Bedroom Sanctuary
Have you ever spent a night at a motel or hotel and found it was a restful night? You actually felt more rested than if you were in your own bedroom. If you have, then it is time for a bedroom revamp. First notice what was it about the motel room that made it more restful. You will want to reinvent this mood in your own bedroom.
I love a cozy bedroom. I love lots of pillows, Egyptian sheets and fluffy coverlets. I love subdued lighting and a touch of white noise to block out the world. And I love a healthy bedroom.
love a cozy bedroom. I love lots of pillows, Egyptian sheets and fluffy coverlets. I love subdued lighting and a touch of white noise to block out the world. And I love a healthy bedroom.
What is a healthy bedroom? It is when you walk into the room and it feels and smells fresh. Here are ways to keep your bedroom healthy and cozy.
Replace your mattress every 5 to 7 years. Quality counts. Choose the best quality you can afford. You want your spine to be properly aligned. And the size of the mattress matters. A bed too small is a big mistake. You need to be able to stretch out and feel free in bed. Use high quality thread count linens. They breathe easily and feel cool to be skin.
Stay away from the memory form pillows. They often emit dangerous Volotile Organic Compounds or VOC’s that can cause headaches, nausea, and eye irritation. You don’t want your face, mouth, or nose anywhere near them. Use instead pillows filled with organic materials, like wool or feathers, or at least safer foam like natural latex foam.
A quiet air filterer is an efficient way to purify your bedroom of dangerous pollutants and agitating allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. It also can be used for white noise to block out sporadic noises.
My favorite thing is to have house plants in my bedroom. Not only will a potted plant or two beautify your bedroom, but they will also release oxygen and help filter out harmful compounds emitted by everyday cleaners, detergents, and fragrances. They are several houseplants that thrive in low light and are perfect in a bedroom.
The décor of your bedroom needs to invoke peacefulness to yourself when you enter the room. We all have that special color hue that we gravitate to for restfulness. Use this palette for your wall and accents. I love the colors of beiges and blues in my bedroom.
I personally don’t have a TV in my bedroom. It detracts me and I can not relax with its chatter. I prefer to be quiet and mediate before sleeping. Ease your anxious mind. Wind down before bed. Take a bath, meditate, or do whatever it takes to relax and wipe away the day’s stress. I like an oversize chair with a rug underneath to sit in before retiring to bed. A soft light with low wattage sits on a side table beside the stair. I can read or use my ipad and enjoy some evening tea or milk. This helps me wind down for bedtime. Your bed should never be a desk, dining room table or a couch. A radio or sound system of soft music playing the background while reading tends to relax the body, but before I get into bed, I turned it off.
Always, always have scented oils or candles in your bedroom. Lavender and lemongrass are two of my favorites in the bedroom. Another scent is peony and rose. Studies show the sense of smell of calming aromas helps to reduce your stress levels.
I read a study on sleep patterns and what helps in sleep. I was surprised it suggested having a dark red night light. If you wake during the night, this color doesn’t cause you to feel wide awake. It gives a glow of contentment and helps you fall back to sleep. I use a red glow infuser in my bedroom. It cast its glow as well as the smell of lavender fills the room.
I find that keeping it simple in décor is best. If a picture of a sunset makes you feel rested, hang one in your room. I personally like water scenes and flowers. So my room has cottage cozy written on it. Keep it clean and simple. Remember to keep your sleep environment uncluttered, dark, quiet and cool.
For the best sleep, avoid exercising or eating near bedtime. Eliminate alcohol and nicotine intake, especially before sleeping. And treat your body right during the day. Eating right and exercise during the day. Bedtime is the body’s time to rejuvenate for another day.
Take it day by day. Changing your schedule and attitude about sleep isn’t going to happen overnight. It requires lifestyle changes, dedication and practice. Just like improving any aspects of our lives, making sleep a priority takes time.
Remember your bedroom is your getaway room. It is like that motel/hotel away from home. Close the door and unwind and call it a day.
Here are several inspirations of a cozy bedroom.
Pinterest is full of ideas to create the Cozy Bedroom