Trouble Sleeping? Try These Bedroom Fixes.

The average person will spend up to 1/3 of their life sleeping. In order to get the best night's sleep, make sure your bedroom is a comfortable space for you. Whether you're moving into a new home or updating your current one, pay special consideration to how you decorate the bedroom. Here are some steps you can take to turn it into a perfect sanctuary.

Color

A bedroom painted with too bold of colors can keep you awake at night. Many experts agree that shades of blue are the best colors to help you sleep. Other good options are light greens and other pastels. Those who want to keep things more neutral might try off-whites and cream colors. If you find you still want to add a pop of color to the room, try some brightly-colored pillows or accents. As a bonus, lighter shades can make a small bedroom appear larger and airier.

Upgrade Bedding

Your old sheets and duvet set may actually be preventing you from getting the sleep you need. Synthetic sheets can trap heat, potentially leading to overheating and making it harder to fall asleep. Try going with cotton sheets instead. These are often softer, cooler, and hypoallergenic. Before using new sheets, wash them at least twice in order to remove any irritants from the packaging. If you have sensitive skin, use detergent that is hypoallergenic and dye-free.

Light

Bedside lamps and dimmer switches are great options for bedrooms. Bright light stimulates your brain, signaling that it’s time to wake up. This can make it harder to fall asleep. Start reducing the use of electronics about 30 minutes before you go to bed. This includes television, tablets, and smart phones. If you like to read before bed, opt for an actual book instead of an electronic reader.

Mattress

If you live to be 90 years old, you'll have spent the equivalent of 30 years sleeping. Still, many people still find themselves tossing and turning because of something that can be fixed fairly easily: an old mattress. While many cite money as the reason for keeping a mattress past its prime, making room in the budget for a new one has several long-term benefits. For example, those who get a better night’s sleep enjoy decreased pain, less stress, and a better mood.

Scents & Sounds

Your mind registers sound even as you sleep. A dog barking or a car door slamming can disrupt your REM cycle. Consider adding some white noise to help drown out these noises. The scent of lavender can also can put you into a more relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep. An oil diffuser is a great way to add a lavender scent to your room without the risk of an open-flame candle.