Lack of sleep can lead to various health issues. Crankiness and bags under your eyes are merely the tip of the iceberg, while the bigger issues are unnoticeable at first. Weakened immune system, depression, inability to focus and damaged overall health are also consequences of insufficient or inadequate sleep. So, if you want your recommended eight hours a day of quality sleep, but you aren’t getting them, it’s time for some changes. Start with your bedroom decor.
Start with the lights
The room you sleep in should allow you peace and quiet during the night, and sometimes during the day as well. It’s simple. Light gives your brain the signal it’s morning and it’s time to wake up, so if you have strong street lights underneath your window, they can interfere with your sleep. This is why it’s important to think of good ways to control the light in your bedroom. Install blinds, drapes or shades which block the outside light completely, but which can be moved in the morning, so that you can let natural light in when you choose to. As far as artificial lighting is concerned, get a lamp with lights that can be dimmed, so that you soften the light just before you go to bed.
Block the noise
Just like strong lights, noise is another thing that can affect your sleep. If there’s traffic near your home all through the night, or perhaps you have some clubs and bars that play loud music nearby, they could end up interrupting your sleep and making it impossible to actually rest. In case you have a problem with outside noise, you can cancel it by getting a white noise machine. Playing some gentle classical music while you sleep is another way to relax, so think about adding a nice sound system in your bedroom. Also, consider installing new windows if the ones you have don’t help with blocking the noise.
Stay comfortable in your bed
If there’s one thing that could determine whether you’ll sleep well or not, it’s your bed, or more particularly, your mattress. If your it’s old and worn out, it can make you to toss and turn all night long, as well as cause various allergies. Choosing a new mattress can depend on several factors, including your weight and your most frequent sleep position. For instance, if you sleep on your stomach or your back, you’ll want a firmer one, while a softer version will suit you if you sleep on your side. Similarly, light-weighed people won’t need their mattress to be too firm, while the heavier people will benefit from a firm mattress. When you decide to buy a new one, the best option is to search for a quality single bed mattress, that will keep you cosy and cool while supporting your natural posture and providing you with pressure relief.
Don’t forget to declutter
Your bedroom should be your safe haven, a quiet and calming place where you can unwind and rest at the end of the day. It should under no circumstances be an extension of your office and a reminder of all the tasks that await you. Creating a soothing atmosphere in your bedroom can help you fall asleep more quickly and keep you out till your energy levels are fully recharged. So, don’t overcrowd your bedroom with unnecessary furniture, decorative details or anything else that makes you nervous. Even if your bedroom is very small, it’s important to declutter it and keep everything in its place to feel relaxed. When you keep it clean and tidy, even the smallest bedroom won’t feel claustrophobic, but rather spacious and serene, which can improve your quality of sleep.
Leave electronics out of your bedroom
If you keep your laptop or your phone in your bedroom, you’ll find yourself using them until the moment you decide to close your eyes. However, this is a huge mistake, since the blue light they emit can convince your body it’s not time to sleep yet. So, even when you finally close your eyes, it could be extremely hard to fall asleep. Also, if you watch something disturbing, violent or overstimulating in any way before you go to bed, you can say farewell to healthy sleep. So, keep all the electronics out of your bedroom, including your TV, and instead have a nice book on your bedside table. A few pages before bed will help you loosen up and doze off more easily.
Making a few simple changes to your bedroom décor can do wonders for your sleep quality and your health, allowing you to sleep restfully and uninterruptedly every night.
About the author: Mike Johnston is a lifestyle blogger and DIY enthusiast from Sydney. He is a regular writer at Smooth Decorator. His articles can also be found on numerous family-friendly, real estate and green living online magazines and blogs. Mike’s goal is to create and share meaningful content that helps and inspires people.