The Land of Nod: How To Reach That Perfect Dreamy Destination

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Create A Blissful Bedroom

Have you ever found that you sleep a lot better in hotel rooms than you do in your own bed? It may have something to do with the fact that you are away and can relax. But it also has something to do with the boutique style surrounds and feelings of escape. There is no reason why you can’t create a luxury boutique chic bedroom in your home to create a serene, more ‘sleep-easy’ environment. 

First up, to give your sleeping space a sense of ‘escape’, you need to de-clutter your bedroom of all the junk. This means no kid’s toys, no clothes lying on the floor and no office work in that room. Don’t let any other aspect of your life spill over into your bedroom. Peace of mind ignites a more peaceful night’s sleep, and you won’t feel relaxed if you are surrounded by mess. Then create a clean, soothing, luxurious bedroom that is the perfect place to lay your head. 

Start by focusing on the bed. A white bed with all white sheets certainly exudes luxury and tranquility if you are trying to create that hotel feel.  The mattress is going to be your most important purchase in this room, and you certainly shouldn’t scrimp on this asset. We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, so it makes sense to invest in a quality mattress. You can learn about mattresses here to find out the best one for your body weight and sleeping style. Buying cheap here is a false economy. 

Also, invest in high-quality, high thread count bed sheets and duvet covers. You may not think there is a difference, but once you experience a higher thread count, especially in Egyptian cotton, you won’t go back! Look for a minimum of a 200 thread count and always make sure the label says 100% or pure Egyptian cotton.

Paint the walls in neutral colors that you find relaxing. For some this could be grays, others prefer whites or soft pinks. No matter what color you choose, always keep it tranquil and simple. If space permits, create a plush seating area where you can curl up with a good book when you can get some time to yourself. And always keep a window open in the day to keep fresh air circulating. 

An hour or so before bed, consider lighting lavender scented candles or using a lavender spray on your pillows. Lavender has clinical studies to back up the fact that it helps create a calmer mind and induce deep, restful sleep.

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Lifestyle Tips

We all know the drill about food and drink when it comes to the benefits of a healthy diet. But did you know that certain foods and drinks could also affect the way we sleep? So if you want a dreamy night’s sleep avoid alcohol, caffeine, and high-fat foods. That tub of Ben & Jerry’s may seem comforting and soothing, but it takes ages to digest so will keep you awake for much longer.  Foods to eat in the evening for a deeper sleep include cherries and cherry juice, pumpkin seeds, whole grain cereal and low-fat milk. 

These days we are also bombarded with fast paced stimulation from the moment we rise. We use our smartphones continuously, work on computers most of the day, watch television, drink coffee and constantly check our emails. Is it no wonder we find it so hard to switch off when we go to bed?  This is why creating a regular bedtime routine can send our brains into a more relaxed state of mind. 

After 8 pm try and limit the amount of electronic stimulation you are absorbing. Put your phone away. Read instead of watching television. And don’t check your mail until you get to work the next day. Create a set time to go to bed every evening. And try waking up at the same time every day too. Avoid alcohol before bedtime. It may make you sleepy, but it will be counterproductive. Alcohol-induced sleep isn’t restorative, and you will feel the effects the next morning. 

Lighting And Temperature

We talked about how using electronic devices late at night can cause bad patterns of sleep, but did you know that your light bulbs can too? Artificial indoor light has been proven to reduce the production of melatonin in our bodies. And melatonin is what makes us sleepy. Therefore exposure to this kind of light can make us delay our bedtime until we then become over tired. 

Research has shown that it is blue light which is the culprit. So if you want to induce sleep, invest in low-blue light bulbs for your home. Electronic devices contain high levels of blue light hence why using them at night is also detrimental. 

Studies have also shown that we sleep better when our body temperature is lower. So, as well as keeping your window open in the day, also invest in a duvet with a lower tog rating for a cool night’s sleep.  Exercising a few hours before bedtime is also a great way to lower your body temperature and prepare it for a dreamy night of sleep. Hopefully, you’re now ready and fully prepared to enter the lovely land of nod!