Alaska Sleep Education Center

Using Interior Design Tricks for Better Sleep


According to a recent sleep survey 62 of adults around the world say they dont sleep as well as theyd like Not getting a good nights sleep each night can impede a persons productivity energy and motivation the next day
Many people can attribute their sleep struggles to how they design their bedrooms In other words people cant get to sleep because the interior design of their bedroom spaces wont let them
A good nights rest relies on you designing a comfortable relaxing bedroom However interior design can be intimidating to those who arent design savvy and knowledgeable about the relationship between sleep and interior design
Luckily you can use simple interior design tricks to get better sleep Here are eight of them

Keep Up With the Latest Home Design Trends
First its a good idea to keep up with the latest home design trends to see if there are any that can help you create a calming and relaxing bedroom See what experts and self proclaimed interior designers say about building a bedroom environment that makes you feel truly at home
For example creating a relaxing ambiance in your bedroom with curved furniture using earthy tones to invoke a soothing effect and the simplicity of mid century modern accents can invite better sleep
Next you want to know what particular mood you want to set in your bedroom to incite the best sleep

Set the Mood
It is different for everyone but you must set a particular mood in your bedroom to get better sleep For example some people prefer dark color combinations and minimal bedroom furniture to fall asleep faster while others are comforted by lighter colors and a space full of things
Generally the mood in your bedroom should be calming comfortable and safe Naturally you want to feel at ease when you close your eyes at night
Doing things like paying attention to lighting getting blackout curtains embracing color theory and striving for good feng shui can help you set the mood for better sleep in your bedroom Lets talk more about these below

Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting is so crucial to getting a good nights sleep You dont want your room to be so bright all the time that you cant relax
Interior design experts suggest incorporating lighting in layers to bring just the right amount of lighting in your bedroom to improve your sleep Incorporating lighting in layers means using a combination of table lamps overhead lighting and other elements that bring light into a room like a chandelier
You should incorporate low wattage lightbulbs lampshades that diffuse brightness and dimmers in your bedroom so that youre able to adjust the lighting to accommodate better sleep
Also incorporating a window treatment that blocks out unwanted light when its time to sleep is another interior design trick to help you fall asleep with ease

Get Blackout Curtains
Sleep is vital to living a healthy lifestyle So addressing even the smallest detail that can improve sleep is wise For instance blocking light from entering a bedroom is essential for most people to sleep deeply You can do so effectively with blackout curtains
Simply adding blackout curtains to your bedroom can positively influence your sleep cycle and better the way you live overall because youre getting better sleep
You can use blackout curtains as they are or use blackout lining behind lightweight curtains so that you can block light at night and embrace it during the day
Embracing color theory in your bedrooms interior design can also help better your sleep
Embrace Color Theory
One of the main components of interior design is color For instance you must choose what colors you want to use on the walls for furniture for accessories and so forth
When it comes to getting better sleep embracing color theory in your bedroom design can help You should be mindful of the colors you choose to use in your bedroom Decide on colors for your bedroom that make you feel peaceful balanced and calm so that you can slip into sleep seamlessly each night
Its also wise to learn about and strive for good feng shui in your bedrooms design to sleep better each night
Strive for Good Feng Shui
Experts define Feng Shui as a practice of arranging the pieces in living spaces in order to create balance with the natural world The goal is to harness energy forces and establish harmony between an individual and their environment
Harmony and balance are lovely for an environment youre trying to sleep in Implementing feng shui principles throughout your bedroom ensures youre in a good place mentally physically emotionally and spiritually when its time to go to sleep
For instance you should choose a comfortable mattress and accompanying bed set to give yourself the best chance at a good sleep each night Feng shui comes in when its time to determine the placement of that bed Place your bed in a commanding position against a solid wall with room on both sides away from the door to make it easier for you to fall asleep each night
Another interior design trick for getting better sleep is eliminating technology in your bedroom
Eliminate Technology in the Bedroom
Its easy to get into a habit of falling asleep with the TV on or having your laptop an arms length away However its best to eliminate technology in the bedroom to encourage better sleep Eliminating technology in the bedroom could look like not bringing a TV in the room ensuring laptops and desktop computers stay in the home office and keeping cell phones out of arms reach
In addition if you feel like you need some sort of noise to rock you to sleep bring in a sound machine or use an air purifier to generate white noise to add some sound to the room without it being disruptive
Lastly personalize your bedroom to make it much more comfortable and relaxing
Personalize Your Space
One of the best things you can do for better sleep is personalizing your space In other words make your bedroom you
When youre sleeping in a foreign place it can be challenging to get a good nights rest because there isnt anything in the room that reminds you of the comfort of home Your bedroom shouldnt be a foreign place
Make it a point to personalize your bedroom Make it as homey as possible to evoke calmness and comfort For example place pictures of family and friends throughout your bedroom Put travel souvenirs and other memories on display You can also set out gifts from loved ones like blankets or knick knacks youve picked up along the way to create a bedroom environment that is all you
Conclusion
Improving your sleep is one of the best things to live a healthier more productive and upbeat lifestyle You can do many things to get better sleep but taking an in depth look at the interior design principles you use in your bedroom is a great starting point
Use the above interior design tricks to get better sleep and be energized and motivated to conquer all that comes with each day
Sleep hygiene is a combination of habits and changes that can lead to better sleep and a better overall life  Making your bedroom a sanctuary is the first step  Speak to one of our board certified sleep specialists at Alaska Sleep Clinic
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Jennifer Hines
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Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.