Having a healthy bedroom space is essential. Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It is where you escape to relax and sleep. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is vital for good health, both physically and mentally. So, to create a healthy bedroom space, it is necessary to make your well-being and comfort your top priority. Read on for some ideas to make that comfort zone a reality.
Declutter and clean.
A healthy bedroom space is clean, clutter-free, and has minimal furnishings. So clear out any piles of clothes, books, paperwork—everything that makes your room messy. Hang clothing in the closet or fold it and put it away in a dresser. Donate any clothing, pieces of furniture, or any other items you no longer use. If there are unused items you don’t want to part with, consider renting personal storage space. Next dust all surfaces, light fixtures, and walls. Vacuum the flooring. Bedrooms need to be dust-free to help avoid irritating allergies that disrupt sleep. Lastly, banish any musty smells. Open the windows and let fresh air into the room.
Ban blue light.
Blue light is produced by cell phones and other electronic devices, like laptops and tablets. Blue light is harmful to healthy sleep patterns. It disrupts melatonin production, which makes people feel sleepy. It also disturbs the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep. Therefore, remove all blue light-producing devices from the bedroom. It is true that using a cell phone alarm is very convenient; however, instead, use a traditional alarm clock. Eradicating blue light is a simple thing that can make a big difference in having a healthy bedroom space.
Good mattress for a fitful sleep.
H
ave you had your existing mattress for a while? Older, or poor-quality, mattresses are uncomfortable and can damage your back, disrupting sleep. Make it a priority to replace your mattress. Test a few to figure out which one best suits your needs. Whether you decide on a plush or firm mattress, it must produce your best rest experience. A firm mattress provides strong support for your body, whereas a plush mattress has more cushioning to sink into. It is surprising how the correct mattress dimensions and structure influence your well-being. And dispose of your old mattress responsibly. Use a mattress recycling service to avoid contributing to landfill waste.
Pillows are important too.
Just like a fine mattress, your pillows need to be high quality. Use pillows that align with your sleeping position and support your body. Some people prefer soft, cushiony pillows, while others choose firmer means of support. If your pillows are old and past their best condition, replace them. Pillows can be freshened up by airing them outdoors. They can also be sprayed with some essential oil. Take the opportunity to freshen up your mattress with a little essential oil too.
Update your décor.
Creating a healthy bedroom space is a good opportunity to make changes to your current décor so the room is as relaxing as possible. Choose calming, soft paint colors for the walls. Light blues and neutral shades are also ideal. Subtle greens are attuned to nature and the organic. Switch to soft white bulbs that provide a good amount of light, but have a warmth that’s gentle on the eyes. Replace your curtains or blinds with those made with thick fabric/ materials that block out disturbing, nighttime street lights. After all, this is your safe place to wind down and reset.
Choose soft, comfy accessories.
When personalizing your healthy bedroom space, look for curved or rounded edges in your accessory choices. Softer bordered items are visually more relaxing than straight, hard lines. This also applies to patterns. Keep this all in mind when choosing linens and bedding—quilts, duvet covers, pillows, cushions, etc. A padded headboard, plush area rug, comfy accent chair, loosely crocheted blankets, and flowing drapery help to soften a bedroom’s atmosphere. Use round/ multiple-sided frames to display photos of friends and family.
Let the sunlight in.
Natural light, like fresh air, is essential to a healthy bedroom space. Swing open your drapes, pull back the shutters and welcome in the sunlight. Bringing the outside in naturally brightens a room. The sunlight also benefits any plants in the room. The growing plants produce oxygen, more healthy air for you to breathe. In addition, exposing your skin to sunlight generates vitamin D, which helps regulate sleep cycles. For further health benefits, make sure to go outside for a daily dose of vitamin D, especially in the winter. Figure in a walk or other outdoor exercise for even better sleep.
Make use of aromatherapy.
Sprinkling and/or diffusing essential oils in the bedroom is an effective aromatherapy method that helps with relaxation and sleep. Choose oils known for their calming properties, such as lavender, vanilla, bergamot, cinnamon, or clary sage. Use a few drops of an essential oil on a pillow to help soothe the mind for a restful sleep. For safety reasons, do not warm essential oils with tea lights or candles. No need to risk falling asleep while they burn (and chance an accidental fire). Instead, use diffusers.
Your healthy bedroom space realized.
Sleep and relaxation are absolutely necessary for both physical and mental well-being. And there are steps to ensure a rested state of body and mind. Start by making your bedroom healthier with a good cleaning and decluttering. A mattress and pillows that fit your needs are also a priority. Give attention to the details of the room’s décor and accessories. Reset the ambiance of the room with a dose of natural sunlight, fresh air, and aromatherapy. All of these factors encourage relaxation and promote uninterrupted, restorative sleep for a healthier you.
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Kiley Morrow, Guest Contributor
When she took a leap of faith and quit her 9-to-5 job, Kiley Morrow became a freelance writer. Since then, Kiley’s passion for writing has compelled her to inspire people worldwide with her lifestyle and travel articles.
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