After a long day’s work, chores, and the many tasks you need to do each day, having a bedroom sanctuary to retreat to is one of the best feelings in the world.
Even if you have a lovely home and ample space to relax in, the bedroom ought to be the place your tired body longs for at the end of the day.
- What does your bedroom look like right now?
- Do you feel like it’s calling your name as an oasis of peace?
- Does it have clothes scattered all over and dirty dishes piled up?
- Does it give off the vibes of peace or chaos?
The room you try to go to sleep in ought to be a clean, peaceful place that helps you relax into your bed, so you can fall asleep quickly.
Insomnia is no fun, and it affects many people every night.
And sometimes, insomnia can be associated with your bedtime routine. If you’ve got the television blaring or kids coming in and out while you’re trying to sleep, your sleep might suffer.
But if you create a sleep sanctuary for yourself, you’re more apt to sleep like a baby.
The following are some helpful tips to turn your bedroom into a space that helps you relax, unwind, and finally get a fantastic night’s sleep.
6 Tips for Creating a Bedroom Sanctuary
When you commit to making your room into a peaceful sanctuary, you’re more likely to fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night.
Simply put, you’re creating a new routine. You’re telling your brain and body that when you enter your bedroom, you will practice calm and can feel more at ease.
Instead of thinking, “Oh man, I’m going to have another bad night ahead of me, tossing and turning,” you’re switching to, “I can’t wait to head to bed tonight and wind down.”
It may not seem like a lot, but making this change can definitely help!
1. De-Clutter Your Bedroom.
Believe it or not, clutter in the bedroom may cause you to experience a feeling of unease. Have you ever experienced your house getting all cluttered up, which resulted in you feeling anxious?
However, when you started getting everything in order again, you probably felt the anxiousness disappear once you were done – even draining as you went.
The same thing can occur in your bedroom. When it’s cluttered and messy, it can feel like anxious energy that can rub off on you.
But if you de-clutter and clean it up, you’re more apt to feel relaxed and pleasant, making it easier to relax and fall asleep.
2. Choose Pastel Colors.
If you have loud colors in your room, consider changing them to pastels.
Calming colors like blues, greens, beige, white, cream, etc. have more of a calming effect on your body. If your upholstery or bed coverings are loud colors, you might want to consider changing these as well.
Of course, some people may feel that loud colors have no effect on them, and this may be the case. But if you know that calming colors tend to help you feel more at ease, consider choosing softer, more calming colors for your bedroom sanctuary.
3. Limit or Remove Technology.
For many people who opt to have a television, tablet, or mobile phone in their room, it causes no problem.
For others, it tends to keep them awake longer than they need to be. We all know that the blue light we’re staring at on our screens is messing with our natural sleep rhythm. It can trigger our brains and bodies to stay awake, much like the sun does.
How often do you find yourself getting into a movie, going to sleep later than you wanted, and regretting it the next day? Having a television, tablet, or phone in the bedroom is not an inherently bad thing.
However, if you choose to have technology in your bedroom, limit your screen time in the evening and be sure to turn everything off well before going to sleep. You’re more likely to sleep better this way.
4. Add Some Candles.
Scented candles can take an ordinary bedroom and turn it into a relaxing space much like you’d see at a spa.
Go ahead and place candles throughout your room and take time to sink in your bed with only their soft glow to help you get into a calmer state.
Take some time to meditate, reflect, contemplate, etc.
Calming scents such as lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus, jasmine or chamomile can be very soothing.
If keeping it natural and non-toxic is important to you, stick to candles made from soy, coconut or beeswax that use essential oils and a cotton wick.
**Remember to never leave candles unattended, well away from flammable things and make sure they can’t be easily knocked over.
5. Practice Getting Some Quiet Time.
Even if you just take five or ten minutes, just sit or lie down and breathe slowly.
Take this quiet time to release all that pent up energy you built up during the day.
- focus on your breath
- offer gratitude for the day
- simply let yourself relax fully
This helps your mind and body know that it’s nearing time for sleep, which can help you actually fall asleep.
6. Increase the Coziness Factor!
Try to find the comfiest, coziest materials to go with your bedroom sanctuary. We’re not saying you need to redecorate the whole room. But investing in some flannel, fleece or jersey pajamas can go a long way.
Also, it’s another way to connect this good habit in your brain. Think of it like your ‘sleep uniform’.
Just like when you put on your workout gear, your mind and body prepare to exercise, putting on your bedroom attire signals that it’s time to wind down and chill out. You’re essentially telling your mind and body you’re getting ready to sleep.
Add more pillows (Or take some away, depending on your comfort level.), make sure your sheets feel good on your skin. Get a mattress topper for more cushion – or put a board under your box springs for more support.
The point is – the accessories matter. You don’t have to go crazy, but put some thought into what will make your bedroom more physically comfortable as well as mentally and emotionally relaxing.
Creating a Bedroom Oasis
The bedroom can be a happy place for some if they are getting enough sleep, but for others who struggle with insomnia, the bedroom can become a dreaded space.
The good news for those struggling is that some people find that creating a restful bedroom sanctuary helps them to fall asleep more easily and gives them a better quality of sleep.
To create a peaceful and serene bedroom, aim to make a few simple changes. And hopefully, these tips will get you moving in the right direction.
Let’s close with a couple questions to ask yourself:
- Do you feel like your bedroom is a sanctuary?
- Do you feel at peace in it?
- What are some ways you can make your bedroom into a more peaceful and welcoming space?
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Jun 25, 2022 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Photo by Daniela Constantini