal for warmer conditions as well. These properties contribute to keeping you dry and comfortable, regardless of the temperature.

Continue reading to discover more about the fascinating natural properties of wool and its ability to regulate temperature effectively.

Understanding Wool

Wool is one of the oldest materials in the world. It even harkens back to the Stone Age. Made of natural hair-like fibers, wool comes from various animals. Sheep are the most prominent wool producers, but other wool animals include llamas, rabbits, goats, and even camels.

So, how does wool regulate body temperature? Wool is unique because of its temperature-regulating abilities. It has active fibers that react to body temperature changes. Essentially, wool works double time, helping you stay cool when the weather is hot and warm when it's cold.

This makes sense because the whole purpose of wool is to shield a sheep from the elements, and humans aren't that much different from sheep. In fact, our body temperature is only slightly lower than theirs.

But how exactly does wool regulate body temperature? What does the science say?

Is Wool Temperature Regulating? Here's the Science

The structure of wool makes it an effective insulator. Made of the protein keratin, also found in human hair, each wool fiber has natural kinks. These bends trap in dry air to keep your body warm. Instead of pulling and absorbing the heat away from your body, wool keeps this heat close to your skin. That way, you stay warm inside of your wool clothing, bedding, etc.

How does wool also regulate body temperature in summer? It’s all in the crimp and curl of the wool fibers. These structures create air pockets that absorb moisture and move it away from your body, keeping you cool and dry.

Benefits of Wool in Various Climates

Wool adapts to your body temperature, offering comfort all year round. Here are a few examples of how to use wool in summer, winter, and various climates.

Bedding

Studies show that wool bedding can lead to a better night’s sleep. With its temperature-regulating properties, wool keeps you toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. Its moisture-wicking abilities keep your bed dry, comfortable, and allergen-free. Air also passes through wool bedding easily thanks to the unique structure of wool fibers, adding more breathability.

Wool can be found in pillows, comforters, blankets, throws, and even mattress toppers like our Wool Mattress Topper at Peacock Alley. Handmade using the finest grade of 100% USA wool, it features a 2-inch pile that’s temperature-regulating, non-allergenic, and environmentally safe, promising a sleep experience like no other.

Wool-Insulated Outerwear

Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts often wear wool base layers to keep them warm and dry as they tackle ever-shifting weather conditions — from rainy and freezing to sunny and high temperatures. This wool layer naturally adjusts to the body’s thermal balance, making it perfect for high-performance apparel. Wool is also lightweight and easy to pack, providing comfort minus the bulk.

Wool Home Insulation

Wool can also act as a natural insulation in homes. It's an environmentally friendly option for starters, and it effectively blocks out noise while keeping heat and cool air inside.

Wool insulation regulates humidity and prevents mold. The moisture content in each sheep wool fiber also makes it naturally fire-resistant. Not to mention, it's safer and healthier than traditional insulation. Installers don't need protective gear when putting it into the home's walls.

Wool: The Sustainable Choice

Along with the benefits above, wool is a smart investment in our planet’s future. Here are a few ways that using wool products can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Wool as a Renewable Source

First off, wool is a naturally renewable resource. Every year, sheep produce fleece, are sheared during the warmer months, and then grow a new fleece that’s removed the following year (and so the cycle goes). As long as sheep have grass to eat, they’ll continue to produce wool.

Reusable Wool

Wool is also highly durable and long-lasting, making it one of the most reused and recycled fibers. According to the International Wool Textile Organisation, wool typically lasts 20-30 years and sometimes longer! Wool can either be passed down in its original form or made into something entirely new. For example, the closed-loop system reverts wool garments to their raw fiber state to create new products.

Wool’s Biodegradable Properties

Once the wool item reaches the end of its lifespan, it’s 100% biodegradable. Since wool is made out of keratin protein, microorganisms in the soil or water can easily break it down. In the right ground conditions, wool can degrade in about six months.

As wool breaks down, it also acts as a fertilizer, adding sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to the soil. This turns it back into rich soil and pasture that will eventually feed the sheep as they grow a new coat, contributing to an ongoing biological life cycle. In contrast, synthetic fibers take much longer to decompose and also release harmful microplastics into the surrounding ecosystem.

Wool-Temperature Regulation at Peacock Alley

From outwear to mattress toppers, wool products have powerful temperature-regulating properties. They’re also built to last, offering durable and high-quality items that can make your day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable. For a natural solution to a perfect night’s sleep, consider swapping your mattress topper out with one that’s made from carefully sourced wool.

Known for its superior natural properties and temperature regulation, the Peacock Alley luxury wool mattress topper offers a superior sleep experience. Each piece is made-to-order and generously sized to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Suitable for all seasons, our wool mattress topper will keep you fresh and cool in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter.

At Peacock Alley, we’re committed to giving you comfortable and sustainable choices so you can feel amazing about buying and using our bedding in your home. If you crave a good night’s sleep, consider investing in our premium, eco-friendly bedding to help you catch your Z's.

Wool is a remarkable and versatile material, celebrated for its multitude of uses and advantages. One of its most notable features is wool temperature regulation, which makes it breathable, easy to clean, resistant to wrinkles, and naturally resistant to odors and bacteria. Additionally, wool's unique wool temperature regulation abilities ensure it maintains a comfortable body temperature in varying climates.

Often perceived as a fabric primarily for cold weather, wool actually possesses cooling and moisture-wicking properties that make it ideal for warmer conditions as well. These properties contribute to keeping you dry and comfortable, regardless of the temperature.

