Designing an Ideal Bedroom

On average, a human being spends one-third of his or her life sleeping. Sleep is when our body heals itself, our brain resets itself, and we regain energy for the next day. Getting good sleep is essential for our mental and physical health. There are tons of strategies for obtaining a good night’s sleep, and one of them is to make sure the space in which we sleep is primed for rest. If you feel that your bedroom is not yet the sleep-positive place it needs to be, you might consider redesigning it a little.

Decorate to soothe

Colors have a psychological impact on our moods, so choose a color scheme for your room that promotes relaxation and calm. The best colors to calm the mind are blues and greens. Avoid reds and oranges, as they tend to make us feel energized and even angry. You can apply this color scheme to everything in the room: walls, curtains, lamps, bedclothes, and even furniture. Surround yourself with decor that calms–such as old-fashioned lamps, high-quality prints of favorite family pictures, and fun throw rugs that make your feet cozy. Be sure to avoid bright, fluorescent lights and opt for warmer tones.

Clear out clutter

There’s an old saying, “a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind,” and the same is definitely true of a cluttered bedroom! What is in your bedroom that actually belongs in the office, kitchen, or bathroom? For instance, it’s easy to bring dishes into the room and eat while we watch TV, but it’s important to make sure those dishes get cleared out and into the sink ASAP. Invest in organizers and use your closet space efficiently. Make sure clothes go in the laundry basket, drawers, and closet.

Make your bed a sanctuary

Make your bed a sacred place–use it only for sleep (and maybe some romance). Studying, browsing the internet, or working while in your bed will make your brain associate the bed with activity. The more you keep your bed a place only for sleep, the more your brain will automatically start to calm down once you climb in. Don’t skimp on designing your bed to be the best place for sleep it can be. Invest in the best kind of mattress for your body and your back–some people prefer a firm mattress, others memory foam, and others cushy and soft. Keep blankets around that make you feel safe and warm. Try out down comforters, or your grandmother’s old quilts, or a cozy fleece. Make sure your sheets are a texture that agrees with your body, such as silk, flannel, or simply a high thread count.