Relax, Refresh, Recharge: Why Your Bedroom Could Be the Root of Your Problems #CP

If you feel like everything is stacked against you getting a good night's sleep, your inklings have more than a modicum of truth to them. The fact is that we may have been working all day and want nothing more than to just unwind in front of the TV, however, whether you're trying to cram in more things than it's possible on your never-ending to-do list, you might think that you could sleep on a spike, but your own bedroom could be the real culprit behind your daily struggles! There are very subtle but pivotal ways your bedroom could be sabotaging your well-being. Let's show you what they are and what you can do about them.

Overheating at Night
We need an optimum temperature in order to have proper restful sleep. You may have woken up in the height of summer feeling hotter than hell. But if you're tossing and turning all night, the mattress could be to blame. This is why it's important to invest in the right bed and a good quality mattress like the MLILY mattress that can help with this. Overheating disrupts your sleep cycle, meaning you feel groggy and irritable, so you're hardly the best version of yourself.

Poor Air Quality and Allergens

Approximately 50% of all of us will experience allergies within a decade. Your bedroom may look clean, but when was the last time you hoovered behind the bed? Dust mites, mould, and pet dander all can lurk in carpets, curtains, and bedding, which can trigger sneezing, congestion, and, if you're asthmatic, you'll have more flare-ups, so you will struggle to breathe and sleep soundly. 

Thankfully, the solutions are simple: hypoallergenic covers, investing in an air purifier, and regularly washing bedding can make a big difference. If you are someone who constantly struggles with allergies, a good antihistamine could make all the difference as well!

Inadequate Lighting and Screens Before Bed

You may have heard a lot about how artificial light can interrupt your sleep. 

We must remember that before the invention of light, we went to sleep as soon as it got dark! Too many screens, TV, and tablets will suppress melatonin, which is the hormone that helps you fall asleep. Even if you have bedside lamps, if they're too bright, it's going to disturb your rest. Setting a no-screens rule in the bedroom can help your brain wind down, and blackout curtains are vital, particularly in the summer months when you're up a bit later because you haven't wound down yet, and the sun is up at 5 am!

Clutter and Chaos

A cluttered bedroom is a recipe for stress. If you've got piles of projects, unfinished laundry, or toys, it's going to make your space feel chaotic and unwelcoming. Studies have shown that a messy environment can increase anxiety and make it harder to relax, so a little bit of tidying up (or even better, involving the kids) can help you reclaim your sense of sanctuary.

It's not just about getting better sleep, what about making sure that your bedroom is a retreat rather than a source of frustration. When we're well-rested, we're better parents!


Karl Young

Part-time daddy and lifestyle blogger. Father of 2 boys under 2. Golfer, scare-fan, tea-lover, traveller, squash and poker player. I write on the @HuffPostUK http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/karl-young/

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