THIS FALL TRANSFORM YOUR BEDROOM INTO A SOOTHING SANCTUARY
Autumn has finally settled in, bringing with it a consistent drop in temperatures and the beautiful transformation of leaves into rich blends of yellows, oranges, reds and browns.
It’s also that time of year when we can finally don our plush, stylish sweaters and voguish boots!
The advent of fall energizes me to amp up the of cozy factor in my house. I enjoy infusing my living space with spicy fall-inspired aromas and earth-toned decorations that. These additions help to transform my home into a haven of comfort, akin to the Scandinavian concept of “Hygge”. Simply put, hygge is about creating a deeply comfortable home.
As you step inside from the brisk outdoor temperatures and suddenly feel the warm, soothing air against your skin, it’s as though your home is whispering, “Welcome back, unwind and settle in!”
Of all the rooms in my house, I particularly enjoy transforming my bedroom into a sanctuary of relaxation. Why, you may ask? Well, statistics tell us that we spend about 1/3 of our lives sleeping (and good health demands proper rest, right?) (1)
So, naturally I want my bedroom to exude an atmosphere of comfort that paves the way for a restful night’s sleep.
Here, I provide a few tips on how you can embrace the cozy elements of fall to make your bedroom a restful abode.
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CREATE A DARK AND RELAXING SLEEP ENVIRONMENT
Create a tranquil bedroom environment by draping your windows a beautiful pair of heavy, earth-toned curtains to block outside light from entering.
Incorporating warm fall colors such as orange, red, or beige will add to the pleasant aesthetic of your space. If you already have blinds adorning your bedroom windows, you can easily elevate the ambiance for the fall and winter by adding a curtain rod above the blinds. Then, drape your beautiful curtains on the rods to infuse your bedroom with bold pops of color and peacefulness.
TURN OFF ELECTRONICS WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS
To set the stage for your perfect sleep sanctuary, make sure your room is dark to promote an atmosphere of relaxation. If your bedroom is brightly lit up with electric gadgets on all night, it can interfere with your ability to achieve deep, REM sleep.
These small lights can range from the tiny lights from your laptop charging next to you on the nightstand, the glow from your cellphone every time you get pinged with a notification, or the illumination from a cable box placed in your line of sight.
If you have difficulty parting with your cell phone at night, try turning your cell phone face-down so the light doesn’t disturb you every time a text or social media post comes through. Rearrange or place a small towel over the lights of your other electronic devices, such as the alarm clock, to prevent their glow from disturbing your deep sleep as well.
GET A READING LAMP
Reading is a great activity to do at night, just before going to sleep. It is relaxing and helps you to wind down mentally...unless you're reading disturbing news articles of some other peace-disrupting literature. For bedtime reading, try to choose heart-warming reading material to relax your mind for restful sleep.
As you know, reading requires bright lighting so that you don't have to strain your eyes to read. However, the bright lights will stimulate your brain instead of calming you down.
Instead of flooding your entire bedroom with the light from your ceiling fan or the decorative lamp on your nightstand, use a small reading light. It is a softer and more targeted source of light which will help prevent sensory overload when you should be winding down to go to sleep.
REDUCE CLUTTER IN YOUR BEDROOM
The advantages of maintaining a clutter-free home are frequently underestimated. Attempting to drift off to a sleep in a disorganized bedroom, strewn with clothes, shoes, and other belongings, can disrupt your mind’s ability to relax.
On the contrary, a tidy, decluttered bedroom can contribute to stress reduction in your body. It can also result in waking up in a more positive, relaxed mood.
Take the time to neatly organize your clothes and shoes in your closet. Hang up, fold, and put away any clothing on your bed. Place your jewelry in a beautiful jewelry chest. Remove all items that clutter your nightstand (unless you really need them next to your bed at night).
If you need additional storage space, make use of elegant storage bins and neatly arrange them in your bedroom closet or in a corner of your bedroom.
CHOOSE SOFT, HIGH QUALITY BEDDING
When selecting your bedding, keep in mind that comfortable bed clothes can enhance the quality of your sleep. Choose comforters and bed covers that are made from soft and luxurious materials.
Purchase sheet sets that breathe well, which in turn allows your skin to breath well while you sleep.
FYI, sheets made from cotton are considered to be the healthiest because they are made from natural fibers that do not emit gases into your space. Choose your bedding from a wide range of beautiful fall colors to make your bedroom color palette more appealing.
For your pillows, if they don’t properly support your neck, you may consider switching up to find the pillow that provides you with the most support and comfort. If your pillows are too soft and flat, you may want switch to a thicker pillow for better neck and lumbar support.
Finding the right, comfortable pillow is certainly a matter of personal choice and might take a little experimenting to find one that suits your needs.
GET A TOPPER FOR YOUR MATTRESS
If your mattress is old and no longer providing the foundation for a good night’s sleep, it’s probably time to get a new mattress.
However, mattresses can be expensive! Instead of purchasing an entirely new mattress, you can opt for purchasing a mattress topper.
I placed a memory-foam-style mattress topper on my current mattress and it has made a wonderful difference in the comfort level of my bed...without breaking the bank!
NATURAL SLEEPING AIDS
At times you may find it difficult to fall asleep at night. When this happens to me, I use one of the natural supplements listed below to help me relax and drift off to dreamland.
In full disclosure, I am not a doctor or mental health professional, but I have discovered that these three natural remedies have been effective in assisting me with getting a good night’s sleep. These are merely suggestions. As always, please consult with your licensed health care professional when considering the addition of any supplements to your health regimen.
MELATONIN
This natural sleep aid is actually a hormone. Your body automatically creates melatonin when it starts turning dark outside. It's your body's natural way of signaling that bedtime is quickly approaching.
As a result of melatonin production or taking a melatonin supplement, you might begin to yawn and stretch in preparation for a restful night’s sleep. (2)
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is an essential mineral because it supports over 300 functions in the human body, in addition to helping to mellow out your mood. (3)
If you are not getting enough magnesium through natural food sources, it could impact your quality of sleep. (4) Consult with your healthcare professional regarding the proper level of milligrams you should take daily.
NATURAL HERBS
If you take natural herbs specifically health improvement, there are a few that you can drink , as a tea, to help you get better sleep.
Some effective herbs to try are lavender, valerian, and chamomile. (5) I especially notice that drinking chamomile tea helps me get the most restful night’s sleep.
As always, consult with your medical professional before adding any supplements to your health routine.
SUMMARY
Assimilating fall hygge into your bedroom can transform it into a cozy place that perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of the season. Couple this with natural, soothing teas and minerals that promote relaxation, and you have a recipe for a soothing sleep sanctuary.
