Some people could literally fall asleep on a washing line. But for many of us, getting to sleep, and getting enough of it, is a real sticking point when it comes to our health.
By now, most people have heard the term ‘sleep hygiene’, which is all about making sure you have the perfect set up, both mentally and physically, to cracking the code of good sleep quality
While this can include things like turning off all screens a few hours before bed to dumping all of your thoughts into a journal to stop your mind from racing once your head hits the pillow, actually making sure our physical environments are up to scratch can be paramount to a good night’s sleep.
As Jenny Chu, interior expert at Rezigo, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘A good night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing and yet [many] adults in the UK say that they struggle with sleep issues.
‘While there may be medical reasons behind some kinds of insomnia, in many cases, the culprit is much more simple: your bedroom.’
Jenny says there are a number of interior mistakes we make when it comes to creating a great sleep environment, from letting in too much light to letting the space become cluttered.
Here’s how to sort it out.
How to design a bedroom fit for sleeping
Keep beds in their place
‘Many of us will simply place our bed in the most logical place in the bedroom, however, positioning really does matter,’ explains Jenny.
She says your bed should be placed in a position where you can see the bedroom door, but where the bed is only partly visible from the door.
Why? It’s all about feeling safe.
‘This positioning helps us to feel more secure as we can see who’s coming and going but they can’t see us,’ she says.
Turn down the colour
We all love a feature wall, right?
But while bright colours might seem like a fun idea at the time, Jenny says its better to keep to neutrals and darker colours if you want a good sleep.
‘A bright colour scheme can actually disrupt your sleep,’ she says.
‘Instead, opt for a dark green or taupe for a more soothing aesthetic.’
Let there not be light
There’s nothing worse than having to bury your head under the duvet to hide from the slither of light cracking through your dodgy blinds or pretty yet not so practical curtains.
‘Lots of people make the mistake of installing pretty, gauzy curtains in their bedroom,’ says Jenny.
‘While these look pretty, they usually let in too much light which will keep you awake.
‘Dark coloured or blackout blinds or curtains will greatly help in giving you a good night’s sleep.
‘Alternatively, a good set of blinds will allow you to sleep in the dark while easily letting the sunshine in during the day.’
Clear out the clutter
Everyone knows that a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Well, the same thing can be said for our bedrooms.
‘We all have busy lives but making sure that your bedroom is clear and uncluttered can improve your sleep,’ says Jenny.
‘It prevents you from going to bed with the feeling that you have left something unfinished – clear room, clear mind!’
A lightbulb moment
Who doesn’t love a white light bulb? Especially if you’re a selfie queen, white light can seem like the obvious choice.
But, according to Jenny, using white light bulbs is a ‘cardinal sin’.
‘For a better night’s sleep, switch the bulbs in your nightlights to either red or amber, both of which work much better with your circadian rhythms,’ she says.
‘Getting enough sleep is vital and, not only will these tips help you to snooze for longer, they’re all pretty inexpensive too.’
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