How Pro Basketball Player Sam Merrill Turned Cariloha Bedding Into a Game Changer


After a hard day on the court, professional basketball player Sam Merrill enjoys a soft landing at night thanks to our soft, sustainable bed sheets, which are his gamechanger for quality sleep!

Athletes since the dawn of time have always prioritized a good night’s sleep but, according to recent health studies, getting deep, restorative sleep is vital for maintaining peak performance in their sport. 

Sam knows exactly what we mean here - pro hoops requires premium sleep.

Basketball has been Sam’s life for as long as he can remember. He played high school and NCAA division-one basketball in Utah and currently plays professional basketball in Cleveland, OH.

And, most recently, Cariloha’s Softest Bedding on the Planet™ has become a performance gamechanger for Sam. Here are the how's and why's behind our sheets according to Sam…

Why quality sleep makes a difference as a professional athlete: "Sleep has always been very important to me, but it’s only increased in importance since I started playing basketball professionally. Quality sleep helps me physically, mentally and emotionally, all of which are critical to being successful."

How deep sleep helps you physically prepare for your next game: "Sleep has been a crucial part of my recovery, both physically and mentally. I always feel much more refreshed in all areas when I can get good sleep either after or going into a game. "

"What many of us miss from not getting enough quality sleep is the loss of mental sharpness. You're only as good physically as you are mentally."

Sam Merrill with wife, Kanyan, and daughter, Kendall, enjoying the soft, cool comfort of Cariloha bamboo sheets.
Sam Merrill with wife, Kanyan, and daughter, Kendall, enjoying the soft, cool comfort of Cariloha bamboo sheets.

How restful sleep helps you recover after a difficult game or practice: "Falling asleep after games is always extremely difficult as a professional athlete. Due to all the adrenaline, it generally takes me a while to fall asleep. For that reason, having the right sleep environment makes it easier, which allows me to recover quicker. Cariloha sheets are making a positive impact here."

How you can ensure the best sleep possible: "Making sure the room is as dark as possible, turning my phone to 'do not disturb' and having a comfortable bed (sheets/comforter and pillow) have made a noticeable difference in helping me get the best sleep possible."

How the cooling effect of Cariloha sheets help you maximize your sleep: "The Cariloha Resort Sheets are fantastic, the best ones I’ve ever used. They're so soft against my skin, and the cooling effect really helps me feel as good as I can while I’m sleeping."

"The entire Cariloha bedding lineup features these naturally cooling properties that help regulate temperature, which is essential for an improved night's sleep."

Why Cariloha being a Certified B Corp (commitment to environment) is significant: "I think it’s awesome how Cariloha is able to create fantastic products while also working to protect and strengthen the environment. There aren’t a ton of companies that do that and do it successfully, so it was important to know when I first began using Cariloha products."

How Cariloha bedding helps you feel like you’re taking your vacation home with you: "When I travel as a professional basketball player, which is a lot, I'm able to stay at top-tier hotels with the nicest beds. Using Cariloha bedding helps me feel like I’m sleeping in a 5-star bed while I’m at home. It's truly a gamechanger for me."

We're all looking forward to Sam's ongoing success throughout his basketball career, knowing full well that even during his hardest days, Cariloha will be there to provide the softest of landings at night.