How much sleep do you need, and are you getting enough of it?
You’ll probably have come across stories of the titans of politics or business who appear to sleep for only a few hours a day. They might get a lot done, but getting insufficient sleep can have a negative impact on your concentration and decision-making skills.
Difficulty sleeping and waking up refreshed is not uncommon. If you don’t sleep well, research has shown that you can gain weight, your immune system may be weakened, and you’ll be less likely to be able to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, as any parent of a newborn baby can attest.
What can you do to decorate your bedroom for a better night’s sleep? There are plenty of choices to help you create the perfect environment.
Embrace the dark
It can often be the little things that disturb your sleep most, and one factor is the amount of light coming into your bedroom. Naturally, this will vary from month to month, but sometimes it’s the light leakage from outside that can cause the problem. If you’re a light sleeper, an early dawn seeping through curtains or blinds can affect you more than you might think.
That’s why you might want to look at the option of installing some new window shutters from California Shutters as a way of blocking out your window light completely when sleeping whilst allowing some light to come in when you want it to. Shutters can be made to fit any size and shape of window, and you can choose to install them yourself or enlist the help of a professional to do it.
They’re low-maintenance in the sense that they only need a wipe-down from time to time, and those with adjustable slats allow you to easily control how much light comes in to your bedroom. Add in the fact that they add an extra layer of insulation, and they can make a real difference to your sleep comfort.
Lie down comfortably
If you’ve ever tossed and turned because your mattress has seen better days, you really should invest in a new one. It may be lumpy, creak when you or your partner turn over, and fail to provide you the support and comfort you need. A good mattress is an investment that should last for many years, so it’s worth spending money on it. Always test a mattress out before you buy it if you can. Everyone has different requirements, but this is a piece of bedding that is an essential part of helping you to get your better night’s sleep.
Decorate with soothing colours
Colour is what can make or break a bedroom when it comes to making it the ideal place to sleep. Bright, vibrant colours may be fine for lightening a dark space downstairs, but for your bedroom, you want colours that are going to soothe you and encourage you to relax. Blues, purples and greens are the colour family to look at, and you can test them out on small patches of the walls and ceiling to see what you like best.
A soothing colour scheme can make the difference between going to bed a little wired and settling down in a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere.
Adjust the lighting
Dimmer switches that work by remote control are a great way to gradually lower light levels and encourage you to get into your comfort zone. Lights that are too bright can give stimulation that you just don’t want when it’s time to sink into your new mattress, so dimmer lights will help provide an additional sense of relaxation and winding down.
You should also think about your reading lamp. If reading helps you fall asleep but your partner finds it distracting, get a lamp that focuses its light on your book and not your partner’s eyes. The same applies if your partner is the one who prefers bedtime reading.
Take up the carpet
Carpets can be great, especially on cold mornings, but they do tend to trap dust, mould, pet hairs and other allergens that could affect how well you will sleep. Instead of a carpet, try a plush rug that is easier to keep clean and will ensure your feet don’t get a rude awakening when you get out of bed on a chilly day.
Make your bedroom right for you
A bedroom is a personal space, so take some time to think about how you can make it the perfect place for you to relax in comfort and sleep deeply. Sweet dreams!
