If you've been sleeping on the same ratty sheets for years, it may be time to trade them in for crisp, new sheets. While many people are hesitant to buy new sheets because of the cost of a good sheet set, they really aren't that expensive when you realize that you will be using them 365 times each year. Besides, clean, comfortable sheets don't just look great; they actually can help you sleep better.

When you are choosing a set of sheets for your bed, the first thing you should do is take a look at your mattress. If you have a standard mattress, you won't have any problem finding sheets that fit. However, if you have an extra long twin mattress or a very thick full, queen, or king size mattress (such as a pillow top), you will need to look for sheets made to fit these mattress types.

The next thing you should consider is what type of material you like to sleep on. Standard cotton, flannel, jersey, satin, and silk sheets are all readily available.

About Standard Cotton Sheets:

1. Standard cotton sheets are cool in the summer. They breathe well, which is especially important on hot nights, since this prevents you from feeling sticky and sweaty.

2. Cotton can be quite soft. Look for sheets with a high thread count. A thread count of 180 or 200 means the sheets will feel rough, while 400 count sheets feel as smooth as a baby's skin.

3. If the sheets are pure cotton, they may shrink after several washings.

About Flannel Sheets:

1. Flannel sheets are great for winter use. You don't have to spend an hour warming up your bed before you feel snuggly and warm.

2. Flannel sheets are rarely a good choice for warm climates. They do hold heat.

3. Flannel can pill up with extended use, so be prepared to replace your cozy sheets every few years.

About Jersey Sheets:

1. If you enjoy the comfort of a t-shirt, you will love these sheets. They are very comfortable to sleep on.

2. Jersey sheets are lightweight and may not last as long as some other sheet types.

About Satin Sheets:

1. Satin sheets are a favorite for people who want a bit of romance, but that silky smooth finish is a bit slippery. You may need to frequently tuck your top sheet back in.

2. Satin doesn't breathe well and can be quite uncomfortable to sleep in during the warmer months.

About Silk Sheets:

1. Silk is just as romantic as satin. These sheets can also be a bit slippery.

2. Silk is a natural material and breathes well. Silk sheets are comfortable to sleep on year round.

3. Silk is fragile and needs special care to keep it from shattering.

Once you decide on the material you prefer, you are ready to shop for a sheet set. Don't be afraid to experiment with color and pattern. After all, no one has to know that you have sheets with a wild design underneath that sophisticated navy blue bedspread.