These are trying times. No question about it. Being forced to stay at home for a long period of time can really play with your mind.
As we all know, we’re doing this to make sure we do not come into contact with coronavirus and widen its spread. At the same time, we also need to keep our immune systems strong, and getting good sleep is a key part of this.
If you’re finding that you’re not sleeping well, take a look at your bedroom. Organising your bedroom for better sleep may help you get the kind of rest you need.
Here are some ideas that might help:
1. Clear the clutter
Clearing the clutter from your bedroom – especially from the floor – is an important first step. Walking into a messy, cluttered room before bed just isn’t relaxing, and can even be dangerous.
Many people get up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet. Having random items scattered across the floor creates dangerous trip hazards that can result in nasty falls or injuries.
If you’re struggling to sleep, try removing the clutter in your bedroom. Picture: realestate.com.au
While you’re confined to your home, it’s a great time to get into the habit of keeping your room a little more tidy and organised.
Anything that doesn’t have to do with sleep, romance, or getting dressed doesn’t belong in your bedroom.
Are there kids’ toys in your bedroom? Is there a desk in the corner?
Do you have workout equipment or crafts projects in there as well? If you’re having trouble with sleep, get these things out of the room.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have nowhere else to store these items. If that’s truly the case, then build a partition in your room and divide that area off.
The goal is to enter your bedroom and find calm, not energy.
Your bedroom should be your restful haven – make sure it’s so.
Studies show that the optimal sleep temperature for most people is between 17C and 22C. Even colder rooms are good – as long as you have a good doona! Air-conditioning, fans, or an open window can all help, too.
Stay cool and you’ll hibernate more quickly and fall into a deeper, more restful sleep!
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Keep yourself cool at night with a fan or an air conditioner. Picture: Unsplash
There are also other considerations when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Is your room dark enough? Is it quiet enough?
Eye masks are more comfortable than ever these days.
The same goes for silicone earplugs, which now mould to the exact shape of your ear canal. Try them.
External stimuli can do more to quickly ruin a good sleep than anything else.
The TV and your phone are not your friends at night. Study after study shows that your body needs anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes of no screen time before you can fall into a state of deep relaxation.
Get into different habits at night. Read a book or a magazine. Maybe meditate just before bed. Have a shower or bath. Do anything you like, but if you’re looking for a quick trip to the land of nod, leave your mobile phone screen side down with the notifications switched off.
Staying healthy during these trying times is really important, and sleep is one way to help with your general health and well-being. Your only goals right now are to just stay home and stay healthy. Good sleep will help with that!
