By Sarah

Getting some sleep is one of the simplest ways to get some self care into the end of your day, but it can be hard to turn your brain off if your bedroom isn’t helping you out. Here are some considerations for how you can make your sleeping area help you get the rest you need to rise and shine.

Clear your bed space.

What’s near your bed? It better not be school or work related! Reminders about work or school can stop your brain from calming down. Keep those emails and textbooks out of sight from where you rest your head, if at all possible.

In case you do have a desk in your bedroom, try adding some serene images into your decor near your bed.

remember: balance is key.

Adding images that inspire you to relax or find a sense of calm can balance out your space.

Get that clutter under control!

Unless you love seeing everything all around you always, maybe stashing some of the non-daily essentials under your bed in storage can help reduce the visual noise in a space that just stops your space from feeling serene. If stashing and hiding things away isn’t an option, try grouping items together so there is a sense of organization.

have fun in arranging your displays.

You can also enjoy your things more if you play with how you display your items. Also, try making your bed every morning to help start your day on the right foot.

Turn off the lights!

Studies have shown that bright blue lights can have a big impact on your natural sleep cycles. Your natural circadian rhythm can be impacted up to 2-3 hours by exposing yourself to too much blue light before bed. This could mean tossing and turning and not getting those yummy REMs until you’ve been in bed for 2 hours.

Turn off the tv and devices 1-2 hours before you go to bed. Swap out the light bulbs in your bedside lamp to a warmer toned or even red bulb. If you must have your phone or devices with you in bed, use an app that filters out blue/green wavelengths.

If you’re using an iPhone, try to enable your Nightmode settings.

You deserve a comfortable bed with nice sheets.

You deserve a comfy bed with nice sheets. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the right pillow and the sheets that you love the most, but what a journey. Start with fabrics that breathe well and wick moisture away so you don’t overheat. This also goes for your pajamas.

Determine what you need.

Are you a hot sleeper?

Linen sheets tend to trap less heat than more cotton based fabrics. Percale also feels cool and crisp as it has a tighter woven texture. Or you can look for eucalyptus based fibers as they tend to be breathable and have temperature regulating properties. 

Are you a chilly sleeper?

If you need full cozy comfort but don’t want to sweat, try Santeen sheets. The weave is tighter to help warm you up but it’s not as heavy as flannel.

If you have sensitive skin...

Splurging on silk sheets could be a decadent upgrade to your bed that also helps you wake up feeling great. Don’t want to invest in a whole set? Try a silk pillowcase.

A little aromatherapy can go a long way.

The smell of lavender can decrease your heart rate and your skin temperature and help you get into a more relaxed state. If you light a lavender candle, be careful not to fall asleep without blowing it out!

Alternatively, you can wash your sheets with lavender scented detergent. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray by This Works is an amazing creation. Spritz a little bit on your pillow before bed and the soothing scents of lavender and chamomile will take you away.

Is your room the right temperature?

Studies have found that setting the temperature between 60-67 degrees with 30% humidity in the air is optimal for the average sleeper. Having a little bit of humidity in the air, especially during the dryer months can help sooth  your sinuses so you don’t wake up with a cough or dry throat.

If you use a humidifier, do be careful to keep it clean so mold doesn’t form inside.

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