Countless experts have warned us about the health risks of sleep deprivation, yet many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep every evening. If you’re one of them, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that lack of sleep can slow reflexes, dull concentration, and increase the risk of various health problems. The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to create a more sleep-friendly bedroom (or, for that matter, any space where you like to snooze). Keep reading for five easy tips on how to make your bedroom better for sleeping — then settle in with your coziest pajamas for a restful, refreshing night of shut-eye.

How to Make a Bedroom Environment Sleep-Friendly

Design Tip #1: Your Mattress Matters

A quality night of sleep literally starts and ends with your mattress. It’s important to make sure you choose the right fit! Regardless of whether you prefer a firm mattress, a soft mattress, or something in between, most experts recommend replacing your mattress approximately once every eight to 10 years. However, certain types of mattresses may require less frequent replacement. For instance, memory foam typically has a lifespan of up to 15 years with proper maintenance. If you notice your bed sagging in the center, tilting to one side, poking you, or otherwise causing discomfort, it’s time for a new mattress!

Design Tip #2: Lower the Lights

Light is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to set the right bedroom environment for good sleep. Some people prefer a dim room, while others need pitch blackness; but no one can sleep properly if their sleep cycles are interrupted by artificial light. Try to avoid bright light sources at night, this includes your phone screen, and choose curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to enter in the morning. Sunlight is your body’s natural cue that it’s time to wake up and start the day. 

Design Tip #3: Use Calming Colours

It’s no secret that different colours evoke different emotions. For example, most people think of red as a passionate, bold, intense colour; not exactly conducive to sleep. Whether you’re painting or using wallpaper, be mindful of the colours you choose for your bedroom. Cool colours and pastels, such as baby pink, mint green, or turquoise, help set a relaxing, soothing tone; plus, they’re easy to colour-coordinate with furniture and other design elements.

Design Tip #4: Keep it Clean

Hidden “dust bunnies” are packed with allergens that, for some people, trigger symptoms like sniffling and congestion. Needless to say, it’s hard to sleep properly when you feel like you’ve got a cold! Give your bedroom a thorough vacuuming in all those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, including the closet and under the bed, at least once per week to help keep your space allergen-free. Other trouble spots where dust bunnies like to congregate include along walls, in corners, and underneath radiators.

Design Tip #5: Adjust the Air

Since we can’t see it or feel it, we often forget the air around us and it’s one of the most important factors for getting a good night of sleep. Adjusting its temperature, or even the way it smells can make a world of difference.

For optimal sleep, remember the two A’s: air conditioning and aromatherapy! Experts recommend a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius for ideal sleep conditions, which can be enhanced even further with soothing aromatherapy scents like lilac, vanilla, and lavender. (Just be wary of invigorating scents that will perk you up instead of putting you to sleep, like citrus or peppermint.)

Get Bedroom Decor and Style Ideas with My Design Finder

Want more ideas on how to make your bedroom a retreat? Explore My Design Finder, which lets you compare thousands of gorgeous visual examples, including bedrooms of all types of styles. Then contact the expert team at Flooring Canada, or simply visit one of our convenient retail locations, to learn how we can bring it to life! From hardwood and tile to carpet and stone, we carry thousands of premium products for every room in the home.

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Want a preview of how new floors will look in your home? Try our room visualizer, My Floor Style. Upload a photo of your room, select your style preferences, and get a virtual look at each different flooring style. With My Floor Style, there are no surprises. Only beautiful new floors.