Evaluate Your Current Bedroom
Before creating your sleep sanctuary, first evaluate your current bedroom environment and determine what works.and what doesn't. But what do you look for? How can you tell if your bedroom is or isn't conducive to quality sleep? While many sleep-robbing factors are evident, some are so obvious that we tend to overlook them day-to-day.
It is important to take a step back and carefully analyze your sleeping space. The best way to do this is to trust your gut and merely follow your senses…
Light
Sunlight is a natural, positive source of energy during the day, but it can disrupt deep, restful sleep. Light – such as the rising sun – is one of the body’s most powerful time cues and can wake up the brain long before the alarm goes off.
Ask yourself:
When sleeping, is your room as dark as possible?
Is there light coming through blinds or curtains in the early morning hours?
Are the TV or hallway lights left on while you are sleeping?
Is your alarm clock brightly illuminated and facing you throughout the night?
Touch
Comfort and support are key. The most critical component of any bedroom is the bed itself. Your mattress should not only meet your needs for comfort and support, but it should also be considered a major investment…and one that you make every 5 - 7 years. To top it off, it’s the soft textures of a bedroom that help make it cozy and inviting.
Ask yourself:
If you sleep with a partner, what size bed do you share?
Have you had your mattress for more than 5 - 7 years?
Do you wake up regularly with aches and pains?
Have you had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)?
How does the texture of your bedding make you feel?
Does your mattress or bedding show visible signs of wear and tear?
Smell
All homes have a unique aroma. Smells often subconsciously connect us to certain memories or moods. Some people may have an ability to block out unpleasant odors, but it still may have an impact on you throughout the night. Additionally, there are certain scents, like lavender, that help promote sleep and well-being.
Ask yourself:
Are there certain scents that make you feel especially calm and relaxed?
Do you occasionally ‘air out’ your bedroom and/or allow in fresh air?
Does your detergent and/or fabric softener have a negative or positive impact on sleep?
Taste
Your bedroom is a true reflection of yourself. It should provide the ultimate comfort and support and be an invitingly special space. Your bedroom is where you begin and end each day, so it’s important to make it intimate and personal, but also keep it simple and uncluttered.
Ask yourself:
Is your bedroom well-organized?
Do you use your bedroom as a workspace or eating area?
Is there clutter or excess décor or clothing that could be removed?
Do you feel your bedroom adequately reflects your taste and personality?
Is your bedroom the first and last place you want to see every day?
