WEEKEND GOAL: MAKE YOUR BEDROOM MORE SLEEP FRIENDLY.

Even if your bedroom’s sheets, wallpaper, and carpeting all match perfectly and offer a visual Shangri-La, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to sleep better. A snoring partner, city traffic, or a street lamp beaming through the window can interrupt or diminish the quality of sleep we get each night. This weekend, assess your bedroom and what you can do to make it more soothing.

Start with the brightness level.If outside light is bothering you, you can go small and purchase a night-mask, or go large and consider some light-blocking shades. The next step is noise control. Earplugs reduce noise, or look into a white noise machine or even a sound machine, which can offer soothing nature sounds. Don’t forget the air. If your skin feels parched, consider a humidifier and make a stop at the nursery to pick out some plants. They’ll produce more oxygen for the room.

Other ways to improve your bedroom’s sleep appeal:

• Replace your flat, lumpy pillow with one that supports your sleeping habits. (See Pillows 101 below.)
• Upgrade your mattress
• Find comfortable bed sheets that feel nice on your skin
• Play with the thermostat and determine which temperature allows you to sleep the soundest

Creating a sleep oasis

Dream Rooms: Bed and Bath Makeover

Pillows 101

Question: What are the bedroom must-haves that help you sleep?

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Comments

[Kimberly Hinshaw]

Well for a good nights sleep for me, I must have the door closed to block out noise. I like a cool room, so that I may snuggle underneath my warm, comfortable blankets. I don't sleep with the t.v. on, but I do let my dvd play with very little volume. Before I go to bed, I light a candle to get that warm feeling in my bedroom. Candles make me feel very warm and comfortable.

[Joe]

For better sleep under any conditions, it would not be necessary to do too much remodeling. The Dreamhelmet combination sleep mask sound-blocking pillow provides most of the basics needed for great sleep - and you can take it anywhere.

[Kristen]

Our house doesn't have central heat so lots of blankets and a warm pair of socks are my must haves

[Becky]

I sleep with a fan on - for noise more than air - in a pitch black room. I've also found that an electric blanket (a Christmas gift from my husband that, at the time, I didn't think I'd like) on a low setting has helped me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. I've struggled with insomnia since my 2nd child was born nearly 4 years ago. Making our bedroom sleep-friendly, as well as exercising more and changing to a diet free from most processed foods, has practically eliminated my insomnia.

[Lindsay]

For me to sleep at night, I have to wear earplugs because my husband snores and I am a light sleeper! I like to have a sheet & down comforter over me when I sleep along with a body pillow & regular pillow. I find I sleep a lot better when it is cooler and I have just enough blanket on me. I have lavender linen spray that I put on my pillow and lavender candles on my bedside tables. I don't have to light the candles if I don't want to because they have just a lovely smell that fills the air around my head. It is known to help with sleep & relaxation. Works for me!