The visual aspects of your bedroom, including light, are critical to how fast you fall asleep, how deeply you sleep, and how long you can sleep for uninterrupted. Good sleep protects your health, keeps your mind sharp, and boosts your attitude. One of the most important aspects of bedroom design is lighting.
Here is what to keep in mind when revamping your bedroom.
1 – Dark at night is important
How well you sleep is driven in large part by your body’s circadian rhythms. Light and dark trigger your body to wake and sleep. You’ll sleep best in total darkness. That means when you decorate, skip nightlights and anything that illuminates at night. If streetlights or floodlights stream in your windows, room-darkening drapes might be needed as part of your bedroom décor to help you rest.
2 – Light in the morning wakes you
The downside to room darkening curtains is they block morning light. Have you ever overslept because you fell asleep wearing eyeshades? That’s because you prevent light from triggering your wake rhythms. Ideally, don’t use décor that blocks Eastern facing windows that would let in the morning sun. That means no heavy curtains unless you must. If you must have dark drapes, add a wake light alarm clock.
3 – Artificial lights affect sleep
When decorating your bedroom, consider all the sources of artificial light in your room. Overhead lights aren’t ideal close to bedtime. An hour or two before you want to drift off, you should start dimming the lights. Overhead lights with exposed bulbs can wake you. Ensure you have ample indirect light sources like lamps with soft light that feature depleted blue light spectrum (the type of light that wakes you).
4 – Don’t forget light from electronics
Increasingly, digital devices are part of room décor. Your TV, cell phones, cable box, and device charging stations are all standard features in the bedroom that give off light that can disrupt sleep. Ideally, having no TV in your room is best. Phones, TV, and tablets emit blue light that wakes you and can aggravate insomnia and delay sleep. If you can, banish digital devices from your bedroom for better sleep.
Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary
Because light is a key determiner in how fast you fall asleep and whether you sleep uninterrupted, it should be an important part of your bedroom design choices. Think of your bedroom as your sanctuary of sleep. That’s the most important function of the room.
When designing your bedroom, remember these aspects:
-
Comfort is critical – The foundation of good sleep is a great mattress. Don’t skimp on this piece of décor, since you’ll spend one-third of your life on it.
-
Clear the clutter – A crowded room is chaotic and not conducive to rest and relaxation. Stick to necessities and keep your bedroom clean and tidy.
-
Minimize furnishings – A streamlined, simple space is restful. You need a bed, side tables, and a dresser, perhaps a chair. Don’t crowd your bedroom with non-essentials.
-
Choose neutral colors – Finally, go with soothing neutral colors for your walls, blankets, and accessories. Visually exciting choices aren’t calming and restful.
Written by Amy Highland