After writing my post on 'everyday bliss' , I noticed there was a ton of resistance around the topic of sleep. I didn't realize how much of an issue this was for people. I also have a relative who underwent a LOT of health issues because he wasn't getting adequate sleep. Recently, I have been seeing Arianna Huffington everywhere talking about her sleep story. It's just a topic that I can't get away from. I am big on sleep. I have set up systems for myself to ensure that I get enough sleep. On the weekends, I allow myself to sleep in if I need to and I don't allow myself to have guilt that surrounds that. Poor sleep not only affects your skin and energy levels it also has a massive impact on your health.
So, how can you ensure that you are getting enough sleep? There is no real quick trick here, listen to your body, it will let you know. Not only do you need to do that, you need create time in your schedule to sleep as much as you need to. Then you'll need to set yourself up for sleep success.
How comfortable is your bedroom sanctuary? What is your bedroom saying to you?
You want to set up a bedroom that almost summons you in. Here are a few ways to do that. . .
Wall color. I find that muted greys, soft blacks, browns and delicate blues are the best for getting a good nights sleep. You don't want a bright pink or red in a bedroom which are colors that are activating and exciting. So be sure that the color palette of your room is lending itself visually to good sleep.
Get your bed right. You want a bed that is comfortable and cozy, not one that leans to the side or has a mattress that is over 5-8 years old. I am huge on this memory foam mattress topper, it can make even the most boring bed magical. You also want to make sure you have proper pillows. I love the memory foam kind and am newly obsessed with my Discover night pillow.
Freshen up your fabrics. I am obsessed with good bedding. I am partial to Eqyptian cotton sheets, bamboo sheets or the entire collection of Bella Notte. You want your sheets to be absolutely divine feeling against your skin. There is nothing better than pulling open your blankets and diving into the most delicious sheets, its pure bliss. I also believe that rooms are better when there is more fabric. I love canopy beds for this very reason because the more fabric, the more relaxing and cozy a room feels.
Choose the right artwork. In every bedroom I have ever had, I place a large photo of something scenic that I love to gaze at before I fall asleep. I never like to put the TV directly across from the bed. Every art piece in your sanctuary should make you think of dreaming, serenity and peace. Be you are working with sleeping peacefully, not against it. Bare walls don't help either. Hang your artwork.
Cleanliness. Be sure your room is super neat and clean. Any piles of laundry, disorganized magazines, cluttered nightstands are the absolute worst for your sleep. You'll be woken up by thoughts and things to do if your bedroom is in disarray. I try to keep most things out of the bedroom as much as possible. Laundry in the bathroom, computer in the dining room, etc.
Fragrance. Aromatherapy works wonders for your well being and if you haven't looked into that stuff, I highly encourage you to do so. I keep a lavender hand cream on my nightstand and a few essential oils and diffuser too. Lavender and peppermint always puts me right to sleep. Take a bath or shower with calming washes to help too.
Sounds. I love to sleep with the TV on, don't know why but it just calms me. It's so bad. I realized however, that it really is just the soft noise that helps. So to change it out, I turn the fan on high and fall to sleep like a baby. One of my girlfriends loves to sleep to the sound of waves from her ipad. If you need some sound stimulation to sleep with, find one that doesn't wake you.
Sleep mask. I carry these with me on planes when I need to sleep. If you have a bright room in the mornings, streets outside with lots of light, sleep with a mask on. This one is life changing.
Do you have any helpful suggestions for creating a sleep sanctuary? I am always curious to hearing what you have to say. . .
Title image- anne sage