Get better quality sleep with these bedroom changes
Everyone knows that a good night’s sleep can improve your health and increase your lifespan, but it’s easier said than done. Many adults report getting less than the recommended hours of sleep every night, which leads to various health problems. Although there are multiple reasons for this, one of the most common issues is a poor sleep environment.
Author:Stefano MclaughlinReviewer:Karan EmerySep 30, 2021103K Shares1.3M Views
Everyone knows that a good night’s sleep can improve your health and increase your lifespan, but it’s easier said than done. Many adults report getting less than the recommended hours of sleep every night, which leads to various health problems. Although there are multiple reasons for this, one of the most common issues is a poor sleep environment.
What Is A Sleep Environment?
Simply put, a sleep environment is where you rest at night. For most people, it’s your bedroom. It encompasses everything from your bed and pillows to the lighting and temperature. When your sleep environment is conducive to your needs, it enables you to rest without complication.
Improving Your Sleep Environment
So, what changes can you make to enhance your sleeping environment and thus your overall health and wellness? Below are a few suggestions.
Mattress Quality
Has it been a while since you invested in a mattress? Your mattress is responsible for providing your body with the support it needs to sleep. If it is old, lumpy, too hard, too soft, or riddled with broken springs, getting to sleep is hard and painful.
Assess the quality of your mattress. If you have had the bed for more than a decade, it’s uncomfortable or dangerous; it’s time to invest in a new one. Today, mattress technologies have been enhanced by leaps and bounds, providing you with various beds to meet your sleeping needs.
Temperature Control
Trying to sleep in an environment that’s too hot or cold is frustrating. It can cause you to wake up in a pool of sweat or oversleep under a pile of blankets. If you want to get the appropriate rest, you must concentrate on temperature control.
The ideal temperature to get sleep is about 65 degrees. Using a smart thermostat can help you to regulate bedroom temperatures more efficiently. You can turn the heat up in the winter or down in the summer with the press of a button for a more comfortable sleep.
Creature Comforts
While some people can fall asleep anywhere, others need a little assistance. The bedroom is meant for rest and relaxation, meaning you have to focus less on distractions and more on creature comforts. For instance, if listening to nature sounds helps you rest, buying a turntablewith Bluetooth capabilities enables you to turn on the playlist just before bed. If you like soothing scents that relax the mind and body, an aromatherapy diffuser is an excellent investment. Do you like snuggling under the covers on a cold night? Why not treat yourself to a down comforter for extra cushion?
Technological Distractions
There was a time when bedrooms had nothing more than a bed, dresser, side table, and lamp. The idea was to have few distractions to keep you awake. As time and technology advanced, this concept changed. People started investing in flat-screen televisions and computers for the bedroom as a source of entertainment before going to sleep. The only problem is, these devices can cause anxiety and keep you up at night.
Removing these distractions from the bedroom is likely the best choice. If you like the idea of having technology in the bedroom, there are other options. You can turn the TV off before you go to sleep so the blue light doesn’t send signals to the brain that you should be awake. Finally, you can be mindful of what you watch before bed to avoid getting emotionally overwhelmed. As for computer usage, set a time to unplug and unwind before going to sleep.
Going a day or two without efficient sleep may not have an impact on your health and wellness. However, if minimal sleep is an everyday problem, you have to act fast. While you should certainly investigate the other causes of poor sleep, your bedroom is a great place to start. Making changes such as your mattress quality, temperature control, limiting distractions, and incorporating creature comforts, can create an environment perfect for 7-9 hours of rest.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Author
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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