The secret to getting better sleep isn’t necessarily investing in a new mattress. You can transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary with just a few simple changes – and spoiler alert: they won’t break the bank.
Even organized chaos can be an eyesore and impede sound sleep. Set the scene by dedicating some time to declutter your sleep space. Designate places for things like books, electronics, accessories, etc. so you can disconnect physically and visually as you get drowsy and ready for bed.
Babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from dark rooms and ambient noise. Even a small sliver of light can disrupt quality sleep. Blackout curtains are great for inexpensively controlling light that peeks in from your windows. If your nighttime routine includes scrolling through social media from the comfort of your bed, keep in mind that light from your phone (and other electronics) can also impact your sleep. Some devices allow you to schedule a darker screen brightness at night, but when in doubt, you can adjust the settings manually.
As for noise? If you’re only interested in white noise, sound machines have a small footprint and plenty of options for ambient sound. There are also plenty of apps that offer sounds, stories, or songs engineered for sleep, as well as trackers that can help evaluate sleep trends over time.
If your mattress is less than 5-7 years old and isn’t showing signs of excess wear, don’t rush to replace it before looking to your linen for an update. Focus on quality and comfort – if you know you sleep better when cold, opt for sheets made of cooling fabrics like linen or cotton. Experts at The Better Sleep Council suggest trying out different fabrics, thread counts, and textures to find your perfect fit.
Air quality impacts sleep quality – and it’s about more than having a humidifier or air purifier in place. Cleaning your bedlinen helps remove allergens, sweat, oil and other grime. Experts agree that while washing sheets, blankets, etc. at least once per week is the rule of thumb, some people may benefit from more frequent washing of linen, particularly if you have allergies, pets that share your bed, or sensitive skin.
Whether you’re planning on installing black-out shades, or have resolved to avoid screen time before bed, making just one small change can help you rest easy.