July 15, 2020

Make Over Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

About Brookdale Senior Living

Botanical green and pink themed bedroom.

Sleep is crucial to good health, and as we continue to navigate life during the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the respiratory disease caused by the virus (COVID-19) pandemic, doctors are increasingly concerned about the spike in insomnia and just plain poor sleep.

“Think of sleep problems as an infection,” said Donn Posner, a psychologist and adjunct clinical associate professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, at a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health forum. “We want to jump on it quickly.”

There are lots of ways you can set yourself up for better sleep throughout the day, but your bedroom set-up may also need a mini-makeover. Here are some simple room changes you can make to help improve your sleep.

Add plants.

Many of them are natural air purifiers, plus the scents may help lull you to sleep. The best greenery for your bedroom, according to the National Sleep Foundation: snake plant, lavender, jasmine and English ivy.

Try new pillows.

If a new mattress isn’t in the budget, opt to upgrade your pillows instead (you should do this every 18 months anyway or any time you start to notice neck or back pain). The best one for you depends on your sleep style and other factors, but consumer reviews and ratings can help you narrow in on good options.

Put your gadgets out of sight.

Many of us are already getting way more screen time than usual during quarantine. Remove the temptation of scrolling Instagram in bed by stationing your devices out of reach once it’s lights out. This will also keep annoying charging lights out of view.

Keep the color scheme neutral.

Bright colors may make you smile, but save them for accent pieces like pillows and throw rugs. Cool beiges, greys and blues may promote a more relaxing environment that can be more conducive to better sleep.

Banish your desk.

If there’s any place else you can stash your desk and other work- or finance-related furniture, move it. Having them in the same place you sleep can increase stress.

Consider smart lighting.

Programmable lighting systems allow you to customize your lighting for various times of day — meaning when it’s time to wind down, you schedule your lights to slowly dim, and you can create a sunrise effect by having your lighting ramp up slowly in the morning. Smart lightbulbs, plugs and other accessories are relatively affordable and may be worth looking into if good sleep is an issue.

Test out a weighted blanket.

The latest trend in reducing anxiety is based on the idea of deep pressure touch, which has long been used to help calm children on the autism spectrum, but it has gained popularity with adults. You’ll want to check with your doctor before trying it, particularly if you have respiratory issues.

Commit to making your bed.

Loads of self-help experts say making your bed every morning boosts productivity and mood. But there’s also evidence it can improve your sleep. In a survey, people who do this simple task every day were nearly 20% more likely to report consistently good sleep.

_{^{Note: The above is shared for informational purposes only. We are not infectious disease experts and you should consult with trusted, independent, reputable sources before acting on any content on this website, especially if you have a medical condition or are at increased risk for contracting COVID-19. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Never disregard professional medical or health advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.}}

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