Everything in life requires some degree of effort in order to be of optimal use and efficiency, and this includes paying attention to how well we sleep.
The timing, duration, and quality of our sleep are all determining factors in how productively we are resting in terms of the caliber of replenishment that our minds and bodies receive.
Creating the ideal sleep environment is an essential element toward ensuring that we get the most out of our sleep.
Although our bodies differ slightly when it comes to what we individually find to be the most restorative, there are a few environmental factors that correspond with all our senses (except for sense of taste).
Considering the other senses of sight, sound, smell and touch when creating one’s sleeping quarters will result in creating the optimal sleep environment.
Sight
Research has shown that statistically, our minds associate the colors blue, yellow and green with rest and relaxation, whereas the colors purple (especially), red and orange, especially in vibrant hues, are connected to stimulation and activity, therefore choosing the right color of paint for the walls in a space designated for sleeping is highly beneficial to achieving the optimum rest.
Sound
Contrary to popular belief, the mere presence of sound is not what is most likely about noise to disturb sleep, rather it is inconsistency in sounds that makes going to sleep, or staying asleep, difficult.
Many people report needing some sort sound, such as soft music, or “white noise,” such as the sound of a whirring fan, to get to sleep. Whatever the preferred sound or noise level, ensuring that the decibel level remains consistent throughout the night will ensure that noise is not a factor in sleep disruption.
Smell
Just as with color, the mind associates certain smells with alertness and being awake (such as coffee, breakfast food, or even odors associated with one’s occupation such as paint or chemicals).
Alternatively, there are certain smells that can assist one in falling and staying asleep, such as lavender and vanilla, both of which are available in a wide variety of aromatherapy delivery methods.
Touch
Our sense of touch affects our sleep in a couple of different ways, the first one being that the temperature in the room, and whether or not we feel cool or warm, can have a significant impact on our ability to stay asleep consistently.
Cooler environments inevitably lead to better sleep, as opposed to warm or hot rooms that are likely to make us restless and agitated. The second touch factor to consider is the bedding itself.
Having an ergonomically designed mattress and pillows, in addition to comfortable sheets and blankets will have a huge impact on not only the quality, but also the duration of the sleep that is received.
Some other things to consider about creating sleeping quarters if one wants to be well rested are to remember to limit the number of uses that the bedroom has as a space in the house, as in, reserve the bed and the bedroom for sleeping, not for watching television, cruising the internet, or any school or “work from home” activities.
Also, tidiness is a consideration so keeping the bedroom free of clutter and organized has been shown to calm the mind and allow it to rest more easily.
Lastly, some studies have shown that not allowing pets to sleep in the bed can make a difference in sleep as well, although many animal lovers would probably disagree or be willing to make that sleep sacrifice in order to cuddle up with their pets.
