How to Design a Relaxing and Restful Bedroom
Are your nights restful or restless? Sometimes getting a good night’s sleep is about more than going to bed early or avoiding a cup of coffee. You can still take some basic steps to make your bedroom a sleep-friendly place.
A big part of the process is creating a sleep environment that helps you doze off and stay asleep until the next morning. Mattresses also play a big part in making your room feel more relaxing. But, are there other ways to create a restful bedroom? We have gathered some basic yet effective ways to make your bedroom more restful and relaxing for sleep. Continue reading to find practical, helpful tips.
Find the Right Mattress
When selecting a new mattress, there are various factors to consider, including:
Size
The mattress size should be based on factors like how much floor space you can spare for your bed/mattress. On the other hand, the mattress should still be large enough so you can move around comfortably at night.
Material
Some of the most common popular materials include memory foam and latex. Memory foam was designed by NASA for aircraft cushions, but today it’s probably best known for pillows and mattresses. Materials affect issues like comfort, durability, and breathability.
Type
Some of the main ones include Topper/Pad and Base/Foundation. Different mattress types have different functions. As the name suggests, the mattress base is on the bottom, while the topper is at the top.
Air Circulation
This is an important factor for “hot sleepers” in particular. Memory foam usually has lower air circulation, although some hybrid mattresses help to reduce this problem lp makes the mattress more relaxing.
Support/Comfort
Support is greatly related to the mattress firmness. You can pick from slightly to very firm. Factors like material and sleeping position will affect how much support the mattress provides. Comfort is a more subjective factor. The term “comfortable” differs for various sleepers. The key is to try out a mattress before buying it.
Pick Cool Colors over Warm Ones
Some of the best options include green, blue, and violet on the far end of the light spectrum. This differs from warm colors like red, orange, and yellow on the other end. For example, consider how relaxed you feel when looking at a blue sky, green grass, or violet flowers.
Sleep-friendly Colors
When adding these cool colors to your room, you have several options, including:
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Wall paint
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Wall décor
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Furniture
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Beddings
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Carpeting
So, the big question is: how can these colors help you sleep? Studies show that these are relaxing colors. So when they’re the last colors you see before sleeping, you’re more likely to fall asleep faster. Warm colors would have the opposite effect since they’re brighter and thus stimulating.
Photo by Pixabay
Cleaning Beddings, Pillows and Mattresses
Beddings
The general rule is to clean items like pillowcases and bed sheets every week. Other items like blankets and comforters can be cleaned less often, but they should still be washed regularly. This will help you to feel super-cozy when you crawl into bed.
Pillows
This is a step that many people skip, but they shouldn’t. The reason is pillows can get infested with dust, bacteria, mites, and other nasty stuff. Make sure to use proper cleaning methods based on the pillow type.
Mattress
Make sure to clean your mattress at least twice a year, but every three months is even better. You can use basic tools like vacuums and toothbrushes, and cleaners/disinfectants like upholstery cleaners and baking soda.
Create Relaxing Environment
Various scientific studies show that different scents can have a major effect on people. For example, when you smell your favorite comfort food, you might have fond memories of family dinners.
Relaxing Scents
There are different natural scents that studies show can have a relaxing effect on people. They include ones like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. These essential oils are highly-concentrated oils produced from natural plants.
There are different ways you can experience these scents. They include options like diffusers and therapeutic massages. Studies show that these scents seem to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. When that happens, it makes it easier for you to wind down and relax. If that happens, then you’ll nod off faster.
Add the Right Type and Amount of Noise
In general, you should minimize the noise in your bedroom. This will help you to doze off at night. Ditch different sound sources ranging from indoor air conditioners to outdoor vehicles and trains.
White Noise
This includes “background noise” that can help you doze off at night. One option is a white noise machine that provides sleepers with relaxing sounds like ocean waves, singing birds, and flute music. There are other ways you can add white noise in your room. They include light music and wind chimes.
Whether you’re designing or redesigning a bedroom, it’s worth determining whether or not it’s as restful as possible. This is where we spend about one-third of the day. Designing a restful environment can involve steps like adding green wallpaper, lavender essential oil, and meditation music. It’s as easy as design, relax, sleep!