Digital technology has become so embedded into our daily lives that there isn’t much left outside of it. While it’s so easy to work on a laptop or scroll social media from the comfort of our bed, it’s not so ideal for our health and wellbeing – and both mentally and physically.
The bedroom should be a place of sanctuary with minimal distraction. And if we feel calm and relaxed, we’re more likely to sleep better and feel refreshed in the morning. Don’t forget – where we sleep is also hugely important. According to Bedadvice.co.uk, “we spend one-third of our lives asleep, and our mattresses are subject to a staggering 20,000 hours of wear and tear over a seven-year lifespan”.
As National Bed Month returns this month, we’ve rounded up the top dos and don’ts of achieving a restful night’s sleep, so scroll on…
Dos
● Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time. A good routine can strengthen your circadian rhythm while programming your body to sleep better and concentrate better the next day. And before going to bed, give yourself some time to wind down properly – e.g read a book, listen to the radio, or do some breathing exercises.
● Say no to electronic devices – e.g phones and tablets – before bedtime, as the blue light hinders melatonin production and affects your circadian timing and alertness when you wake up.
● Cut back on caffeine – and start eight hours before bedtime if possible.
● Keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet. A natural soy candle with a calming scent also helps your body (and mind) relax so you can catch those much-needed ZZZs more easily.
● When it comes to choosing the right colour scheme for your bedroom, you can’t go wrong with pastel or muted shades. Avoid brash and over-stimulating hues.
● Invest in a good quality mattress and spend as much as you can afford – on average, it costs each individual less than 20p per night over a typical seven-year lifespan of a mattress. After all, we spend a third of our lives in bed – so it’s worth every penny!
● And for couples, choose the biggest mattress you can comfortably fit in your bedroom as partner disturbance is one of the main causes of interrupted sleep.
● Tidy space = tidy mind; use under-bed drawers or storage that can hang or fold away, especially if you’re short on space, to keep clutter at bay.
Don’ts
● Drink alcohol as it affects both the quality and quantity of your sleep.
● Exercise just before bed. Although regular exercise helps you fall asleep more quickly, it also raises your body temperature and releases endorphins, both of which tell your brain to stay awake.
● Go to bed with a full stomach, or feeling hungry or thirsty.
● Watch the clock as it can increase anxiety levels when you can’t fall asleep.
Time to give your bedroom the well-earned upgrade it deserves? Check out our latest bedroom furniture designed to suit small space living; from beds to wardrobes and side tables. With comfort and style in equal measures, they’re here to help you create a soothing space that is as beautiful as it is functional. And if that’s not enough, our mattresses, toppers and protectors, as well as cosy dressing gowns, are exactly what sweet dreams are made of.
Night-night – bedtimes just got even better!
Source: The Sleep Charity
