When it comes to bedroom design, many people focus on elements that reflect their needs when they’re awake.
Clothes on the chair? Easier to grab in the morning. Cluttered furniture? You need your bed, desk, dresser, and chair. Overflowing laundry hamper? With everything you have to do, laundry is pretty low on your priority list.
You also keep your computer and phone close at hand, since you never know when you might need them. You try to avoid looking at them after you turn off the lights, but your resolve doesn’t always stick — especially when you have trouble falling asleep.
Your bedroom might offer convenience by day, but there’s a chance it has a different impact at night. Even if all you do is sleep in your bedroom, you still spend about a third of each day there. A hot, bright, cluttered room can disrupt your sleep and keep you lying awake for a chunk of this time, which can mean bad news for your waking health.
But, here’s the good news: Updating your bedroom can help you get better sleep, which can, in turn, improve overall well-being.
Our guide below can help you get started.
Tips for creating your ideal sleep oasis Many people decorate their bedrooms to appeal to their waking senses. This might mean bright colors, fun paintings, plenty of sunshine, and strong light that lets you get your work done.
The most important activity that takes place in your bedroom, however, is sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain and body don’t get a chance to rest, recharge, and carry out the essential processes that keep you functioning as you should.
The amount of time you spend sleeping matters, yes, but so does the quality of that sleep. If you spend 4 of your 8 hours in bed tossing and turning, you might not feel very rested the next day.
Making a few changes can help you create a more comfortable sleep environment. According to sleep experts at Johns Hopkins, the following bedroom features can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep:
Temperature. A cooler room and bed can reduce nighttime sweating and improve sleep. Aim to keep your bedroom thermostat set to 65°F, give or take a few degrees.
Light. Bright blue lightTrusted Source, be it from the sun or electronics, can disrupt sleep. Putting down your devices, using blackout curtains, and using very dim lights at night can improve your rest.Pets. You can love your furry friends without loving their nighttime commotion. If you’re unable to get good sleep with a restless pet, consider keeping them off the bed.Tidiness. You may not see your bedroom clutter while you sleep, but it could still have an impact on your rest. For better sleep, try tidying up and making your bed each day.Wondering whether it might be time for a bedroom upgrade? We’ve got more detailed tips and product recommendations below.
Sheets and comforterEveryone has a different preference in sheets, so you’ll want to look for sheets that feel comfortable to you. There are many types of cotton sheets, from light and airy percale to smooth sateen. You might also prefer the feel of super soft and stretchable jersey knit.Take a trip to your local department store to give different types of sheets a touch test. Not all brands have the exact same feel, but this can give you a better idea of what fabrics you prefer.
for natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, bamboo, or linen, if you sleep on the warmer side. Polyester and other synthetic sheets can trap heat, leaving you sticky and sweaty.
A few sheet sets to consider:Simply Vera Vera Wang Supima Cotton 600 Thread Count Sheet Set. This writer’s favorite sheets come in muted shades to inspire dreamier sleep. They feel cool and cozy at the same time and get a little softer with each wash.Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set. The sustainable bamboo fabric used in these breathable sheets is intended to give them a smooth, soft feel.
They’re great for sensitive skin, warm sleepers, and people looking to sleep greener.Tuft & Needle Jersey Sheet Set. Love sleeping in your favorite T-shirt? Treat your whole body to the same comfort by cuddling in jersey sheets. Tuft & Needle’s jersey set blends cotton and lyocell for breathability and comfort.
Options for your top layer:The Buffy Breeze. If you’re a hot sleeper, a cooling comforter, like this sustainable eucalyptus option, can help you stay warm without overheating.Layla Weighted Blanket. Anxious feelings keeping you up at night? A weighted blanket, like this washable plush option, may help reduce anxiety.
PillowsThe place you rest your head matters, and the wrong pillow can keep you up at night. You treat your head with care during the day, so it makes sense that you’d want to give it the same consideration while you sleep.
A good pillow should support the curve of your neck to keep your spine aligned during sleep. You’ll also want to consider your regular sleeping position. Side sleepers may rest more comfortably on firmer, fuller pillows. Thin, soft pillows will help stomach sleepers maintain good spinal alignment. And a medium firmness might work best if you sleep on your back.
Of course, if you’re sleeping on yellowed, stained, or flat pillows — or ones with a strange smell — it’s time to toss them and bring in something new.
A few pillows to check out:Coop Home Goods The Original. This shredded memory foam pillow works for all sleeping positions. You can add or remove filling to get just the right height.Check out more pillows to consider for back sleepers, side sleepers, stomach sleepers, or people with neck pain.
MattressAn old mattress, or the wrong one for your sleeping position, can contribute to nighttime pain and discomfort.While you might think you’d get the best sleep on the softest mattress, that’s actually not the case for most people. Side sleepers might benefit from the pressure relief offered by softer foam mattresses, but research suggests a medium-firm mattress is a good option for most people looking to improve sleep quality and comfort. If you only sleep on your stomach or back, you might even want to go a little firmer.
According to the Better Sleep Council, it’s wise to replace your mattress once it passes the ripe old age of 7 years, though some higher-quality mattresses may last a little longer. Aim to replace it sooner rather than later if you can feel the springs, regularly wake with pain or stiffness, or dread the thought of spending another night on top of it.
Ready to shop for a new mattress?Tuft & Needle Original Mattress. This basic foam mattress comes highly rated, and its medium-firm feel is designed to meet the needs of most sleepers.Check out more mattress options for back sleepers, side sleepers, stomach sleepers, combination sleepers, and people with back pain.
