What makes the perfect sleep environment?
What makes the perfect sleep environment? I’d start by saying – one without kids! But if that isn’t possible, then putting careful consideration into the design of your bedroom, you can turn it into the perfect area for helping you to get a good night’s sleep.
Below are just a few ingredients of the perfect sleep environment and how to achieve them.
A comfortable bed
Firstly, your bed needs to be comfortable. Your mattress is the most important aspect. The perfect mattress is a matter of personal preference with some people preferring softer mattresses and others preferring firmer. When choosing a mattress, it’s important to consider your preferred sleeping position – this can have a big impact on the type of mattress you should be using.
You should then consider your sheets, pillows and covers. Choose materials and fillings that are breathable and hypoallergenic. Egyptian cotton and bamboo linen are some of the best all-round materials. When choosing pillows, consider your sleeping position – back sleepers and front sleepers generally only need one pillow, while side sleepers can benefit from two.
A steady temperature
Changes in temperature are likely to cause you to wake up in the night. By encouraging a steady temperature, you can enjoy less interrupted sleep. Modern HVAC systems can help to maintain a consistent temperature using a combination of heating and cooling. You should also make sure that your bedding isn’t susceptible to changes in temperature.
Low lighting
Most people find it easiest to sleep in total darkness. Darkness helps to trigger our sleep hormones, while increasing levels of light wake us up. Blackout blinds or solid panel shutters could be a good investment for keeping your bedroom dark. These features can help to block out the early morning sun and lighting from cars and street lamps, helping you to enjoy a deeper sleep.
Some people (especially young kids) are afraid of total darkness. In these cases, a night light could be worth having. This should only offer an ambient glow as not to disrupt sleep.
Low noise levels
It’s also important to keep noise levels low. If you live somewhere urban and there’s a lot of outside noise, you may want to look into curtains and shutters that offer sound insulation.
Not everyone can sleep in total silence. Having a fan on or using white noise could help to offer a low steady source of background noise.
Calming décor
Finally, you should consider the décor of your bedroom. Calming colour choices such as blue, green and grey have been psychologically proven to improve sleep by making us feel more relaxed. Reds and oranges in contrast can make us more energised and are best avoided.
You should also try to keep clutter to a minimum in your bedroom. Clutter can create feeling of stress and anxiety, which could make it harder to relax and get to sleep. Take the time to declutter your bedroom or find ways to contain clutter so that it is out of sight and out of mind.
*This is a collaborative post.
