Cover Photo: Miriam Alonso / Pexels
Photo: Miriam Alonso / Pexels
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Read on how to revamp your bedroom to get a good night's sleep in no time
Sleep is key to a fully-functioning mind and body, and many studies have proven this to be true. So why, then, do people lack sleep?
Frankly, it's not as if people choose not to snatch forty winks when the situation calls for it. There are many reasons, one of which is our value for productivity, as mentioned by David F Dinges, professor and chief of the division of sleep and chronobiology in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
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He says, "People have come to value time so much that sleep is often regarded as an annoying interference, a wasteful state that you enter into when you do not have enough willpower to work harder and longer."
But what if we do want to rest but can't? Suzanne Bertisch of Harvard University suggests it's time to create a comfortable sleep environment.
Start to spruce up your bedroom to get healthier sleep hygiene by reading below:
Go for cool, neutral colours
Above Photo: Spacejoy / Unsplash
Photo: Spacejoy / Unsplash
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In most cases, people opt for their favourite colours when choosing wallpaper or paint for their bedroom. However, researchers have found the positive effects of having a room using cool shades of blue, green, white, beige, and pink. You may also choose your furniture wisely, making sure they blend with your walls. Avoid bright prints, clashing colours, and loud hues, and opt for a soothing palette.
Seeing a calming combination of hues before dosing off can definitely affect your mood.
Lighting matters
Above Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
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Light can disrupt the body's circadian clock. To prevent this from happening, instead of keeping your main light source on, use a lamp with warm light—preferably those with dimmers—to gradually transition from brightness to darkness. Avoid top lighting, too, in order to really set the mood. If you can, invest in black-out curtains to prevent the sunlight from interrupting that coveted full night of rest.
See also: Where to Buy Unique Vintage and Repurposed Lamps in Metro Manila
Limit your screen time
Above Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels
Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels
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Moreover, try not to spend too much time on your phone as it emits blue light, which keeps the mind awake. The same goes for other electronics such as computers, laptops, tablets, and TV. There is no better time to disconnect and unwind than right before bed. If you can, stop using your gadgets at least an hour before settling down.
You may also consider adding a media cabinet to hide your TV when it's not being used.
Place diffusers or candles on your nightstand
Above Photo: Artem Podrez / Pexels
Photo: Artem Podrez / Pexels
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Aromatherapy has many benefits, including improving your sleep cycle. One whiff of lavender or peppermint can calm the body, allowing one to fall asleep easily.
In fact, a study in 2020 shows that both scents helped improve the sleep quality of cardiac patients.
Be sure to place the diffuser or scented candles far from air vents, curtains, and bedding. Place it on a desk and allow the fragrance to envelop the room.
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Clean up the clutter
Above Photo: Max Vakhtbovych / Pexels
Photo: Max Vakhtbovych / Pexels
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A cluttered room can lead to a cluttered mind. Begin organising your room, including your closet and under the bed.
You'll also want to tidy up your desk, fold laundry, and learn to throw away unnecessary items instead of letting them pile up inside your drawers and crowd your shelves. The same can be said for design; make your bedroom more minimal in aesthetic and decor, and leave the maximalist look for your entertaining spaces.
Soon, you'll find yourself sleeping better in a room, knowing it's spick and span from inside out.
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
