The older you get, the more you realize the importance of sleep. And this may sound like a revelation that comes with retirement, but it’s actually a thing that most people start seeing in their 30s.
But whenever anything challenges your ability to sleep, it’s like there’s nothing more important than that elusive shut-eye. And you just can’t seem to get enough.
There are many natural ways to encourage a good night’s rest — and it all starts in your bedroom. If you want to sleep well, you must set the backdrop for a relaxing night.
Think about it this way; you probably couldn’t sleep at all if you were at a crowded bus station. So location does play a role.
Naturally, your bedroom is a bit more serene than a bus station, but there are still a few things you can do to up the ante.
Here are 5 must-haves in your bedroom for the perfect night’s sleep.
Blackout Curtains or Blinds
If you’re waking up in the wee hours of the morning to a beam of light in your face, it’s time to invest in some blackout curtains or blinds. This will also be extremely helpful for those days you have to get to sleep early or sleep extra late. And then there’s naps. You don’t always want sunlight in your bedroom, especially when you’re trying to sleep.
A good mattress
You know how it is when you go to see grandma and sleep on a bed that feels like a board. Mattress trends have changed throughout the years, and most of us appreciate a medium-plush mattress. And if you don’t have it, you’ll probably end up waking up throughout the night. If you’re a side-sleeper, a firm mattress is even worse because you’ll end up with shooting pains in your hips. That’s not exactly conducive to a good night’s sleep. The most comfortable mattresses are designed to cradle your body and encourage restfulness.
Plants
Having plants in your bedroom can help clean the air of allergens and other toxins, which can help you breathe better, and ultimately sleep better too. This bedroom addition is especially crucial for anyone with allergies or asthma, but it can be beneficial to everyone.
Essential oils
Calming essential oils can set the stage for relaxation in your bedroom and make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you have a diffuser, you can diffuse calming scents like lavender or chamomile. If not, you can use a pillow spray or add a few drops of essential oils to a cotton ball and place it in your pillowcase.
White Noise Machine
If you’re a light sleeper or especially sensitive to sound in your room while you’re trying to sleep, consider getting a white noise machine. The ambient noise will raise the sound levels in the room to buffer anything that might otherwise be startling to you.
When you can’t sleep, you’re probably willing to try anything to help you drift off to dreamland. And these are five things that can definitely help. Try any or all of the things mentioned here to help you get a better night’s rest.
