Ask a dozen sleep experts about their top tips for beating insomnia (and just generally getting better rest) and you’re likely to hear a number of common responses. Probably one of the most common answers will be about creating a peaceful bedroom that promotes rest and relaxation.
Your bedroom is the heart of your home. It’s where you go to escape the stresses of the day, unwind, relax and take care of yourself.
We’re breaking down our top tips on how to create a space worth resting in—so that when it’s time for bed, you can get your best rest.
Strive for ‘Hygge’
“Hygge” (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish cultural phenomenon. Everyone wants it, but what is it? Hygge is a feeling of intimate contentment, warmth and well-being. It’s definitely a concept you want in your bedroom, so filling your space with things that bring you hygge is a worthy goal.
Some ways to achieve hygge in your bedroom include:
Adding Warmth
We all love to curl up in bed with the perfect, cozy bedding. (That’s hygge!) So, be sure to keep your favorite blanket close so you have them when it’s time to relax. Other sources of warmth that bring hygge include a soft, flickering fire and candles in soothing scents like cinnamon, vanilla, Birchwood and lavender. Bring in love into your space to promote a different kind of warmth—place photos of your loved ones where they are easy to see and can bring you joy.
Bringing Nature Inside
Bringing a bit of nature into your bedroom is one of the cornerstones of hygge. Not only do plants promote a feeling of relaxation, but they can help improve the air quality in your room, as well. If the idea of keeping a plant alive stresses you out, consider other natural elements such as wood, leather and stone, or a noise machine with the sounds of the outdoors or white noise.
Wearing Cozy Clothing
Even if they aren’t stylish, choose loungewear that is comfortable, cozy and loose. To feel hygge, you want something that instantly relaxes you the second it touches your skin.
Using Soft Lighting
Overhead lighting can be harsh, often times irritating your eyes and causing headaches. Opt instead for dim table lamps or even soft candlelight when it comes time to wind down. (You should also avoid using electronics close to bedtime. Their harmful blue light may be keeping you from getting your best rest.)
De-clutter to combat stress
If you walk into your bedroom every day and are greeted by chaos and clutter, it’s not going to do much for your stress levels (except maybe increase them). One of the most impactful things you can do to make your bedroom feel more relaxing and zen is to declutter and organize.
Here are some of our favorite ways to organize your bedroom to feel less stressed:
Clear Off Flat Surfaces
Piles of clutter on flat surfaces, like your dresser, bathroom counter and desk, are bound to stress you. Remember the adage, “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Live by it. Invest in some storage containers to make a place for everything. Designate a drawer for cosmetics, get a desktop caddy for bills and important papers, hang racks for shoes and purses, find a cute bowl for your keys. Your brain will thank you when bedtime comes around.
Keep Clothes Where They Belong
Make an effort to keep clothes and laundry organized—dirty clothes go in the hamper, clean clothes get folded and neatly placed in drawers or hung in the closet. Your bedroom will instantly look less cluttered without clothing draped on every surface. (Not to mention it will keep your clothes in better condition!)
Organize your Closet by Season
If it takes you a long time in the morning to pick an outfit, it may be because you have to push past your winter sweaters to find the cute sundress you had your heart set on. Keep the current season’s clothes in the front of your closet and move out-of-season clothes to the back. You’ll save time in the morning and probably feel less stressed, too.
Utilize Under-the-Bed Space
For things you don’t need to access often, consider utilizing under-the-bed space for extra storage. Some of the things you can store under the bed include off-season clothing, extra linens and bedding, keepsakes, luggage and more. Out of sight, means it’s off your mind (and not taking up precious storage real estate).
Add Décor that Brings you Hygge
Photos of nature, candles and even little zen gardens or mini water fountains can all help make your personal space feel more serene. Feel free to cozy-it-up with blankets and pillows but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to have to remove 15 throw pillows (and put them back on in the morning) every time you get in bed.
This is your Intervention
Have you spent significant time attempting to declutter your home, only to look around afterward and feel like you barely made a dent? You may be an emotional clutter-keeper. In fact, a recent survey indicated only seven percent of Americans would classify their home as uncluttered and organized.
Check out this article by the Spruce that identifies the five most common reasons people hang on to clutter that they don’t need, how to overcome the issues and learn to let go.
Choose the Right Mattress
Having the right bed is key to making your bedroom as comfortable and relaxing and possible. Having a bad mattress can mean aches and pains, poor sleep, poor posture and much more. You need the right mattress so you can get better, deeper rest.
It’s important to choose a mattress that properly supports your head, neck and back to keep your spine in proper alignment while you sleep, while also providing enough support for your hips.
The Leesa mattress combines cooling LSA200® foam with pressure-relieving memory foam, for excellent body contouring and enhanced pressure-relief. For even more support, our Sapira hybrid mattress combines premium foam with an active layer of individually wrapped springs for enhanced edge support that adjusts to all body types and sleep positions.
Keep your Bedding Soft and Cozy
One of the best ways to achieve maximum coziness in your bedroom sanctuary is by taking proper care of your bedding. We all love the incredible feel and support of a new mattress and there’s nothing better than the a new blanket or bed sheets. By taking good care of them, that feeling can last—plus, you’ll be less stressed, not having to think about replacing them so often.
If all of this sounds like a lot of work, just think about how much less stressed you’ll be when you come home to an uncluttered, organized and “hygge-like” bedroom. The work will be worth the zen and serenity your new sanctuary brings you!
Try working on it little by little. Some home organization experts suggest a “15-minute clutter sweep” at the end of each day that will help you destress little by little and allow you to more completely relax. Your mind (and body) will thank you.
Psst! Did you know that our Resource Guide is full of expert mattress, bedding and sleep tips?! We’ll tell you how to properly care for your mattress, bed sheets, comforter, pillows and more. We also answer all your questions about bedding, sleep and rest, including the pressing question, “do I really need to flip or rotate my mattress regularly?”
