By Natalie is here to help us sleep better
I used to be really good in bed. By that I mean I used to be able to sleep for hours. Deep, restful, restorative sleep. I used to be able to sleep in for ages too! But somewhere along the way that changed. Chalk it up to being an adult and having a lot on my plate, maybe, but I’ve been dreaming of getting back into that state of good sleeping.
Enter By Natalie, created by longtime sleep industry veteran Natalie Norman. Her range include sleepwear that are comfortable as much as they are beautiful so you can wear it to a fancy dinner (I’m not even kidding — I was kindly given the Isabella Pants and it’s so luxurious I’m thinking of wearing it with a big chunky knit and some boots for a nice Autumn night out) and pillows and pillow toppers (the first of its kind, but more on that later).
Personally this launch couldn’t have come at a better time. I was struggling with falling asleep and staying asleep lately, the way I usually do when we start moving towards the warmer months. I was sent PR samples of the pillow range including the pillow topper and I spent over a month testing it out so I can give you a good, honest review.
To figure out the best pillow for me, I decided to do a weekly (and a couple of days after TBH) rotation of the pillows. As you’ll read further down, each of the pillows serve different type of sleepers. My favourite combination — and the ones I had the most restful night’s sleeps in — is the cooling memory foam pillow (no topper) to support my head, the memory foam pillow with pillow topper to ‘hug’, and the eco down alternative pillow behind me.
Safe to say I’m never going back to other pillows ever again. It’s not just made a difference in the quality of my sleep, but the quality of my day too. Turns out, a good night’s sleep really is the best preparation there is for a great day.
We chat to Natalie about her inspiration, the best pillow for your sleeper profile, and she even let us in on her secret to excellent sleeping…
What motivated you to start By Natalie?
I have spent most of my career working within the sleep industry. Pillow structures I created eight years ago are still being sold on the market today. I’ve devoted my profession to rest and understanding what it truly means to have a good night’s sleep.
Quite often, I’ll receive messages from people asking for tips about how to get the best sleep possible or they’re looking for advice on issues they’re having with their rest. I’ve naturally progressed into a sleep connoisseur.
I’ve also dreamt about having my sleepwear line for as long as I can remember ( I studied fashion design at university & worked in the industry for several years before joining the sleep industry). By Natalie is how I’ve merged my expertise with my dream. I know what women want in their sleepwear because I want the same thing, for me, it’s all about bringing the elegance back into the bedroom.
This year has been so mentally challenging on many different levels and I realised it will never be a better time than now to bring my dream to life!
I saw an opportunity, and here we are many years and late nights later…
Do you think there's a specific formula for getting a good night's sleep?
Sleep is a personal experience; no one person sleeps the same. That’s why our sleep rituals need to be bespoke, and we need to tailor our rest to our body and create healthy habits to ensure we get the most out of our dream time. Ideally, we’d all be able to sleep for 7-9 hours straight every night blissfully, but life often gets in the way. (ED’s note: More tips on how to get a good night’s sleep from Natalie below. You’re welcome)
OK let's talk about the pillows because I am obsessed and I've noticed such a massive difference in the quality of my sleep since. How do we find the right pillows? What would you recommend for specific sleeping habits/patterns?
That’s fantastic news! We have had amazing feedback so far.
Whenever I am helping someone find the perfect pillow for them the first question I ask is: “Do you sleep on your tummy/back or side?” This questions helps me determine what profile they need for their pillow.
Side Sleeper: a supportive high profile pillow, our memory foam pillow paired with our goosedown topper is perfect for the side sleeper. This type of memory foam supports the necks natural curves through the night.
Back Sleeper: a medium profile pillow, for this type of sleeper I would recommend our memory foam pillow (no) topper or the cooling memory foam pillow. If you remove some of the fill of the cooling pillow you can also wrap the cooling pillow in the goosedown topper it will feeling very luxurious.
Tummy Sleeper: a very soft low profile pillow. I would recommend our cooling pillow or our eco down alternative pillow for this with fill removed to make it lower profile. Depending on how much fill you remove you can pair it with one of our deluxe toppers J
Mixed sleepers (for instance side & tummy) I would always suggest an adjustable/mouldable pillow so you can tailor the profile to your specific needs.
Other considerations
· What type of fill people like to sleep on: I know many people who love down but end up with a saw neck as it doesn’t provide the correct support though the night. This is why I have developed the pillow toppers to create the luxury feeling of down, however, it is still supported by the pillow ensuring your neck is kept aligned.
· Do you get hot in the night – a pillow that supports temperature regulation will be perfect (our Cooling Pillow)
· Do you want to wash your pillow: Our Eco Down pillow can be washed
· Do you have long term neck problems: It may be worth speaking with your doctor or health professional such as a chiropractor or physio
I've never heard of a pillow topper before By Natalie and not a lot of places seem to have it! Please tell me more about it and the benefits of having one?
