Trends come and go, but sometimes they disrupt the very purpose of a room. The bedroom should always support healthy sleep. Getting enough rest is crucial for immune system health, clear thinking, and appetite control. Creating a room that welcomes healthy sleep means finding design trends that work with your personality and style while making your bedroom the sleep haven you need.
Light It Right
Not all light is made the same. Your sleep-wake cycle is largely determined by natural light. That’s why when it gets dark outside you start to feel sleepy. Artificial light that mimics sunlight throws off your natural rhythms. The bright, blue light from televisions, computers, smartphones, and e-readers can send conflicting signals to the brain. They shouldn’t be used in the bedroom or at least should be turned off an hour before bedtime.
Bedroom lighting should be adequate for tasks in the bedroom, including reading, but dim enough for a relaxed atmosphere that invites sleep. Lighting should also be adjustable so you can set different levels as you need less light. A sconce or other task lighting near the nightstand should be easily accessible from your bed.
Keep It Dark
While your lighting needs to be adequate, you also need the ability to block out the light from street lamps, signs, or headlights. This is especially important in areas where light pollution is a problem. Blackout curtains or heavy drapes can help you get better rest because they prevent that extra light from entering the bedroom. If you dream of sheer curtains, you might consider installing double layers so you can fully block out the light at night.
Bedding Comfort vs. Looks
Everything in or on your bed should be made for durability and comfort. The mattress should support your preferred sleep position and bedding should be breathable. If you’re not ready to invest in a new mattress, a mattress topper might be what you need to give your old bed new life. Adjust your bedding with the season to prevent overheating or becoming too cold during the night.
Color Schemes Have an Impact
Colors can have a powerful psychological effect. Special receptors in the eyes relay colors to the brain. Those receptors are sensitive to blues, which triggers a sense of peace and calm. Blues can reduce blood pressure and heart rate for a better night’s sleep. If blues aren’t amongst your favorites, cool neutrals can also be calming. On the other side of the spectrum, reds and oranges stimulate the senses and awaken the body. They should be used sparingly in the bedroom so as to not interrupt the sleep cycle.
Organize It
Chaos doesn’t promote good sleep. Clutter on the floor can cause clutter in the mind, which can make it hard to shut down the brain at night. Bedroom organization can be as simple as an under the bed tote or as complex as a custom closet organizer. Either way, the bedroom shouldn’t become a catch-all place for objects without a home. Clutter not only affects moods but can be a safety hazard. Stubbed toes and falls don’t lead to better sleep. The bedroom should be clear in case you need to get up during the night.
Article written by our guest contributor Katie Phillips from MattressReviews.net
