If you’re one of the 66% of Kiwis that feel tired on a daily basis, then it may be time to consider what type of bed you are sleeping on and your bedroom environment. Small changes can create a restorative bedroom space to help support a good night’s sleep; starting with ensuring you’re sleeping on the right bed.
Hannah Barrett leads a busy life, on top of being a mother and wife, she works in the digital marketing space and as an Independent Director. To keep on top of her busy schedule and prioritise a healthy lifestyle, Hannah is openly passionate about the importance of getting a good night sleep. We asked Hannah to share her top tips on how she approaches setting up her bedroom to ensure the environment lends itself to restful sleep.
Select a quality bed
A supportive and comfortable bed is truly at the heart of any bedroom. To discover the bed that’s best suited to you and your family’s sleep needs, try their bed selector tool. I’ve chosen the Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra Bed, which features the very latest technology, to ensure you sleep in comfort and support, so you can wake up feeling restored and ready for the day ahead.
Dress your bed for comfort
Once you have the bed of your dreams, you can layer with a mattress protector and linen. It is best to start with a grounding mattress cover, followed by quality cotton sheets that breathe well, along with a comforting duvet inner and cover.
Neutral and muted tones
Focus on neutral and muted tones to help create a calming and tranquil environment. I opt for classic styling with white sheets and a white duvet cover, building in textures and tones through cushions and throws. This allows you to change your bedroom each season, replacing just the accessories rather than the whole duvet set.
Reduce clutter
It is best to reduce ‘clutter’ in the bedroom, both physically and mentally. Heading to bed with a tidy room helps promote a feeling of calm. Clear any clutter around your room, place any items in drawers or cupboards and consider a laundry basket to keep washing in a tidy place. It is helpful to clear any issues from the day, before drifting off to sleep, so I keep a notepad close-by to write down any thoughts, along with ideas to help plan for the day ahead.
Refresh the air
Refresh the air in your bedroom during the day by opening doors and windows. Aim for a cooler temperature in the evenings to help promote better sleep, many experts recommend around 18 degrees Celsius.
Prioritise winding down
Prioritise winding down each evening. Try to avoid caffeine, if possible, at least eight hours before bed. Also, instead of exposing yourself to artificial light from technology in the evenings, try gentle exercise, such as meditative yoga, or else settle into bed with a good book.
Consider all the senses
- Sight – ensure your bedroom is as dark as possible, by turning off any artificial light and investing in light-blocking curtains
- Sound – a quiet bedroom promotes restful sleep, try to minimise noise disturbance where possible
- Touch – enjoy the feeling of fresh, clean linen by washing your bedding regularly
- Smell – infuse your bedroom with calming smells; scents like lavender help with relaxation
- Taste – try a night-time ritual of a caffeine-free drink before bed, my favourite is chamomile tea
Your bedroom should be your space of relaxation and calm; hero the comfort and quality of your bed, to experience deep and restful sleep.
Sweet dreams!
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