We all understand the importance of sleep. Notwithstanding our recent warm weather spell, so many of us still struggle to get a solid seven hours.
For many of us, the problem of poor sleep is quite simple – our bedrooms are not the sanctuary of peace and quiet they should be! Read on for my top tips for creating a healthy, sleep-inducing bedroom without sacrificing style.
Calming Colours
A bright orange accent wall might look fabulous, but it could also be keeping you awake. Intense colours create visual energy, making you feel stimulated, inspired or motivated. That’s great in the office or the gym, but less so in the bedroom. Colour is intrinsically linked with mood and emotions, so for a relaxing and peaceful bedroom, consider colours like blue, green, or neutral shades like white, grey, beige, or cream. These colours are known for their calming properties and can help create a serene environment conducive to sleep.
Soft blues are tranquil colours which can lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which help you go to sleep. Earthy muted greens remind us of nature and create a sense of calm. Neutrals like beige and cream – as well as pale pinks – are warm and inviting and make bedrooms feel cozy and comfortable.
Curtain Call
The human body is designed to sleep when it is dark, so the more light you can remove from your bedroom, the better. Any form of light (including light from a phone screen) inhibits the production of melatonin, a hormone that induces drowsiness. Put simply, less melatonin means less sleep.
Inside the home we can simply turn all the lights off. But what about the outside sources we have no control over? Blackout curtains or blinds are a fantastic solution, blocking up to 99% of all light, including streetlights and sunlight.
Made of dense, opaque material, black out blinds or curtains can also help regulate room temperature by blocking heat transfer which reduces energy use and can also absorb sound making a more peaceful bedroom.
Blackout curtains and blinds come in various styles, colours, and patterns, allowing you to match them with the rest of your interior design.
Reduce Clutter
If there’s only one room in your house you keep impeccably tidy, make it the bedroom. Remove anything you do not need. That means the piles of laundry, stacks of magazines and boxes of old clothes and toys. Clutter can be stressful and distracting which is exactly what you are trying to avoid in the bedroom.
Removing clutter will also have the added benefit of keeping the bedroom free from dust and bacteria. Invest in built in storage for the best way of keeping clothes, shoes and toiletries out of sight.
Mattress Matters
Like most things, mattresses experience lots of wear and tear with use. A good quality mattress will last between 8 and 10 years. After that time, it’s simply not providing you with the support and comfort you need. If you wake up feeling stiff and achy, or still feel tired after a full night’s sleep, it might be time to replace your mattress.
To choose a new mattress, consider your sleeping position, body weight, and any specific needs like back pain or allergies. You will also need to consider firmness level, mattress type, and budget. Testing a new mattress in-store (or through a trial period) is vital to ensure you pick one that gives you the right level of comfort and support.
Ditch the Digital Devices
We’re all guilty of taking our phones to bed for a late-night scroll of Instagram or a binge-watching marathon of the latest true crime series. However, numerous studies have shown that watching TV or using your phone before bed can lead to sleep deprivation. Don’t spend time and money on creating a beautiful space only to keep up destructive habits. The final thing you can do for a better night’s sleep is ensure TVs, phones and tablets are kept out of the bedroom. Invest in an old school alarm clock to wake you up and your body will thank you for it.
I hope these tips help you with a better night’s sleep. All images from a recent Grade II Listed Regency villa project on the southern slopes of Bath. Read more here.
