The bed is what matters most

Before we get into the other changes you can make, we have to address the fact that the bed is what is going to dictate the terms of sleep most. Finding the mattress that suits you best should be the number one priority, but new pillows and sheets can help, too.

Mind the temperature

If the bedroom is too hot, then it can become a stuffy sweaty nightmare. There is such a thing as making it too cold to sleep, of course, but usually, it’s cooling that you need to worry about. This might mean you need to consider installing air conditioning into the bedroom. However, there are other ways to cool it down, as well, such as by using ceiling fans, putting lighter sheets on the bed, and making sure that you prevent too much heat from coming in through the windows throughout the day.

A relaxing, clutter-free bedroom

Not all of the changes are entirely practical in nature. You have to think about how the room affects your mind, as stress can get in the way of sleep just as easily as anything else. In that regard, one of the biggest problems has proven to be clutter in the bedroom. Simply put, our minds get distracted too easily in spaces that are messy and cluttered, so make sure you have all the storage your bedroom needs and clean up before you hit the bed.

A space free of distraction

If you can too easily hear and see things from outside the bedroom, then it’s time for a renovation. With modern house design, for instance, you can make sure you have a home office or workroom so that your bedroom isn’t multi-tasking. You should also look at ways to soundproof the room and things like blackout blinds to make sure that no light from the outside peeks its way in.

Relax all your senses

When you’re trying to relax for a night’s sleep, it’s best to target the senses that most affect your mood. The sense of smell has long been known to be one of the most evocative senses. For that reason, aromatherapy has become hugely popular in the bedroom. Using things like incense and air diffusers can help you create a much more relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom, with lavender being a particular popular scent for getting to sleep.

Creating the perfect sleep environment won’t guarantee a full night’s rest, but it is one of the most profound changes in a holistic attitude to improving sleep worth taking.

There are a number of things that can rob you of sleep. Fortunately most of these things can be solved through practicing good sleep hygiene and making sleep a priority. Unfortunately for some people, practicing good sleep hygiene and maximizing their sleep environment doesn’t always help them sleep better. Many of these people suffer from sleep disorders that need to be diagnosed and treated starting with a sleep study.

For residents of Alaska, The Alaska Sleep Clinic is here to help. We have over a decade worth of experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and many others. If you’re having trouble sleeping and think it may be a sign of a disorder, click the link below for a free consultation with a sleep specialist.

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