Life can get busy, and it is sometimes very hard to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night. When we do make it into our beds, it is important to make sure the environment is conducive to sleep.
Make sure your bedroom is dark
Research suggests your body can’t rest properly when exposed to light or in partially lit spaces. The best dark spaces are created with full drapes, floor to ceiling. Some food for thought, light pollution is the largest growing pollution in the world. It is a growing problem, so drapes are an excellent investment.
Stay cool
To fall asleep easily, your core temperature needs to drop slightly. In order to accommodate this, it is ideal to have your room temperature anywhere between 66 °F to 70 °F. Try to have it cooler if you tend to “overheat” easily. Make sure to keep your bedding natural. Satin sheets tend to stay cooler than flannel or versions of cotton.
Declutter
Although this seems like it wouldn’t matter as your eyes are closed, sleep is better induced in spaces that are clear and organized. It’s less distracting and you are less likely to think of things “to do” as you are falling asleep. Make sure to put clothes away or at least place them out of sight before bed. Clear your nightstand, and have less in your space overall to create a more restful space.
No television or other electronics
All tech items including your television emit blue light; which matches the frequency of daylight, creating a stimulus to the body to naturally to wake up. Try to limit the amount of blue light within your room, as this will inadvertently wake your brain.
Make your bed
I know, I sound like your mom, but it does help to reset your mind and attitude every night. If you aren’t a great bed-maker, invest in a duvet and simple pillows so all you have to do is throw these things back on the bed when you get up.
Add dimmers to lights
It’s really important to have control over lighting levels in your bedroom. You need it bright for reading (and lamps that are approximately 32″ high for proper spread) but you also need to be able to turn lighting to dim to help bring sleep on. Have dimmers on all lights so you have flexibility no matter what you are doing in the space.
See also:
Bedroom Inspiration
