There’s nothing more comforting than retreating to your bedroom after a long and tiring day. Your bedroom should feel like a haven—a safe place to unwind and rejuvenate. If you find yourself struggling to relax and fall asleep, it might be time to make changes in your sleep space. How comfortable is your bedroom? Try making some of these modifications and see what effect they have on your sleep quality.
- Declutter – Make your bedroom a sanctuary of rest by storing distracting clutter out of sight. Keep books, chargers, reading glasses, and other things you’d like nearby in a small cabinet or nightstand near the head of your bed. This will help minimize visual clutter and quiet your mind as you wind down for the night. Consider placing a vase of fresh flowers at your bedside, or lighting a lavender scented candle to further soften the atmosphere.
- Prioritize comfort – Forget fastidious, uncomfortable accessories such as beading and sequins; opt for crisp cotton, smooth linen, or comfy cashmere. Choose gentle, relaxing colors for bedding and room décor, and minimize overly bright or flamboyant décor. Try to be somewhat minimalistic in your decorating scheme to minimize distractions and create a zen environment.
- Choose the right sheets – Along the same lines, it’s important to choose bedding made with natural breathable fibers for maximal comfort. Avoid synthetic materials, which don’t allow your skin to breath as well. High quality materials include linen, cotton percale, and cotton sateen.
- Carpet vs. no carpet – Carpeting can be an easy way to soften a bedroom and make it more muffled and cozy. It’s also considerably more pleasant to step onto soft carpet first thing in the morning rather than cold hardwood. However, you might want to think twice about carpet if you have a dust allergy as it’s a big dirt catcher and difficult to clean. A big floor rug over a hardwood floor can have a similar effect, if you prefer the aesthetic.
- Minimize screens – Electronic screens are known to emit a blue light that can inhibit your natural sleep cycle. Several studies have confirmed that limiting screen time close to when you go to bed can improve sleep quality and help you feel more refreshed. In light of this (no pun intended!), you should try to keep TVs and other electrical devices out of your bedroom. You can also adjust the settings on many cell phones and other electronic devices to limit blue lights around bedtime.
- Clean the air – It’s another scientific fact that air quality is an important aspect of a good night’s sleep. Good air quality is known to reduce allergies and asthma symptoms, decrease blood pressure, purify your lungs, improve your immune system, and lengthen your lifespan! Unfortunately, the air in our homes is often filled with dust mites, allergens, viruses, bacteria, pet dander, and pollutants. Keep the air in your bedroom cleaner by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove impurities, and consider keeping a houseplant or two in the room. Vacuum and dust weekly, open your windows every morning for at least 30 minutes, and make sure all shoes are left at the door.
At Annadel Fine Home Builders, we understand the importance of every aspect of your new home, especially its master bedroom. Learn more about our building process and the sustainable vision that distinguishes our team of custom home builders in Northern California: Contact Annadel Builders, Inc. today at (707) 579-6282 or [email protected].