We all know how important sleep is for our overall health and wellbeing. And who doesn’t love those leisurely sleep-in mornings? Even so, an estimated 50 to 70 million U.S. adults have sleep or wakefulness disorders, and almost half of Americans report feeling tired most of the week.
Creating the right environment can help improve the quality of your sleep. Here are a few simple design changes you can take on in your bedroom and beyond, so you can rest easy.
Treat Your Windows Right: You might fall in love with a sheer fabric or café-curtain style, but keep those window treatments limited to the kitchen or living room. When it comes to the bedroom, controlling light should be your number one priority. Look for curtains with a blackout liner when shopping, and even lighter tones like yellow or cream will help limit those unwanted rays. If you’re more of a DIYer, check out this blackout curtain tutorial. Be sure to hang your curtain rod at least 8 inches wider than your window for extra coverage.
Install Silent Floors: There’s nothing worse than a creaky floorboard at night or the click-clack of high heels first thing in the morning. Reduce the amount of floor noise by choosing a sound absorbent option like cushion vinyl or luxury vinyl tile. In fact, Beauflor planks and tiles are up to 50 percent more silent than competitive luxury vinyl floors. The best part? These planks and tiles are designed for superior ease of installation, so you choose to tackle the upgrade yourself or hire a professional. What you can’t hear won’t wake you.
Toss the Tech: Research has shown that the light from our phones, tablets and laptops’ screens may affect our internal clocks when used at night. The “blue light” from these devices affects your body’s levels of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Make your bedroom a technology-free zone to help your eyes unwind from the blue light they take in throughout the day. Bonus, keeping your devices outside will probably help keep your stress levels down too!
Get Comfortable: It may sound obvious, but make sure your bedroom is actually comfortable. Choosing the right pillows and mattress for your preference is one thing, but you should also pay attention to comfort factors like temperature and personal space. Set the thermostat to the ideal level before you get in bed, and keep your fan on for additional air movement. If you have pets or kids who like to climb in bed with you, set a time limit so you have enough room to sleep peacefully and comfortably.