By the time we've left the office, most of us are pretty tired. We've been working hard all day, and it's only natural that we take a little time off to rest and recuperate. But then, after just a couple of hours, we find ourselves doing the same tasks all over again. This cycle makes us tired throughout the day.
To help ease the stress of juggling a busy life, we need to carve out some time for ourselves every day. One of our biggest obstacles to this is our bedroom. Living in places with high or low ceilings, or with poor insulation, can make it hard to sleep properly.
Here are some tips you can use to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary that will have you feeling more rested and rejuvenated by the morning.
Choose a good bed
The first thing you need to do is pick out a comfortable bed. Not only does it need to be the right size, it also needs to have a mattress firm enough to support you, but also soft enough to feel nice when you lie down.
Why not consider upgrading to an adjustable electric bed? One of the best ways to get good sleep is to choose a bed that can accommodate different sleeping positions, giving you more support and comfort throughout the night. Studies have shown that sleeping on certain sides can reduce inflammation, fatigue, and back pain.
Keep your mobile phone (and other electronics) out of the bedroom
It's no secret that mobile phones, computers and television sets emit electromagnetic radiation that can disrupt sleep patterns. Even if you have the best sleep environment, you might still be exposed to this kind of electromagnetic radiation.
A great way to combat this is to keep your devices out of the bedroom altogether. It may be tempting to check your phone while laying in bed. However, keeping it in the room could make it easier to pick up and distract you from good sleep habits. Plus, if you have any notifications in the middle of the night, it might wake you.
Get rid of extra bedding
Do you really need extra blankets? A lot of us like to keep a lot of blankets and pillows on our beds, but do we really need them? If you’re trying to sleep comfortably, it’s best to remove any extra blankets that may weigh your body down. The extra weight will just leave you feeling more uncomfortable when you lay down.
But that doesn't mean that you should sleep with no bedding at all. If you find that the cool weather is bothering you, a soft blanket will provide some warmth without feeling like you're being weighed down by your bedding.
Sleep in a cool room
Your body temperature drops when you sleep. In fact, a lower body temperature signals to your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. According to The Sleep Charity, the ideal bedroom temperature for sleep is around 16-18°C. If your room is too cold or hot, it can lead to restless sleep and even pain. If you have central heating, turn it off at night; or, if you have a fan, turn that on for some white noise. You’ll sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed if your room is a bit cooler.
Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible
Light interferes with our circadian rhythms. That makes it harder to get to sleep at night and stay asleep. It can also leave us feeling tired during the day, especially if we're waking up before sunrise, or if we're staying awake past sunset. To ensure that you get the rest you need, make sure that light isn't seeping in through your window.
If you’re having trouble sleeping because of the light from your alarm clock or the street lamps outside your home, consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask. Also, try to remove any unnecessary light sources from the room.
Reduce noise to make it more soothing
One of the best ways to increase the quality of your sleep is to remove any sources of noise that may prevent you from getting to sleep. If there’s a loud sound, or a light that you find disturbing, turn these things off or get rid of them. Earplugs, too, may help you keep out exterior noises. In other words, use your bedroom as a haven from the rest of the world.
Tidy your room!
Empty your junk drawers and shelves. If you can replace your old bits and bobs with new pieces, it will look cleaner, and it will make the space feel more organised. Getting rid of the clutter will help you relax in your room. It will also help you get rid of some of the stress that comes with having to clean up all the time.
If you have trouble sleeping through the night, try out some of these tips to get a better night’s rest. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
