5 Ways to Organize Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

 

Imagine a clutter-free space dedicated to luxuriously restful slumber — a room where everything from the scent in the air to the sheets is carefully chosen to enhance feelings of relaxation, peace and (yawn…) sleep. You’ve got the blackout shades, now here are 5 little things, from bedtime rituals to smart storage solutions, to help turn your bedroom into the ultimate sleep cave. Choose a nightstand with closed storage. Drawers or a small cabinet below your nightstand can help keep visual clutter to a minimum. Use the storage inside to tuck away books, your journal and pen, lip balm, reading glasses and other essentials. Related: 7 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Your Sanctuary Make comfort your priority. Too many fussy details like beading and sequins, or stiff and scratchy bedding materials, make for a less than restful night’s sleep. When choosing bedding, make sure whatever you choose is delightfully touchable — think crisp cotton sheets and a cozy cashmere throw. Related: Create a Relaxing Bedroom With New Bedding Try a soothing bedtime ritual, such as:

• Brew a cup of herbal tea (try chamomile with honey)
• Read something soothing or uplifting, like a few beautiful poems or an inspirational book
• Gradually lower the lights over the last hour before bedtime, ending with just a candle, and then blow it out
• Take a bath with relaxing lavender or rose oil
• Spritz lavender-scented linen spray on your sheets and pillow
• Listen to the same relaxing playlist each night before drifting off

Rethink the TV. Screens emit a blue light than can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Keep the TV (and other devices) out of the bedroom, and commit to reading a real book (on actual paper, not an e-reader!) before bed. Related: Find the Perfect Platform Bed on Houzz Clean the air. Allergies or no allergies, we can all benefit from sleeping in a cleaner, healthier bedroom. Here are a few ways to keep the air in your bedroom fresh and pure all year long:

• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove dust, pollen and air pollutants
• Keep a houseplant or two in the bedroom (rubber plants are especially good at cleaning the air)
• Make the bedroom a no-shoes zone
• Vacuum and dust weekly (including under the bed), more often if you have allergies
• Open the windows to air out the space for at least 30 minutes each morning
• Choose natural fibers and materials that don’t contain harmful VOCs

Tell us: What helps you get a better night’s sleep?