For many, the bedroom can serve as a multifunctional room. It can be an office, a library, a theatre, or even a laundry room (#guilty). In the end, the bedroom’s purpose really should be a sanctuary for sleep. It should be the most luxurious and personal space in any home – a soothing oasis that is conducive to relaxation and comfort.
You may already know the tried and true advice for getting better sleep; limit before-bed screen time, skip caffeine, stick to a sleep ritual. It’s all effective, but only to a point – this could be because your bedroom environment may actually be sabotaging your shut-eye. Here are some tips for how you can better design your bedroom for sleep – and turn it into the dream haven you deserve.
1. Choose Calming Colors
Research has found that above all others, blue is the sleepiest color. In a survey of over 2000 people, it was found that those sleeping in blue bedrooms got the most shut-eye – clocking in at an optimal 7 hours and 52 minutes. A further 55% of those sleeping in blue bedrooms even reported waking up happy.
2. Create The Perfect Scent
A quick spritz of something containing soothing scents like lavender on your pillows before bed will help calm your exhausted mind.
3. Sleep With The Right Temperature
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that for optimal sleep, the best bedroom temperature should be between 18 – 22 degrees. Body temperature starts to fall as bedtime approaches, paving the way for a good night’s sleep. Keeping your room temperature between 18 – 22 degrees while you sleep can help facilitate this. Any lower or higher than this can lead to difficulty achieving deep sleep and can also affect the quality of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep – the stage of sleep with the highest brain activity.
4. Turn Out The Lights!
You sleep better in the dark. If your eyelids flutter open as you move from one stage of sleep to another, streetlights, a full moon, or even a phone notification will keep you up. A good sleep mask will help you ensure that your eyes stay peacefully closed throughout the night.
5. Experiment With Different Bedding Options
Have you tried sleeping with silk? Soothing (and not to mention luxurious!) silk bedding provides a breathable and indulgent night’s sleep. Its light, soft feel comforts the skin, while its natural properties wick away excess moisture from the body, helping to prevent hot flushes throughout the night. For instance – a silk pillowcase can make all the difference when you wake with smooth hair, glowing skin and a radiant complexion that only comes from a good night’s sleep.
6. Keep It Simple
Your mind is already full of the day’s clutter, so keep your bedroom decor simple and your accessories to a minimum to create a calming environment rather than one overwhelmed by stimuli. Making the bed the focal point can also help you streamline the room. Creating the perfect sleeping space is all part of self-care and a good sleep ritual. To learn more about how you can bring the comfort of cozy to your bedtime routine, read here.
Looking for more tips for a good night’s sleep? Head to The Journal to find out more. Read all about Yoga Nidra, the chilled yoga practice that’s more effective than a nap, here.
