If you’re having trouble sleeping, your bedroom might be to blame. Here are some tips to help you design the ideal bedroom so you can get the rest you really need.

Do you wake up feeling tired, groggy, and grumpy? Your bedroom might be to blame.

Sleep deprivation and poor quality sleep impact the productivity and well-being of millions of people every day. But a few simple changes to your sleep space can make a big difference in how much good shuteye you get at night.

Check out these tips for designing the ideal bedroom for a good night’s sleep.

Big Windows with Heavy Curtains

One of the most important parts of creating the perfect sleep environment is setting up your windows correctly.

Windows and the accompanying curtains have a key relationship with your quality of sleep. It all has to do with natural light or the lack thereof.

Light Wakes You Up in the Morning

Light from the sun doesn’t just help us see better or provide warmth to the air outside. Sunlight also affects our bodies in ways that help wake us up.

One way is that exposure to the sun’s UV rays helps our bodies produce vitamin D from the cholesterol in our skin cells. Since few foods are high in this vitamin, sunlight and vitamin supplements are our best sources. Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps to kickstart your body and helps you feel more energized.

The other reason light is important is because of our circadian rhythm. Humans are not naturally nocturnal creatures, so our bodies instinctively react to light and say, “it’s time to wake up and be productive.”

For these reasons, it’s important to have a nice big window in your bedroom. One of the smartest things you can do when you wake up is open the window and let your body absorb that wake-up light. You’ll feel refreshed and prepared for the rest of the day, and you’ll set your body up for a healthy sleep cycle.

Light Keeps You Up at Night

Because light is so important for waking up, it makes sense that it’s also a major detractor for sleep.

Even though the sun sets at night, light from street lights, cars, the moon, and other sources can flood in through your windows.

The more light that gets in, the more your body’s instincts want to wake you up. This causes you to have choppy, low-quality sleep where you are constantly waking up and falling back to sleep.

This is where curtains come in. Curtains are often more cosmetic than functional in other parts of your home, such as the living room or kitchen. But when it comes to your bedroom, function is the most important thing.

To block out light from the outside during bedtime, you need big, heavy-duty shades for your window. Many companies make drapes specifically designed to absorb and block all light even during the middle of the day.

The Best Window Set-Up

In summary, the most critical part of designing your room for a healthy and rejuvenating sleep cycle is with your windows and curtains.

Use room-darkening shades to block out all light at night, and then pull back those curtains in the morning to let the sunlight shine through.

Limit Electronic Light

Light from the outside isn’t the only kind you need to worry about.

The typical modern bedroom has numerous electronic devices throughout it. You have phones, tablets, alarm clocks, televisions, cable boxes, wifi routers, and so many more.

And almost all of them emit light, even when not in use. Tiny blinkers and indicators can cause everything from a minor annoyance to a major sleep issue.

Do your best to limit the electronic light glowing in your dark room. Removing them completely is best. But if that’s not practical, try placing a sticky note or a piece of opaque tape over the light.

Some devices, such as alarm clocks, will allow you to control the intensity of the light. Be sure to turn them down to the lowest setting when you head to bed.

Invest in Your Mattress

A lot of people are hesitant to sink a big chunk of money into a high-quality mattress.

But think about it: You spend about a third of your entire life sleeping. That means a third of your life is spent on your mattress.

When put into perspective, investing in the perfect bed makes a lot more sense.

Before buying a mattress, be sure to go out and test them at local stores. Even top-rated mattresses might not fit your preferences, so check them out in person is vital. Find out what size, softness, and temperature you desire.

Once you have an idea of what you want, you can look for better deals online. Click here for some mattress options as well as bed frames and other furniture.

Keep Your Gadgets Far Away

Do you have a problem fiddling with your phone before bed? It often seems one last check of social media before shuteye turns into two hours of binge-watching cat videos on YouTube.

If this sounds like you, it’s likely your phone charger is right next to your bed on the nightstand.

To help you get to sleep faster, move your phone’s overnight location to the other side of the room. You’ll be less tempted to check your phone when you can’t reach it simply by rolling over.

This also gives you an added bonus if you use your phone as an alarm to wake up. Keeping your phone out of arm’s reach forces you to get up to turn it off in the morning. If getting out of bed is difficult for you, this provides extra motivation.

Feel a Little Blue

Color isn’t only an aesthetic choice for your bedroom. The right color decor can give you incredible psychological benefits that help you relax and get to sleep.

Studies show that blue is among the best bedroom colors for sleep. Blue can induce feelings of peace and tranquility that are perfect for drifting off to dreamland. Opt for more muted shades of blue, rather than the bold and vibrant ones, for wall paint and decorations.

If blue isn’t quite your style, green or other cool colors are also good options. However, you should avoid warm colors like red, yellow, and orange, as these convey more aggressive emotions that can keep your brain active.

The Ideal Bedroom for Sleeping Isn’t Far Away

As you can see, a few small but significant changes to your bedroom’s design can make a world of difference for your sleep quality. The ideal bedroom for sleeping is only a few simple steps away.

For more tips on building a happier, healthier lifestyle, check out our Health and Fitness blog.