This is the first of its kind! Years ago I developed a pillow which had a foam core with down wrap all the way around the pillow. The issue I found with this is people’s needs were so different and often needed different base supports.
The topper is designed to enhance the comfort of your by Natalie Pillow. Simply select from the pillow menu your additional pillow support (the Goose Down Topper & Microfibre Topper can attach to most pillows), and wrap the luxury topper on top for optimum comfort.
I get quite warm at night especially in the summertime and struggle to get to bed. Any tips for people who also feel the same way?
Heat is a common issue in summer, here are my top tips.
· What is in your pillow & mattress? There are many amazing technologies now that support temperature regulation at night.
o I suggest using a cooling pillow to help regulate your temperature and pairing it with a good mattress that has temperature support. (See https://www.sleepyhead.co.nz/sleep-guide/sleepyhead-technologies/kulkote-technologies/ )
o Stay away from a latex mattress as is known to be a very warm product
· What are you wearing to bed?
o It is important to consider the amount of clothing and material that your sleepwear is made out of.
§ Tencel fibres are soft and naturally moisture-wicking for optimum breathability, cooling and comfort – an excellent option for people who suffer from temperature management issues during their sleep. Tencel is produced using extracts from eucalyptus trees and is gentle on the skin, for unparalleled long-lasting comfort.
· What bedding are you using
o Pick breathable, natural fibres or performance fibres where possible – tencel, cotton & Linen are perfect for sleeping in.
o Adjust the weight of your duvet for summer months. A lightweight blanket like a cotton waffle blanket is perfect in the summer months.
· Review the airflow in your bedroom
· If there is no movement of air in your room it can cause you to overheat. If it is not possible to open a window, adding fan can increase air circulation (facing towards the bed if possible).
Do you have plans to expand the range to include more bed things like mattress toppers, duvet inners etc?
Yes, hopefully :)
You've also brought out a sleepwear range that looks so beautiful I can see myself wearing it out and about even. Why do you think it's important to wear beautiful sleepwear?
After the last few years focussing on my children and family I started to feel like I was doing so much for others and not focusing on myself and what makes me feel good. With less energy to go out late I found the joy in early nights at home but always felt unravelled when I wasn’t putting on something I felt good in.
I saw a gap for pieces that made women feel sultry and attractive, while still comfortable, and not too revealing for those unexpected moments when they don’t have the time to get dressed.
By Natalie sleepwear is timeless, elegant by nature and carefully created to help you unwind without feeling undone. We want to bring the elegance back into the bedroom, the excitement back into sleepwear, to offer pieces that women can have the best rest in.
I love that you have a size range that goes up to XXL. Have you got any plans to expand that further?
Yes, this is an option. The beauty of being NZ made we have the ability to do this very easily and quickly. If the sizes are requested we will be happy to increase the range next season.
Here are Natalie’s top tips to getting a good nights sleep:
1) Choose the perfect pillow
A good night’s sleep starts from the head down. Whether you’re a back, tummy or side sleeper – you need a customised pillow that’s tailored to your specific needs. There are a plethora of considerations to bear in mind when you’re deciding on your pillow of choice. We’ve made it easy for you on our by Natalie Pillows’ page.
2) Set your body clock
It’s essential to create a body clock that works for you. Try to go to sleep and wake up at a similar time each day. Creating a sense of routine will assist your body and brain with your sleep schedule, so you won’t feel as exhausted when you wake up or full of energy right before bed.
3) Figure out what works for you within your lifestyle
There are many claims that turning off all technology before bed is the key to a good night’s sleep, and while this may be true for some people, others may find watching ten minutes of television right before bed soothing and relaxing. We recommend figuring out what helps turn your brain off at night, whether that be a book, tv show, podcast, meditation app or beauty routine – and sticking to it.
4) Make sure what you’re sleeping in is comfortable
We spend such a long period asleep so it’s vital that what we sleep in is not only comfortable and cosy, but it manages the temperature of our bodies. Many sleepers struggle with temperature management, or the lack of it, which consequently negatively impacts their sleep regularity. That’s why we created our by Natalie Sleepwear with fabrics that have premium breathability and are simultaneously cooling and cosy.
5) If possible, avoid alcohol
Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of wine or two at night to switch off from the day been? Although it can make you feel tired, alcohol can also disrupt your sleep, and it makes you more likely to wake up during the night to go to the bathroom.
6) If you can, exercise daily
Not only is exercise great for mental and body health, but it will also help you sleep at night. Exercise stimulates the effects of natural sleep hormones such as melatonin. Be careful not to exercise too close to bedtime, as it can be overstimulating.
7) Monitor your meal times
Allow your body the time to digest your dinner. Don’t eat a big meal right before bedtime. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, so you don’t get a ‘sugar high’ before you rest.
8) Lavender spray
Invest in a lavender spray. Lavender is an anxiety reliever and a natural sedative. Lavender interacts with your neurotransmitters to help quiet the brain, simply spray a couple of pumps at night in your room and on your bedding for unparalleled relaxation.