Clear Out And Cozy Up
Some bedrooms feel like a retreat. Others? They might just look like a storage unit you sleep in. The weird part is it's usually the little things that tip it one way or the other. To keep your bedroom in top shape and ready for restful sleep, let’s begin by clearing out the things that may be doing more harm than good.
1. Mold-Prone Houseplants
Some popular bedroom plants, such as English ivy and Boston ferns, naturally retain moisture and can encourage mold growth in their soil. Mold spores, when released, can irritate your respiratory system while you sleep. Prolonged exposure to certain molds may lead to chronic issues in sensitive individuals.
2. Workout Equipment
Heavy dumbbells and treadmills turn bedrooms into gyms, disrupting the psychological association of the space with rest and relaxation. Workout equipment in the bedroom can reduce available floor space, too. Moreover, home fitness equipment may interfere with hygiene when kept in your bedroom.
3. Dirty Laundry Baskets
Sweat-soaked clothes inside laundry baskets create hotspots for bacteria and dust mites. Dust mites produce allergens linked to asthma flare-ups. Bacteria thrive on body oils and dead skin in damp fabrics, worsening respiratory issues. Also, the basket's fabric or plastic materials can trap bad odors.
Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Pexels
4. Paper Clutter
Unopened bills and junk mail accumulate quickly, increasing visual clutter. Paper traps tend to collect dust and microscopic debris. Paper fibers can also harbor bed bugs or silverfish if left too long. Every sheet adds to the mental overload that you should have left behind in your study.
5. Bright Digital Clocks
Glowing LED numbers emit blue light and suppress melatonin, the hormone controlling sleep cycles. Digital clocks with bright displays can also cause anxiety by encouraging clock-watching, which disrupts the onset of sleep. Some models use a harsh, bright blue that can trick your sleep patterns, too.
6. Beauty And Hygiene Products
Many beauty and hygiene items contain sensitive ingredients, such as alcohol and essential oils, that break down when exposed to heat and light. It’s best to store them in a bathroom cabinet. Doing this will also keep your bedroom free of multiple tubes and bottles cluttering the nightstand.
7. Sharp Objects
Sharp objects, such as knives or razors, pose safety risks due to the chances of accidental cuts or injuries. Feng Shui also warns that sharp items create negative energy, disrupting calm and restfulness. Additionally, these items often require specialized storage to prevent damage, which bedrooms typically do not provide.
8. Scented Drawer Liners
Many liners contain synthetic fragrances made from petrochemicals, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can cause headaches and irritate the lungs. Despite emitting various pleasant scents, these liners release invisible toxins into your personal space.
LUMIRA Scented Drawer Liners by Atelier Lumira
9. Unused Decor Items
Dust collects quickly on unused items that are placed in the bedroom, such as old trophies or multiple ornamental decor pieces. Dust tends to settle on surfaces, affecting air quality and triggering allergies. Unused decor can also make your bedroom look cluttered, and then it becomes harder for your brain to relax.
10. Excess Throw Pillows
Too many throw pillows crowd your bed. They limit movement and force awkward sleep positions, which often leads to neck and back pain. Moreover, some pillows are made with non-breathable fabrics that trap heat. This causes sweating and discomfort, making it even harder for you to sleep well.
Now, let's pivot from what to avoid to what your bedroom truly deserves.
1. Supportive Bedding
A quality mattress made from memory foam or latex shapes perfectly to your body, relieving pressure points while promoting spinal alignment. Pair it with adjustable pillows crafted from hypoallergenic materials to reduce irritation. These essentials foster uninterrupted REM cycles.
2. Blackout Curtains
Heavy blackout curtains block artificial and natural light with dense, layered fabrics like polyester or cotton blends. Complete darkness helps your pineal gland regulate melatonin, the hormone signaling sleep readiness. Especially in urban areas, these curtains prevent light pollution from interfering with your late-night rest.
3. White Noise Machine
Devices that generate consistent ambient sounds, such as white noise or nature-inspired rhythms, can mask disruptive noises. Models using digital sound libraries or fan-based mechanisms calm sensory input, allowing deeper slumber stages. Particularly useful for those near busy streets or noisy neighbors.
The Best White Noise Machines: 10 Reviewed And Compared by No Sleepless Nights
4. HEPA Air Purifier
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers trap fine particles of about 0.3 microns, which include pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Air purifiers made with activated carbon filters also reduce odors and volatile organic compounds. Cleaner air supports unobstructed breathing and enhances oxygen intake.
5. Charging Nightstand
A charging nightstand integrates USB ports and power outlets within easy reach, keeping devices like phones and smartwatches organized. Solid wood or metal frames provide stability while eliminating tangled cables. This practical furniture reduces bedtime distractions, allowing you to place devices out of your sleeping zone.
6. Essential Oil Diffuser
For centuries, cultures have utilized aromatherapy to calm the nerves and promote better sleep. Ultrasonic diffusers modernize this ancient practice, dispersing mist from oils like lavender. Materials like glass and BPA-free plastics help protect the purity of the oils by preventing the leaching of harmful chemicals.
Still The Best Essential Oil Diffuser? by NReluctant
7. Adjustable Bedside Lamp
Lamps equipped with dimmable warm LEDs allow gradual lighting adjustments, perfect for reading or winding down. The warm spectrum encourages melatonin release, gently signaling the brain to prepare for sleep while enhancing room ambiance. Fixtures with rotary or touch controls offer precise brightness customization.
Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
8. Sunrise Alarm Clock
Sunrise simulation clocks gradually increase light intensity, mimicking natural dawn over 30 minutes. This gentle illumination stimulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus, aligning wake-up times with the body's natural circadian rhythms. Most models also include customizable sound options, such as birdsong or soft music.
9. Under-Bed Storage
Utilizing the often overlooked space beneath beds, storage bins crafted from breathable fabric or rigid plastic maximize organization. An excellent option for putting away seasonal clothing or extra bedding, these containers help reduce visual clutter. Streamlined storage solutions contribute to a cleaner bedroom that gives you the calm you need.
10. Re-Readable Books
A familiar story can be more effective than melatonin. Rereading favorite books slows racing thoughts and gently guides the brain into sleep mode. Paperbacks with matte pages feel comforting in your hands, and unlike screens, they wind you down without the harsh glow of blue light.
