These Design Trends Could Sabotage Your Sleep
Metallic finishes, retro dressers, and all-white color schemes are bedroom trends have a powerful impact but these design trends could sabotage your sleep. We’ve put together a list of the top trends getting in the way of the restful shut-eye you need to be at your best.
Multi-Functional Spaces
While we are all for multi-functional kitchens, living rooms, and dens, when it comes to the bedroom, this is one design trend you should avoid. Your body, the brain, in particular, responds to outside stimuli in interesting ways. Let’s say you create an office space in your bedroom. While it might be the best use of space, it could lead to sleepless nights because your brain may still focus on work because that’s what it’s used to doing in that space.
If you have extra space in the bedroom, use it to create an area that contributes to a good night’s rest. A comfortable chair for reading, a yoga mat in the corner for a few bedtime stretches to relax the mind and body, or an en suite bathroom where you can take a warm bath can all contribute to a bedtime routine that prepares you for better sleep.
Color Scheme
Bright colors send your brain the “awake” signal and can keep you up at night. It’s not surprising to learn that colors associated with relaxation like subdued blues and greens often contribute to better and longer sleep. Be judicious with reds and other intense colors they can keep you awake. The eyes are sensitive organs that send constant signals to the brain.
If blue and greens just don’t work for you, cool, neutral colors that cause the heart rate to drop and don’t over stimulate the brain can have a similar calming effect. Think beige and cool greys for the ultimate in neutral relaxers For those who just want a touch of color, light yellow with its cozy, happy feel can also work well in a bedroom.
Your Bed
The minimalist trend puts mattresses just above the floor, but without the right support beneath it, a mattress can sag and cause back pain. Even if the pain isn’t enough to fully wake you, aches and stiffness from an unsupportive mattress can keep you from entering the deep sleep you need for complete rejuvenation. Box springs or other foundations are a great way to prolong the life of your mattress and give your back a break. If you still want that low, minimalist look, try a low profile box spring with a shallow depth of four inches. That keeps you close to the ground but offers the support you need.
Add a Ceiling Fan
If your bedroom doesn’t have a fan, you might want to consider one. A light may look sleek and modern, but ceiling fans can help you control the room temperature. Keeping the room at a cool 60-68 degrees helps your body stay at a lower temperature, which contributes to better sleep. Remember to run your fan in reverse or counterclockwise to ventilate the heat that rises and run your fan clockwise in spring and summer weather.
Ceiling fans also create white noise to relax the mind and reduce distracting outside noises.
If you’re picturing your grandma’s old brass accented fan, take a look at the latest fans on the market. There are now designs that range from minimalist to contemporary and modern that give you the benefits of a fan without the eyesore you may remember from when you were a kid.
Get your Z’s and see you next month. Happy New Year!
