When it comes to staying fit and healthy, sleep is one of the most important elements. Getting a good night’s sleep can boost your mood; help you to feel alert and productive; give your body the rest that it needs; make recovery from illness, injury or exercise easier and faster; and generally, support a healthy lifestyle. But it’s not always easy.
If you are struggling to sleep, think about your bedroom. If it’s messy, cluttered, hot, and stuffy, filled with bright, clashing colors, or otherwise uncomfortable, it will never support healthy sleep hygiene. The good news is, that you’ll typically only need to make a few changes to achieve a more sleep-friendly bedroom. Here’s a look at some of the best options.
Start with the Bed
When it comes to creating a more sleep-friendly bedroom, your bed, as the place that you sleep, is the obvious place to start. Many people make the mistake of flipping their mattress and expecting great results, but for a comfortable and supportive sleep experience, you might need to look at the other elements too.
The Bed Itself
If your bed is very low, you might struggle to get in and out, which won’t put you in a great mood for sleep. Try to find a bed that’s at a natural height for getting in and out, but also one that’s sturdy, stylish, and that you like. There are many advantages to investing in an adjustable bed. Not least that it gives you options and makes life easier. The top rated adjustable beds are certainly worth looking at if you want to improve your quality of sleep in the long term.
Mattress
Your mattress should be supportive, but comfortable. If you wake up achy, even after a good sleep, it’s a sign that your mattress might need replacing or at least turning.
Pillows
Your pillows should also be supportive, clean, and fresh. If you have headaches, neck pain or you wake frequently, you might need new pillows.
Bedding
Your bedding should be soft, and cotton is ideal for this. However, it should also look good. Choose calming colors such as light pale blues and purples that welcome you to bed and set the tone for sleep.
Change Your Color Scheme
The colors of the rest of your bedroom are as important as your bedding. Choose soft shades, keep things light, and try to avoid bold or clashing colors and patterns. You don’t want bright or overwhelming decor to wake you up.
Look at the Layout
Even in a small bedroom, you don’t want things to feel too close or cluttered. Make sure there’s plenty of room around your bed and that the space feels airy and light, and not claustrophobic.
Eliminate Light
If your bedroom is fairly light, even at night, look at light-blocking curtains or blinds, so that you can make it as dark as possible when you want to go to sleep.
Lower the Temperature
Most people sleep better in a cool room wrapped in a duvet. Make sure your room is cool, open a window when you can, and invest in summer bedding options so that you don’t overheat in the warmer months.
Keep the Bedroom Clean and Clutter-Free
A messy, untidy, dirty, or cluttered bedroom will never be a space where you can fully relax and let go. Get into good cleaning habits, add plenty of storage and take things that don’t need to be in the bedroom to live in other rooms.
Often, it’s a combination of changes that will help the most. Start by assessing your bedroom. What works, and what doesn’t? Write a list of things that might be hindering your sleep and look at making some healthy swaps in the bedroom.