Do you have trouble sleeping but you have no idea why? Does tossing and turning at night drive you mad? Does counting sheep feel like torture? Are you tired of feeling...tired?
Sleep is crucial to our health and wellbeing, yet many people struggle to get the restful sleep they need each night. If poor sleep has become more of a pattern than a rare occurrence, it’s time to take a deeper look.
Sometimes, our biggest hurdles to a great night’s sleep are lurking right in our bedrooms. Here are 5 common bedroom mistakes that rob you of the restorative sleep you deserve. How many are you making?
5 Bedroom Mistakes that are Costing You Your Sleep
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You have clutter or unrelated items in the bedroom.
Clutter isn’t just a physical block, it’s a mental block too. Having clutter in the bedroom (like stacks of books and papers or dirty clothes piles) can subconsciously increase stress and anxiety and negatively affect your sleep. To improve your sleep and invite more calm into your life, first do a deep clean of your room and take out any clutter. Then, each night before bed, do a quick clear-out of anything that has accumulated throughout the day. With a fresh slate, you’ll be ready for your beauty sleep! -
You have unrelated items in your bedroom.
Does your bedroom double as an office, library, hobby space, home gym, or storage unit? It’s time to make a change. Having items that relate to work or daytime activities can disrupt your peace and make it difficult to settle in and rest. Even when you’re not using your books, computer, or home weights, seeing them can stimulate your brain and keep you awake. Find a more appropriate place or your daytime items to make your bedroom the sanctuary you deserve.
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There are too many electronics in your bedroom.
The most restful bedrooms are dark, quiet, cool, and tech free While the perfect serene space may not be available, there are some things you can do to avoid too much distraction or stimulation while sleeping. Start by keeping your phone outside your bedroom and revert back to using an alarm clock. If you must keep your phone in your bedroom, place it as far from your bed as possible. Remove any other electronics from your bedroom and keep any light sources low. -
Your bed is in the wrong spot.
According to the principles of fengshui, where you put your bed can make all the difference in how well you sleep. The best position for your bed is up against a solid wall. Avoid having your bed in front of a window or door (even if you never open that door). Place the bed as far away from the door as possible. You should see the door when lying down, but avoid having the end of the bed point directly out the door (diagonal is best). This placement is said to make the sleeper feel most safe and secure - which leads to more restful, quiet nights! -
Your bedding is irritating your skin or body temperature.
Your cotton and synthetic bedding (or pajamas) could be preventing you from falling asleep fast and easily. These fabrics irritate sensitive skin and itching, dry skin, or irritation. Pajamas made out of these materials tend to twist and bunch up through the night. These fabrics are also known to trap heat and increase the risk of night sweats or waking up with hot flashes.
The best bedding for great sleep is silk. Unlike cotton or synthetic fabrics, silk does not irritate the skin. Rather, it even improves skin quality! Silk is also the most breathable fabric and does not cause overheating or night sweat. You’ll sleep soundly all night while your body maintains a comfortable and even body temperature.