Could your bedroom be keeping you awake? Here's how to design a space for rest and recharging
Feeling rested in the morning seems to be a virtue only a few get to experience. Most people complain about not getting enough sleep and feeling drained when waking up. Although insomnia can be a medical condition, in many cases, sleep deprivation is the result of living in inadequate environments. This means that your bedroom's atmosphere may be keeping you from sleeping.
Did you know we should spend one third of our lives sleeping? This may sound like a lot, but with stressful and hectic lives, our physical, emotional and mental health depend on it. If you are a lacking the needed Zs, here are eight decorating ideas to help you get back to the days when sleeping was a pleasure, and waking up was exciting.
Balancing act. To feel balanced and be centered on sleeping, place your bed against a solid wall and facing away from openings such as doors and windows. Also, use a sturdy headboard to create a sense of stability in your bed. |
Bright lights be gone. A soothing room that helps you fall asleep faster should be dark or at the very least use soft lighting. Buy dimmer switches that allow you to control light in your room and turn it off when it's time to sleep. Minimize lighting coming from the outside. Add blackout liners on draperies to prevent light from disrupting your sleep, something all 5-star hotels practice. |
Clean sweep. Get rid of clutter to give yourself some clarity of mind. Remember that at night, a messy bedroom will affect you. Even if you don't see it, you know the clutter is there. Do not place items under or around your bed, and let the area breathe. Dispose of things that don't serve a positive purpose and eliminate distractions such as open closets and overflowing dressers. |
Sleepy colors. A serene and relaxing atmosphere uses quiet, muted colors. These colors are comforting and improve sleep and relaxation. In his room, light shades of periwinkle wrap the bed creating a cozy environment in which sleep can be improved. Apply cool and warm hues and make use of neutrals to create balance. Soft shades of yellow, peach, green and blue are ideal. |
Lose the electronics. Avoid distractions by removing all electronics from your room. I understand the craving for watching television, using your laptop and having your smart phone in the bedroom, but believe me, they only make matters worse. If you must have a television, hide it in an armoire. As for your laptop and smart phone, I recommend using them outside the bedroom. In this picture, there's a sense of calm and purity with no electronics in sight. Can you imagine how disruptive a television would be here? Remember, you want to create a space that inspires rest. Using electronics will change the feeling of the room and sleeping will become increasingly difficult. Disconnect yourself and you'll see some results. |
All about you. You can decorate your room with style and still adhere to the ideas shown in this ideabook. Choose colors that calm you and elements that relax you. Use accessories that serve their purpose but don't interrupt your sleep. The room in this picture is very serene, and great style was injected by pairing a printed throw pillow with a matching curtain and ottoman. Style doesn't get in the way of your sleep here thanks to no clutter,subtle colors and a strong headboard against a solid wall.
