Guest Post! ll Customizing Your Sleep Space for Better Mental Health by Melissa Howard

Melissa is writing a book on emotional wellness and fitness and her website,  stopsuicide.info, contains articles on handling suicidal thoughts and recovery from suicide attempts.  Please visit her site if you have been having these thoughts or pass this post along if you think it may help someone.  Or even share on social media.. you never know who it might reach!

I am also an affiliate for BetterHelp.com so you could also read about online counselling HERE, if interested.

Thanks! Kim xx

*DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of Kim Belanger-Mills/Patchoulimoon VeganKim. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them. .*

Photo credit: Pixabay

Customizing Your Sleep Space 

by Melissa Howard

Ever want to hurl things when someone uses the old adage, “Things will seem better in the morning”? While this sentiment simplifies an inherently complex issue, there are multiple studies showing that sleep is critical not only to physical health but also mental health. If you are not getting enough sleep, you may be more prone to a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and even hallucinations. One particularly effective way of improving sleep quality is through the customization of your sleep space.

If you want to get a good night’s sleep, start by taking a hard look at your bedroom. Consider how your bedroom engages your sense of sight, touch, smell, and sound. This process is known as determining your sleep hygiene and is a vital precursor for quality sleep. Start by noting all aspects of your room from the noise, to the lighting, all the way to the smell. After this, start thinking about what prevents you from sleeping and how you can remedy it.

Declutter

If you fall asleep each night staring at an overflowing laundry basket, it's time to make a change. Be sure to declutter and organize to make your room as peaceful as possible. While we are discussing bedroom distractions, consider making your bedroom a technology-free zone where phones, TVs, and tablets are strictly prohibited. The reduction in LED lighting will help your body transition into a heavy sleep. By controlling what is in your room, you are able to create an enjoyable, stress-free environment.

Limit Lighting

While clutter is the culprit for many people, some of us are hypersensitive to lighting. If you are awoken by passing cars or an early sunrise, consider investing in some blackout curtains. These curtains help control the amount of light creeping into your bedroom. Remember, a darker room almost always means a longer and better rest.

Control Temperature

Did you know that by keeping your bedroom on the cool side that you can drastically increase the quality of your sleep? If you love a cool sleep but hate making breakfast in frigid temperatures, consider investing in a smart zoning heating system. This system allows you to set different temperatures for each area of your home. That way, your bedroom will be cool while the other rooms in your house stay warm. On a budget? Ice packs and hot water bottles are a great way to cool down or cozy-up as you go to sleep.

Make It Smell Great

While we’re talking about heating systems, consider changing your heating filters to help control stale or musty odors. If your room still smells stale after a filter change, give your home a good deep clean. While your house likely looks tidy on the surface, there may be hidden dirt, grime, and dust that is contributing to a stale scent. Want to go to the next level?

Try scented candles. Not only do scented candles smell nice, but they also have the lovely dual purpose of creating a calming bedroom atmosphere.

Minimize Sound

Are you frequently woken-up by kids, traffic, roommates, or other noises? Consider controlling your bedroom for sound. Many people find soft ear plugs beneficial for reducing the severity of nearby sounds. Other people find white noise generators to be the perfect solution for blocking out disruptive sounds while simultaneously facilitating relaxation.

If your bedroom is not a refuge from the demands of daily living, it’s time to make a change. By controlling how your room looks, smells, sounds, and feels, you will be be able to customize your space to your exact sleep preferences. Your customized sleep environment can help you get the rest you need for both your physical and mental well-being. Remember, your bedroom should be a positive contributor to your mental health and not a source of increased mental anguish.