How to make the bedroom a sleep-friendly environment

Sleep is vital for health, and yet so many people end up with a poor night's rest. It may sound obvious, but it's important to make the bedroom a sleep-friendly environment. Here's how to take a look at your sleeping space and improve it for the better.

Dust lingers in rooms, and it's surprising how quickly it builds up. Your sleep pattern may be disturbed if dust irritates the throat and respiratory tract. It can also lead to dust mites in bedding. The presence of mites may contribute to asthma and other health problems, including irregular sleeping patterns and snoring. Clean the room by sweeping or vacuuming the floor, clearing any clutter and hanging up any discarded clothes. Your bedroom should be a clean and fresh environment and not one full of cluttered papers, books, TVs and other distracting items.

It's amazing the difference that fresh bedding makes. If your mattress is old, it might be worth changing it for something more firm. Pillows make a difference, and adding some new ones can make you more comfortable at night. Changing the sheets and pillowcases will refresh the bed, making it more comfortable for rest. Lavender pillows are a natural relaxant and can help promote sleep.

Sometimes very thin curtains let in light from street lamps and the rising sun. Light can disturb sleep, so invest in a thick pair of curtains or blinds, which will also help keep noise out. Ensure the lighting in a bedroom is soft, and use a bedside lamp instead of overhead lighting to avoid disturbing your partner if you get up in the night.

Your bedroom will be more sleep-friendly if you occasionally air it out. Taking a walk and getting fresh air during the day also enhances sleep. Smoking in a bedroom is not healthy and can be potentially dangerous, so do avoid puffing away before bedtime.

One of the biggest sleep pattern disturbances is caused by electronic devices, such as computers, Kindles and phones. The blue light from these items has been found to upset sleep patterns. Turn off or minimize these devices at night. Making a bedroom a blue light-free zone will help sleep patterns improve in a positive way.

A few small steps will help you make your bedroom more comfortable, which can lead to better sleeping patterns and overall improved health.