We all strive to squeeze in a handful of precious hours of undisturbed rest before that alarm clock sounds in the morning. It’s not uncommon for one to believe that “sleep comfort” begins and ends with a really good mattress. While that’s a very important component, the overall environment in which one sleeps plays a crucial role, as well. Elements such as soothing colors, de-cluttered spaces, higher ceilings, proper lighting and more can combine to contribute to a restful night’s sleep.
Winsome Walls:
It’s easier to enter a dream state when one is surrounded by dreamy, soothing shades. From wall paint to linens, one can literally wrap themselves in colors designed to calm and comfort. According to a recent article by Michele Bernhardt in House Beautiful, light purple evokes a sense of spirituality, light blue brings calm and peace, pink is associated with love, aqua is tied to relaxation, and green is related to health.
Cut the Clutter:
Clutter in the bedroom can serve to clutter the mind. It’s not always easy to kick back and relax when the clothes that are piling up in the chair and papers on the writing desk in the corner keep reminding us that there’s much to be done. A closet renovation or built-in storage spaces could serve to cut the clutter – cleaning up the space and freeing the mind for sweet dreams.
Soaring Ceilings:
Thoughts and dreams can drift up and away into the clouds with the help of a cathedral or trey ceiling. A general contractor or renovation company that specializes in structural engineering can assess a bedroom to see if the ceiling can be raised to accommodate such a lofty goal. For rooms that cannot be made larger with the help of a room addition, some added height will help the room feel larger and less cramped. Higher ceilings may also serve to positively impact acoustics for those sleepers who prefer the accompaniment of a sound machine or white noise device.
Draw the Curtains, Dim the Lights:
The appropriate lighting can definitely impact one’s ease toward dreamtime. Bedtime readers may benefit from a wall lamp that can be dimmed and operated from their bedside – so as not to disturb their sleeping companion. Light blocking curtains at the windows can ensure any plans to sleep in are not interrupted by a particularly vibrant sunrise. The bedroom windows are also an important spot on which to stay focused – a tiny crack in the seal could spell a less-than-restful sleep on a rainy and/or windy night.
Keeping Dreams and Digital Separate:
With so many of us spending the bulk of our waking moments stimulated by digital devices that range from smartphones and tablets to laptops and high definition television sets, it’s wise to keep digital out of the bedroom. For those who prefer to wind down in front of the TV before they go to bed, it might be wise to consider a sitting room addition to the master bedroom – so the TV has its own space and the bed has another. According to an article by Heather Hatfield for WebMD, we need to power down in order to enjoy a power nap. There should be a transition period of 15 to 30 minutes of technology-free time before bedtime to help ensure a good night’s rest.
Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to celebrate National Sleep Comfort Month with you! From room additions to trey ceilings, we do it all. To learn more about the services we provide to homeowners throughout Metro Atlanta, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com. Throughout the month of November, we will extend a 5% discount on home renovations of $10,000 or more*. Call us TODAY at 678-873-9234!
*Good for contracts of $10,000 or more. Offer Expires November 30, 2013. Must mention offer at time of consultation/signing of contract in order to receive savings.
Image Credit: Graeme Weatherston/freedigitalphotos.net
