Quality rest is one of the most important aspects of a healthy life, both in terms of physical health and mental health. The way that we set up our spaces, and the way that we organize color can have significant effects on how relaxed we are, and even how well we sleep. Whether it be our bed, the color of our walls, what types of pillow cases we use, or even how sound behaves in our bedroom, our decor has a definitive effect on our ability to relax. While there are countless ways to create a relaxing space within your bedroom, here are a number of ways to choose bedroom decor that promotes relaxation and better sleep.
Cleanliness
First and foremost, a clean bedroom is one of the most effective ways to help your sleep. If you are sleeping within a mess, if you have to navigate obstacles to get to your bed, you are already cluttering your mind. These distractions can pull away from peace, and can offer the subconscious process of trying to figure out an escape route should something go wrong (such as a fire, or the need to use the restroom). Create a bedroom space that is well organized, and kept clean.
Cleanliness can also help your health as you sleep. If your bedroom is very dusty, or your sheets are not regularly cleaned, you are in danger of inhaling dirt and bacteria, all of which can affect your respiratory and overall health on a day-to-day basis. Before you take any other steps to the zen of your space, ensure that it is clean.
Temperature
Temperature is another variable that has a large role in how much we relax, and how well we sleep. You may be thinking that decor has very little to do with temperature, but it can be quite important. When it comes to the general temperature of your room, whether asleep or awake, you want to feel as though you are at “body temperature.” This does not mean to keep your room at 97 degrees, as your body is already insulated and this will cook you. Rather, having a fan, or a number of fans to keep the air moving in your room and the temperature down in the summer, or having a heater for the winter, can both help you more easily relax.
Additionally, plants can have an effect on the temperature within your room, as they assist with humidity. A humidifier, or a diffuser as well can help you gain temperature control. Lastly, when it comes to sleep, temperature regulating sheets and pillow cases can help you ensure that you are not sleeping too hot or too cold, and can help you get higher quality sleep.
Sound and Smell
Sound and smell have huge impacts on the quality of our sleep, and how easily we slip into a state of relaxation. Many of us like to have some form of sound when sleeping, and getting something like a fan, or a white noise machine, can be quite helpful for sleep. Others may like music, and having a small speaker, or a way to play timed music to fall asleep can be a significant sleep aid. On the other hand, too much sound can make it difficult to sleep, so don’t get an overly loud fan, or a heater that is inconsistently noisy.
Smell has a number of effects on relaxation, and can be a helpful tool as a sleep aid. Getting a candle, incense, or an oil diffuser can help you generate a positive, aromatherapeutic environment. Scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, rose, and mint are all helpful for relaxation. Focus on keeping these scents in your space, and you will find yourself more easily relaxed.
Additionally, objects that have a negative scent can push away relaxation. Thus, having sheets or pillow cases that avoid becoming smelly can help you sleep better.
Color and Shape
Lastly, color and shape both have effects on our subconscious and our ability to relax. A room that has cool colors, and soft angles will typically prove more relaxing than one that has warm colors and aggressive angles. Focus on the “flow” of your room, and ensure that pieces of decor are not fighting one another. Colors like blue, green, white, gray, and black, are all good colors for promoting relaxation. Avoid reds, or intense combinations of contrasting colors.
Trust Your Gut
Trust your gut. If something makes you feel relaxed and you don’t know why, go with it. Decor that makes you feel comforted, at home, and at ease will usually continue to serve you in the long run. If something doesn’t work for you, remove it, it’s that easy. Building a relaxing space is about doing what is best for you.