When it comes to sleep, it is a necessity that everyone needs.
If you don’t reach rapid eye movement sleep (or REM sleep), studies have found that the brain begins to, well, eat itself! Therefore, if you aren’t sleeping properly, you need to look at the cause. In most cases, it is something that is in the bedroom, meaning it is easily remedied.
So, what might be amiss in your sleep space? Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow it down.
1. The Mattress
Is your mattress lumpy? If it is, then you won’t get a good sleep.
The ideal mattress type differs for many people. Some people prefer memory foam mattresses, some love soft, and others love a sturdy extra firm mattress to sleep on. It can be tricky to get the ideal mattress type right, so it is worth visiting a store that sells mattresses to find your perfect fit.
2. The Lighting
Do you only have a main light in your bedroom? If the answer is yes, then you may need to buy a lamp!
Bright light in the room will keep you awake, as it stimulates the eyes into thinking it is daytime. So, if you turn your main light off before you go to bed, it will take time for you to get to sleep. A lamp is dimmer and smaller, meaning that more of the room is dark, allowing your brain to create more melatonin, which will help you fall asleep.
3. The Curtains
Human eyes, even when they are closed, are very sensitive to light cues; this is why so many people wake up when the bedroom light is turned on. So, if your curtains are too thin, you may be letting light in, which is preventing you from sleeping until the alarm goes off, particularly in the summer. This is where blackout curtains are a boon, as they will keep the space dark until it is time to get up.
4. The Temperature
Research has found that the ideal temperature for people to sleep at is 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit, or 19 degrees Celsius. So, if your bedroom is too warm or too cold, you are unlikely to get a good night’s sleep.
In the summer, it is worth investing in lighter tog bedding to help you sleep, as well as an air cooler for the room or an air conditioner, which you turn on an hour before you go to bed. Aim for heavier tog bedding in winter and ensure the heating is on. If it is still cold, it is worth buying an electric blanket which, like the AC in the summer, works best if it is turned on before you go to bed.
5. The Pillows
Back to the bed for a moment. Do you find that your pillows cause your neck to hurt in the morning? If so, these may be the culprit preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Much like mattresses, pillows come in an array of firmness and are made from different materials, with the most popular ones being memory foam and feathers. So, if you are adjusting the pillows multiple times every night, it may be time to invest in some new ones.
