Linda Linfoot - Keeping You Informed
Sweet Dreams
Most of us are sleep deprived and overstressed. If you consider yourself to be among this majority, keep on reading. Below are some words of advice on how to turn your bedroom into an oasis of relaxation and get a better night's sleep so you can take on tomorrow with more energy.
Hit the Sheets - Did you know that synthetic and "wrinkle-free" sheets are chemically treated, typically with formaldehyde? Exposure to these chemicals can cause rashes, respiratory problems and insomnia. Opt instead for natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk as they breathe better and are more comfortable. Consider thread count – the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The higher the count, the softer the sheets; quality sheets begin at about 200.
Breathe Easy - Indoor air pollution can actually be worse than outdoor air pollution (in part due to the toxicity of synthetic materials such as polyester sheets) and it can reduce the quality of your sleep and cause breathing disruptions. Pick up a good air purifier – one with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter – and keep it in your bedroom. Look for its CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate – the higher the number, the better it will work.
Go Low-Tech - If it doesn't contribute to a sense of calm, it doesn't belong in your bedroom. That means the computer, smart phone, and TV should go. Studies have suggested that staring at the bright screens of electronic devices before bedtime can disrupt your sleeping cycle and suppress melatonin, which promotes sleep. The exercise equipment needs to go, too – anything that serves as a distraction shouldn't be welcome in the bedroom.
Clear the Clutter - It's hard to relax in a messy room – every out-of-place item is like a reminder you should be cleaning up, leaving you feeling guilty instead of relaxed. Rid your bedroom of everything you don't need there (like the TV), and take advantage of storage space: nightstands with doors/ drawers, under-bed containers, a storage bench or ottoman at the foot of your bed. Install a closet-organizing system – and keep the closet door closed.
Consider Colour - Shades of red, orange, and yellow are fine as accents, but you probably shouldn't use them to paint your bedroom walls; they're activating colours – just what you don't want where relaxation is the goal. Passive colours are key: greens bring a sense of balance and refreshment; blues lend bedrooms a sense of coolness and tranquility; purples create a reflective, dreamy atmosphere. Neutral tones also work well in bedrooms.
Left in the Dark - Light tells your brain it's time to be awake (which is why going to bed with the TV on isn't a good idea). Consider blocking out light with heavy drapes, or blackout curtains or blinds. In addition to task lighting for activities like reading, your bedroom should have soft ambient lighting – small table lambs (with softer or coloured bulbs), sconces, dimmer switches, or candles.
