How to Have a Good Night's Sleep
Words by Emma Hughes
August 25, 2022
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4m
We always hear about how important it is to get enough sleep, but it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking for tips on how to sleep better, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together some of our favourite tips for designing a sleep-friendly bedroom, as well as some general advice on how you can change your nighttime routine to wake up feeling refreshed. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to fixing your sleep, so try to experiment with a few different techniques and figure out what’s holding you back from getting enough rest.
So, if you’re ready to shake off the bedtime blues and start super-charging your sleep, keep reading to find out how you could change your evening habits for the better!
Designing a sleep-friendly bedroom
When it comes to improving your sleep hygiene, there’s more to consider than just changing your evening routine. Your bedroom’s design can significantly impact how you sleep, so it’s crucial to ensure your space is tailored to all your nighttime needs. Here are our top tips for a more rest-friendly room:
1. Try a soothing colour combination
One of the first steps to improving your sleep hygiene is to assess your sleep environment. Colour psychology certainly comes into play here, and some people are more susceptible to it than others. If you feel like your choice of shades is affecting your sleep, try redecorating with a new palette to help you get more shut-eye.
As you would expect, soft tones tend to help you relax, while energetic hues are likely to stimulate your brain. Neutral shades are typically best for encouraging sleep, but if you still want to make a bold statement in your design, you can opt for splashes of colour in your décor rather than letting bright colours overwhelm it.
Want to redecorate your room without breaking the bank? Read our guide on designing a beautiful budget bedroom for some affordable décor inspiration.
2. Invest in a good quality mattress
This one is not exactly a closely guarded secret when it comes to sleep hacks, but it's surprising how often we compromise on our mattresses.
Whether it's choosing the wrong type or failing to replace it when it's past its best, your mattress is undoubtedly a key factor in how well you sleep. A balance between comfort and support is key, so make sure you try a few different options to see what suits you best. There are several important things to consider, such as your preferred sleeping position and whether you share your bed with a partner.
If you’re looking for advice on choosing the perfect size and style, check out our comprehensive mattress buying guide to find your ideal fit.
3. Add layers of comfort
Not only do they make your bedroom look better, but cushions and blankets also create a cosier, more inviting feel. The downside here is that it’ll be harder to convince yourself to get out of bed in the morning, but it’s worth it for more comfortable sleep!
Layered soft furnishings are a staple of Nordic-inspired bedrooms, so if you’re looking to bundle up and stay warm, try looking at Scandinavian designs for a touch of inspiration.
Temperature can affect how well you sleep, so be mindful of the fabric you choose for your bedding. Avoid getting stuffy in the night with natural, breathable materials like cotton or linen. Your mattress choice matters here, too, as certain kinds are designed to keep you cool, such as those with gel toppers. However, if you're prone to feeling chilly, make sure you keep a blanket on hand, or upgrade your duvet to a higher tog.
4. Introduce plants to your bedroom
A range of environmental factors can affect the quality of your sleep, including air quality, humidity, and temperature. One of the easiest ways to regulate your bedroom’s atmosphere is by introducing houseplants, as they naturally help to give your room a fresh feel for a great night’s sleep.
By emitting oxygen, filtering out negative ions, and absorbing harmful gases, your plants will help you drift off in peace. Plus, the water vapour released by plants as they transpire can humidify your room, helping cool your space. Before you invest in an expensive air humidifier, try adding a few plants to your bedroom for the same effect at a lower price!
5. Use soothing scents
The key to great sleep is making sure you’re as comfortable as possible, so if you’re looking to settle down more easily, try engaging some of your other senses to help you relax. Some aromas are known for their sleep-inducing properties, so whether you’re using a reed diffuser, a beauty product, or a pillow spray, you can give your bedroom a comforting, signature scent.
Relaxing smells are a common feature of hotel-style bedrooms, so if you’re looking to get the five-star luxury sleep treatment, try experimenting with different aromas.
Some of the most popular scents for sleeping include lavender, chamomile, jasmine, ylang-ylang, geranium, and bergamot. If you’d rather keep these aromas out of the bedroom, you could try adding a few drops of essential oil to your bath before bed for a relaxing end to your day.
Tips for better sleep
There are all manner of things that the natural world has to offer to aid sleep, some of which have been practised for centuries. Here are just a few of our favourite tips for a good night’s sleep:
Reduce your screen time
Although it's tempting for many of us to scroll through social media before we catch some Zs, the blue light from our phones or tablets can keep us from nodding off. Instead, limit the use of electronic devices to at least an hour before bed and pick up a book. Not much of a reader? Try a spot of meditation to relax your mind and body.
If you’re tempted to check your phone when you’re bored in bed, try some bedroom storage ideas to keep your screens out of reach at night. Hiding your phone in a bedside table drawer will help you keep it on hand for emergencies while preventing distractions from social media.
Avoid caffeine
Our brains produce a chemical called adenosine to signal that we need to rest, but caffeine can block its production, making it much more difficult to fall asleep. Caffeine stays in your system for a long time, so for the best results, make sure to cut down on your intake several hours before you plan on sleeping.
If you’re a coffee fan, try cutting down on cups in the afternoon, or switch to decaf to help your brain keep producing adenosine.
Limit your naps
While it can be tempting to catch some extra sleep during the day, it’s best to save it for later and get continuous, high-quality rest every night. Naps can help you feel refreshed in the short term, but they can have an adverse effect on your circadian rhythm, also known as your body clock.
If your circadian rhythm falls out of sync, natural bodily processes like sleep can start to slip from their usual timing, meaning you’ll feel more tired during the day. That’s why it’s best to power through the fatigue and make sure you get all your sleep in one go.
Consistently getting a good night's sleep can bring significant benefits to your physical health and mental well-being, so it’s important to aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality, consistent rest every night. When you’re ready to start designing your ideal sleeping space, visit our bedroom furniture page to make your space feel as cosy and comfortable as can be. You can also try some of our calming bedroom ideas to help you relax even more!