If you’ve tried sleep solutions and you’re still trying to get a good night’s kip, it might be that your bedroom decoration is to blame , according to an expert.
From mismatching walls and ceilings to clutter under the bed, there are many aspects you may never have considered that are preventing you from getting a good night’s rest.
Xander Shreenan, from Leeds-based home decor specialists Dowsing & Reynolds, worked with memoryfoampillows.co.uk to reveal nine tips for designing your bedroom for a better sleep.
They include choosing a light blue colour scheme to de-stress, never having your bed in line with your door or under your windows and opting for dimmer lighting to control the ambience.
If you’re having issues sleeping it could be down to the interior design of your bedroom (file image)
Never have your bed in-line with your door or below your window
The location of your bed can have a big impact on your sleep, according to the experts at British firm memoryfoampillows.co.uk.
Your bed should be in a ‘commanding’ position which isn’t directly in-line with your door, as this can apparently make you feel threatened, and as though someone might surprise you in your sleep.
If possible, you should also ensure that the head of your bed is against a wall and not underneath any windows, to minimise any sleep disruptions, such as sounds and shadows.
It is also suggested that a bed should always boast as this can provide a feeling of support while you rest.
Create a cocoon effect by painting your ceiling and walls the same colour
An emerging contemporary interior trend this season is painting your ceilings and walls the same colour.
Interior designer Xander confirms that doing this will ‘create a cocoon effect’ which is great for relaxation, and therefore, a, good night’s sleep.
However, from an interior perspective, this will also draw your eye up and will help accentuate high ceilings or make lower ceilings look more stretched – giving the illusion of a larger room.
Choose a light blue colour scheme to de-stress
Blue is a classic colour that people often choose when decorating their homes, particularly when picking a scheme for their bedroom.
It’s known to be a soothing option, and can help calm a busy mind, according to the expert, which is perfect for these testing times.
If you’re unsure of what shade of blue to choose, consider a cool look as they are thought to help you have a happier mood, when compared to a heavier hue, which may be too stimulating.
And if blue isn’t a colour you’d ever decorate with, then choose another light shade and ditch warm, heavier hues which are likely to negatively impact a relaxing vibe.
Choose natural bedding to regulate body temperature
Your core body temperature changes during our 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, cooling down during sleep and warming up when you’re awake.
To help you sleep better, Xander recommended ‘soft, breathable fabric for bedding to regulate body temperature’ such as cotton or linen.
Control your bedroom’s ambience with a dimmer lamp
Regular room lighting suppresses melatonin, a natural hormone produced by your body to help you sleep.
However, as many people don’t like to lie down in complete darkness before going to sleep, Xander suggests ‘installing dimmer switches on your bedroom lighting so you can control the ambience.
‘Turn down the ceiling lighting in the evening or use a bedside table lamp so that your eyes aren’t strained before bed.’
Keep your bedroom a phone-free zone to get to sleep quicker
Avoiding your phone before bed will help you get to sleep quicker and improve the overall quality of your rest, suggested the experts.
Xander advises, that you ‘avoid using your phone or laptop in the bedroom an hour or two before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices negatively affects sleep.’
Even if you turn your device’s blue light off, which many phones allow you to do, using it for just 30 minutes before bed, can impact your sleep quality. Try and keep it out of your bedroom if possible.
Invest in blackout curtains to help you stay asleep
It’s important to keep your bedroom dark to stop you from ruining your sleep and waking up in the early hours.
At the beginning of March 2021, online searches for ‘blackout curtains’ increased by 236 per cent at 7am, suggesting that many Britons have been woken up by the earlier sun rises.
Xander suggests that you ‘use blackout curtains to help keep the room dark – especially in summer. Thick curtains will also help insulate the room in winter if you have single-glazed windows.’