Continue reading to discover more about the fascinating natural properties of wool and its ability to regulate temperature effectively.

Understanding Wool

Wool is one of the oldest materials in the world. It even harkens back to the Stone Age. Made of natural hair-like fibers, wool comes from various animals. Sheep are the most prominent wool producers, but other wool animals include llamas, rabbits, goats, and even camels.

So, how does wool regulate body temperature? Wool is unique because of its temperature-regulating abilities. It has active fibers that react to body temperature changes. Essentially, wool works double time, helping you stay cool when the weather is hot and warm when it's cold.

This makes sense because the whole purpose of wool is to shield a sheep from the elements, and humans aren't that much different from sheep. In fact, our body temperature is only slightly lower than theirs.

But how exactly does wool regulate body temperature? What does the science say?

Is Wool Temperature Regulating? Here's the Science

The structure of wool makes it an effective insulator. Made of the protein keratin, also found in human hair, each wool fiber has natural kinks. These bends trap in dry air to keep your body warm. Instead of pulling and absorbing the heat away from your body, wool keeps this heat close to your skin. That way, you stay warm inside of your wool clothing, bedding, etc.

How does wool also regulate body temperature in summer? It’s all in the crimp and curl of the wool fibers. These structures create air pockets that absorb moisture and move it away from your body, keeping you cool and dry.

Benefits of Wool in Various Climates

Wool adapts to your body temperature, offering comfort all year round. Here are a few examples of how to use wool in summer, winter, and various climates.

Bedding

Studies show that wool bedding can lead to a better night’s sleep. With its temperature-regulating properties, wool keeps you toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. Its moisture-wicking abilities keep your bed dry, comfortable, and allergen-free. Air also passes through wool bedding easily thanks to the unique structure of wool fibers, adding more breathability.

Wool can be found in pillows, comforters, blankets, throws, and even mattress toppers like our Wool Mattress Topper at Peacock Alley. Handmade using the finest grade of 100% USA wool, it features a 2-inch pile that’s temperature-regulating, non-allergenic, and environmentally safe, promising a sleep experience like no other.

Wool-Insulated Outerwear

Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts often wear wool base layers to keep them warm and dry as they tackle ever-shifting weather conditions — from rainy and freezing to sunny and high temperatures. This wool layer naturally adjusts to the body’s thermal balance, making it perfect for high-performance apparel. Wool is also lightweight and easy to pack, providing comfort minus the bulk.

Wool Home Insulation

Wool can also act as a natural insulation in homes. It's an environmentally friendly option for starters, and it effectively blocks out noise while keeping heat and cool air inside.

Wool insulation regulates humidity and prevents mold. The moisture content in each sheep wool fiber also makes it naturally fire-resistant. Not to mention, it's safer and healthier than traditional insulation. Installers don't need protective gear when putting it into the home's walls.

Wool: The Sustainable Choice

Along with the benefits above, wool is a smart investment in our planet’s future. Here are a few ways that using wool products can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Wool as a Renewable Source

First off, wool is a naturally renewable resource. Every year, sheep produce fleece, are sheared during the warmer months, and then grow a new fleece that’s removed the following year (and so the cycle goes). As long as sheep have grass to eat, they’ll continue to produce wool.

Reusable Wool

Wool is also highly durable and long-lasting, making it one of the most reused and recycled fibers. According to the International Wool Textile Organisation, wool typically lasts 20-30 years and sometimes longer! Wool can either be passed down in its original form or made into something entirely new. For example, the closed-loop system reverts wool garments to their raw fiber state to create new products.

Wool’s Biodegradable Properties

Once the wool item reaches the end of its lifespan, it’s 100% biodegradable. Since wool is made out of keratin protein, microorganisms in the soil or water can easily break it down. In the right ground conditions, wool can degrade in about six months.

As wool breaks down, it also acts as a fertilizer, adding sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to the soil. This turns it back into rich soil and pasture that will eventually feed the sheep as they grow a new coat, contributing to an ongoing biological life cycle. In contrast, synthetic fibers take much longer to decompose and also release harmful microplastics into the surrounding ecosystem.

Wool-Temperature Regulation at Peacock Alley

From outwear to mattress toppers, wool products have powerful temperature-regulating properties. They’re also built to last, offering durable and high-quality items that can make your day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable. For a natural solution to a perfect night’s sleep, consider swapping your mattress topper out with one that’s made from carefully sourced wool.

Known for its superior natural properties and temperature regulation, the Peacock Alley luxury wool mattress topper offers a superior sleep experience. Each piece is made-to-order and generously sized to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Suitable for all seasons, our wool mattress topper will keep you fresh and cool in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter.

At Peacock Alley, we’re committed to giving you comfortable and sustainable choices so you can feel amazing about buying and using our bedding in your home. If you crave a good night’s sleep, consider investing in our premium, eco-friendly bedding to help you catch your Z's.

Related Guides

Linen vs. Cotton Bedding

Linen is another organic fiber that offers an alternative to cotton bedding and is a popular choice for bedding. Linen sheets have a loose weave which allows for breathability and a very relaxed feel.

Learn More

Shopping for the Best Quality Bedding

Selecting quality bedding means much more than price and thread count. So what's the right way to make your choice?

Learn More

Quilt vs. Coverlet

Although similar in design, quilts and coverlets differ in their function as well as their size. Learning a little about each will help you determine which of these fine bedding options will work best for you.

Learn More

Explore our Other Bedding & Bath Guides

More Guides