5 steps for turning your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary
Our bedrooms are perhaps the most important rooms in our home. They are our private space, and one of the few areas that we don’t share with visitors or friends. We don’t entertain in our bedrooms. They aren’t designed with other people in mind; they are just for us. While you may want to add trendy décor and accessories, it’s important to remember your bedroom’s key purpose - to be a safe sleep space. Adding too much, being too bold, or putting aesthetics above comfort can mean that it’s harder to sleep than it should be, and that your bedroom isn’t particularly relaxing.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun with your bedroom décor. But, it does mean that with every decision you make, comfort and rest should be a consideration. In the ideal world, your bedroom should welcome you in, help you to relax and let go of the stresses of your day and get a peaceful night’s sleep. With that in mind, here are five things that you can do to turn your bedroom into a restful sleep sanctuary.
Declutter
Clutter is never conducive to a good night’s sleep. But, unfortunately, it’s a common side effect of a busy lifestyle. When we’re around clutter, we’re reminded of all of the things that we need to do. It can be hard to clear our minds, to relax and to find peace.
The first and one of the most important things that you should do when making changes to your bedroom is declutter. Ideally, your bedroom should only contain the things that you need, such as your bed and storage. Everything should have a neat home, and it should be easy to keep tidy even when you are in a hurry.
Upgrade Your Mattress
Another essential element of any bedroom is the mattress. An old, lumpy or unsupportive mattress can make it hard to sleep, but it can also mean that you wake up unrested and with a bad back and neck pain. Over time, sleeping on a poor mattress can lead to misalignment and damage to your spine and neck. An old mattress can also be full of dirt and bacteria, harming the quality of air in the room.
Buying a new mattress is a significant investment. If you are looking for a new mattress, The Mattress Guide is a great place to start. The Mattress Guide compares some of the best mattresses on the market, giving information on type, firmness, warranty and price, to help you to make the best decision. When buying a new mattress, research is essential, and a guide like this does all of the hard work for you.
Making Bedding a Priority
Your bed is, without a doubt, the focus of your bedroom. You’ll want bedding that looks great, but what it feels like is also important. Invest in quality materials that wrap you up, soothe you, and help you to stay warm. You might also want to invest in summer bedding, which is light and cool, and winter bedding, which is thicker and softer. Then, add cushions and runners if you want to - your bed should make you happy, so don’t feel like it has to be plain and purely functional.
Improve Air Quality
It’s important that when you are asleep, you can breathe deeply. Sleeping in a room that’s musty, damp or doesn’t smell great can mean that you frequently wake in the night. It can be especially harmful if you suffer from any breathing disorders such as asthma.
Improve the quality of the air in your bedroom by replacing your old mattress and washing bedding regularly. You should also open your window for at least a few minutes a day, even when it is cold, to let some fresh air in. If your room feels damp, avoid drying washing in there, even on the radiators, and consider investing in a dehumidifier. Some house plants can also improve the air quality, as well as the aroma and style of your rooms.
Ban Technology
Most of us are guilty of sleeping with our phones charging beside us. You might even check your phone in the middle of the night if you wake up, or last thing before you go to sleep. This makes it harder to sleep and increases your levels of alertness. You might also have a TV or computer in your bedroom. This means that the room is no longer just for sleep. Banning all technology can give your room purpose, and help you to get into the right mindset as soon as you walk through the door.
Whether you are struggling to sleep, or you are just looking to make some changes to your bedroom, be sure to prioritise sleep, and rest, and to carefully consider how any additions might affect how peaceful the room is.
