A good night’s sleep is essential for better health. In fact, the benefits of complete sleep are incredibly endless: stronger immune system, healthy weight, better heart health, balanced mood, increased productivity, better memory, and the list goes on. Despite the great multiple benefits of sleep, getting a good night’s sleep has become a tall order for most people.
People these days are willing to sacrifice their sleep and health for work and leisure activities. But the consequences of sleep deprivation can take a toll on one’s health. It can lead to a host of health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, chronic illnesses, and even early mortality.
Those who suffer from common sleep disorders resort to different methods for treatment. Meanwhile, others believe in the role of lighting to optimize their sleep cycle. In workplace settings, employers invest in commercial lighting systems to improve their workers’ productivity and boost their alertness. You can also do the same in your home by choosing the right type of lighting to influence your body’s internal body clock.
With these in mind, here are some helpful tips for creating a sleep-inducing setup for your bedroom.
Change the lighting
Lighting is an essential factor in maintaining our circadian rhythm, the body’s biological clock regulating sleep. To promote a healthy circadian rhythm, you have to create a darker ambiance for your bedroom once you’re ready for bed.
Blackout curtains help absorb outdoor lighting. So make sure to hang them near the windows to increase the darkness of your bedroom. If you’re not comfortable with total darkness, add a bedside lamp that isn’t too bright. Look for bulbs with lower illuminance and color temperature to help you feel more drowsy and make doze off easily.
Consider installing light fixtures with amber bulbs with 2400 to 3000 degrees Kelvin temperature. Another alternative is color-changing LED bulbs that you can install around the house to control the light temperature as the day progresses. If you have a bigger budget, you can try smart lighting that automates the nighttime wind-down process and comes with a customizable nighttime setting.
Besides overhead fixtures and bedside lamps, use night-lights with amber bulbs to enhance sleep and provide enough illumination for bathroom visits.
Invest in a comfortable mattress
Changing the mattress is something we often ignore. If you don’t remember the last time you changed the mattress, it’s about time to replace it. The average lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 10 years, but you can change it ahead of time if you feel the mattress is no longer fit to sleep in.
Check if you feel completely comfortable when lying in bed. Do you have back pains every morning? Do you feel well-rested the whole day? Do you prefer sleeping in someone else’s bed because you’re more at ease? These are some signs that will tell if you have problems with the bed you sleep in.
A comfortable mattress is the secret to a good night’s sleep. A great tip is to buy from mattress brands with a reputation for selling quality mattresses. When sourcing a mattress, consider the size, support level, and sleeping style. Modern mattresses come with advanced features such as in-set handles, pressure relief, back support, and upholstery-grade fabric exterior.
Incorporate soothing colors
Besides lighting, the color scheme of a bedroom won’t only affect the mood for the accents and furniture but also your routine and emotions.
When it comes to soothing colors, we’re not only talking about light hues, but it depends on personal preference. Some people may find bright, playful, contrasting, or moodier colors relaxing.
For a versatile and easy-going look, use subtle colors, such as white or blush. You can go for navy, soft black, or emerald green for a calming and cozy feel. If you’re a morning person, apply red and yellow in small amounts to pump up your mood as soon as you wake up. Otherwise, you can go for shades of gray, mauve, teal, ivory, and blue for a more calming ambiance.
For the duvet covers and sheets, go for light colors such as ivory and white for a crisp and clean look. You can add edging or subtle details for an added character.
If you find yourself stuck on endless sleepless nights, it’s time to amp up your bedroom. Changing your nighttime habits, including the look of your bedroom can make a significant difference. Nothing feels better than having a comfortable room to sleep in, combined with a stunning aesthetic to help you relax and recharge.