We've all heard of tips to enhance your bedroom's zen factor--
Choose mellow colors;
go with the right mattress;
consider warm flooring, such as carpet;
utilize black-out curtains . . .
--and so forth, but here are some additional sleep-disturbing bedroom mistakes that may get overlooked:
1. When you're designing your bedroom and arranging furniture, keep your bed as far away from large appliances as possible.
Bedroom near your laundry room? Position your bed so you won't hear any nighttime laundry cycles. If your bedroom is close to the bathroom, that's convenient if you need to use the loo at night, but there's nothing like being woken by others' unpredictable toilet flushes. If your bedroom is near the kitchen, a whirring dishwasher or midnight-snacker can disrupt your much-needed zzz's. Be strategic in where you place your bed so these everyday sounds don't disrupt your sleep.
2. If in a building or remodel phase, consider smaller-sized or less windows in the bedroom if blocking bright morning light will enable you to sleep better.
Light and bright, airy and open--we love these premises in design and healthy living! But what happens when those gorgeous massive window coverings don't properly mask the light that keeps waking you too early? Consider what extra light will do to your sleep schedule if you have the chance to sleep into the morning light. Tightly mounted black-out curtains and blinds are a step in the right direction, but sometimes window tinting can be of benefit, too . . . or dare I say it: If in a building or remodel phase, consider smaller-sized or less windows in the bedroom if blocking bright morning light will enable you to sleep better.
3. Be strategic with what 'mood' you set in your bedroom, even through your art and photos. Choose immortalized moments in photography that speak calm and peace.
Many of us love to adorn bedroom walls and furniture with meaningful art and photographs, especially those that hark back to significant, exciting times in our lives. Your favorite wedding photo? Your kiddo's first roller coaster ride? The photo from when your heart was racing while reeling in a sea monster?
Decorating your bedroom with personal art and photos sounds like a 'must,' but what happens when you need to sleep and your attention is geared to rewinding back to the times depicted in the photos?
Be strategic with what 'mood' you set in your bedroom, even through your art and photos. Choose immortalized moments in photography that speak calm and peace to you rather than inciting you to relive thrilling moments at bedtime. Substitute bright and high-contrast art for muted and neutral colors, and sub-out exciting photographs with those that remind you of relaxing moments.