Make Your Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
By Paul Rothbart
You may not spend much awake time in the bedroom, but it is arguably the most important room in your home. Sleep is essential to good mental and physical health. Many problems are caused or exacerbated by poor sleep. There are other purposes for a bedroom but its primary function is as a sleep sanctuary. That is a good way to look at it. A sanctuary is a place to get away from stress and relax. That's exactly what you want in the room you sleep in. Here are some tips to make your bedroom sleep-friendly.
Cool Temperature
Sleep experts have found that the optimal temperature for good sleep is approximately 65 degrees. You may like it a bit cooler or warmer, but keeping your temperature in a comfortable range will help you sleep better. A room that is too warm will interfere with the body's natural drop in core temperature during sleep. Adjust your temperature according to season in the way that works best. On a cool night, opening a window may suffice. Fans and air conditioners are good ways to cool a warm room. There are also mattresses and pillows that help keep the body cool. Keep it cool and you will sleep better.
Choose the Right Mattress
Mattresses vary not only in quality, but also in fitness and the materials they are made from. It cannot be stressed enough that a bed with the wrong mattress for your body will not allow you to sleep well. Before making a purchase, get all the facts. Do your research. It's also important to try a mattress in advance. For this reason, brick and mortar shopping is a better way to go. If that hard spot is going to cause pain in your hip, you want to know that before you buy the mattress and get it home.
Block Out Light
The body's natural clock, or circadian rhythm, reacts to dark and light. When it's time to sleep, you need it dark. Depending on where you live, you may have a street lamp or other light source outside your bedroom window. Invest in a nice set of blackout curtains or blinds. Light sources from within the room can also be problematic. Digital alarm clocks, status lights on fans, anything that emits light should be covered. We use a humidifier in our bedroom and turn it away from the bed to hide the status lights. Darkness helps the body trigger sleep.
The big three for good health are diet, exercise, and sleep. Don't skimp on any of these. Create a bedroom that will be your sleep sanctuary, allowing you restful, uninterrupted sleep every night.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenwood, Ind.