"As the place where we lay our heads every night,
the bedroom is an easy place to start when it
comes to improving our sleep."
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is based on the principles of adding balance to a
space for added calm. In a bedroom, this means implanting
a design based on symmetry and pairing items together. For
example, place two bedside tables on either side of the bed
or install a pair of paintings. You could also add matching
potted plants for more impact.
Feng Shui also means keeping a space clear and devoid of
clutter, so be selective with furniture and keep clutter and
ornaments to a minimum. Take a ‘less is more’ approach and
keep the bedroom clean and tidy, as this will only improve
sleep long-term.
Plants & greenery
Consider adding greenery to your bedroom. Plants can
boost air quality, increase air circulation and extract
chemicals. Spending just five minutes in nature has a
calming effect, so why not bring the outdoors in?
Ferns, succulents, bamboo, aloe vera and ivy plants are easy
care varieties for green-fingered beginners. Match the plant
type to the level of light and ensure your plants are well
watered and dusted frequently, as dust prevents sunshine
absorption needed for good plant health.
Block light & sound
It sounds obvious, but ensure all chinks of light are blocked,
as sunshine is a natural indicator to our body to wake up.
Use blackout blinds and ensure curtains are fully closed
before sleep. Similarly, use earplugs to block out any noise.
Remember that a bedroom should be like a cave for optimal
sleep, so ensure it is cool, dark and quiet ahead of sleep and
throughout the night.
Bedding & nightwear
Avoid using synthetic materials such as polyester bedding
and instead use linen, silk and cotton for the most natural
bedding types. These breathable fabrics allow the body to
both cool better and stay warmer. Invest in a natural duvet
type, such as feather-down, and again avoid man-made
materials as these can irritate the skin. The same goes
for nightwear, so choose cotton, silk or linen for a more
comfortable sleep experience. Keep an extra blanket close
by should the temperature drop in the night.
Natural remedies
Adding essential oil fragrances into your room can aid sleep
and create a soothing environment. Try spritzing your sheets
with a light layer of lavender spray before sleep or use a
diffuser with a natural scent such as mint or lemon. Taking
a warm shower or bath with essential oils before bed can
also make us feel more naturally tired, along with a hot drink
(non-alcoholic).
Banish blue light
Blue light emitted from gadgets, computers, phones and
screens is an instant signal to our brains and bodies to
stay awake. Place these items in a different room and use a
traditional alarm clock rather than a phone alarm. When it’s
dark, we release the chemical melatonin, which is crucial to
trigger sleep as it makes the body relax and feel naturally
drowsy, so don’t let blue light prevent you from dropping off.
Invest in a good quality mattress that suits your needs
We spend up to a third of our lives asleep, so investing in a
quality mattress can really make all the difference to your
sleep quality. A good mattress will gently support your entire
body while keeping your spine in a neutral position. This
will not only help improve your quality of sleep - the more
comfortable and supported you are, the less you will toss
and turn - but will also help muscles recover overnight and
alleviate any aches and pains.
For more information on Tempur, visit www.tempur.co.uk
INTERIORS
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