Are you tossing and turning all night long? Sleep deprivation is something we can all relate to from time to time, but if you’re not getting your desired allotment of sleep, maybe it’s time to give your bedroom a makeover.
First and foremost, do a quick check-in on your overall wellbeing. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average amount of sleep needed for adults is 7-9 hours per night. While sleep needs vary by individual and circumstance, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor to rule out any physical issues if you’re not able to fall asleep or stay asleep. Stress, caffeine, dehydration, and even minor illnesses like the common cold can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.
Dim the lights. It sounds simple, but sleeping in a room that’s too bright can significantly hinder your sleep. Invest in some blackout shades or curtains, cover up blinking devices, and change out lightbulbs that are too bright. Is your nightlight keeping you up at night? Consider an activation nightlight that turns on and off when it senses your movement.
How’s that mattress treating you? The average lifespan of most mattresses is 7 years, so if you’re tossing and turning, your old mattress might be the culprit. Check out these 5 tips for choosing the right mattress from Sleep Advisor.
Choose relaxing colors and bedroom décor. While red might be your favorite color, if you’re not sleeping well, you might want to consider switching up your wall paint, bedding and décor accents to softer, more neutral hues which mimic nature’s colors such as soft greens, blues, grays and beiges. You can always move those vibrant-colored décor items over to your office to help wake you up in the morning!
Shut out the noise. First, start with your environment. If you’re someone who likes to fall asleep to the TV, make sure to set it on a timer so you don’t wake up to a blaring news report or a horror movie in the middle of the night! Next, if your bedroom faces a noisy street, consider moving bookcases to that wall to help drown out some of the street noise, and hang tapestry or fabric-style art on your wall to absorb some of the sound. Throw rugs and carpeting will also dampen sound. If you like falling asleep to the sound of the ocean but you live in the city, try playing white noise soundtracks to accompany your peaceful slumber. You can also invest in some nifty earplugs, especially if the cause of your sleep deprivation is your significant other’s snoring! Sleep Advisor rated these the 6 top earplug brands.
Check the temperature. The average temperature for a good night’s sleep hovers around 65 degrees, but again, comfort levels differ. Find the temperature that’s right for you. You might want to invest in some bedding that can enhance comfort such as a cooling mattress pad or down comforter.
Say goodnight to nocturnal pets. Sometimes, no matter what we do, animals are on a schedule all their own. If your animals are hampering your sleep, consider investing in a special dog or cat bed and see if they’ll adjust to this exciting new décor item. Also consider shutting them out of your room completely, even if that might be a tough adjustment. After all, who doesn’t like cuddling with their fur babies?! Try increasing your pets’ activity level during the day in the hopes of getting a better night’s sleep. Or…try those earplugs!
What are your bedroom makeover tips for peaceful slumber? Tell us all about it at #LifeatWeidner.