Getting enough sleep is an essential component of being healthy. With the right design choices, any bedroom can become an oasis of restfulness and tranquility. Try these tips to prep the bedroom for sleep.

1. Take Stock of Temperature 

Experts say the ideal sleep temperature is between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Installing a ceiling fan and sleeping with the window open helps keep the bedroom cool enough for optimal rest. As a bonus, the whir of a ceiling fan creates white noise that can lull anyone into a deep sleep.

2. Welcome the Dark

Adorning windows with blinds and light-blocking curtains prevents the morning light from interrupting sleep too early. LED motion lights are an excellent solution for those who often get up in the night to use the bathroom, as keeping a light on can interfere with the process of falling asleep.

3. Choose Calming Colors

It’s no secret that colors have a profound effect on emotions. In the bedroom, color should be used to create a calm and comfortable vibe. Achieve the look with warm earth tones like rich terra cotta and soft, cool colors in natural shades of blue, violet, and green. Avoid colors that stimulate the senses, like pinks, reds, and oranges.

4. Clear Clutter

It’s hard for the mind to calm down enough to sleep deeply when it’s surrounded by stimulating objects. The room should be free of anything that isn’t used for sleep and intimacy, including televisions, computers, family photos, and gaming systems. Avoid storing items under the bed or under mattresses, as feng shui practitioners note that this clutter can block the flow of energy within the room.

5. Consider Ideal Furniture Positioning

Another tip from feng shui concerns positioning of the bed, which should be as far from the door as possible while keeping the entrance in view. Placing the bed in the diagonal corner opposite the door promotes a feeling of safety while maintaining optimal energy flow. Experts also recommend against desks and mirrors, which can hinder restful energy.

6. Appeal to the Senses

Choose fabrics that create a cozy environment for the best sleep, such as soft, plush bedding and cushioned area rugs. Older mattresses should be replaced, especially when sleep is impacted. Most mattresses last about eight years, so anything older will negatively affect sleep. If a newer mattress is uncomfortable, a mattress topper can help. While it’s important not to overstimulate the senses, soft scents like lavender promote relaxation.

With these six tips, the bedroom becomes a sanctuary where occupants can rejuvenate and recharge for the day ahead.

Snuggling with furry family members can have surprising benefits for everyone. Feel free to dismiss the naysayers who tell horror stories about stained mattresses and focus on the positives of spending extended time with animals.

They Provide Stress Relief 

Having a warm and furry presence in the bed at night can give pet owners a strong sense of calmness and relaxation; just look at therapy dogs as proof. In addition, those suffering from insomnia may feel more at peace with a dog or cat in the bed, hopefully leading to a better night’s sleep.

Your Personal Home Security System

Constantly worrying about burglars or intruders can be unsettling. Having a protective dog asleep at the foot of the bed can be comforting for many owners, especially those with children. Dogs have much better hearing than humans, and they’re cheaper than most home alarm systems!

Added Warmth on a Cold Night

A curled up pet on the mattress can give off a lot of body heat. While this may not be ideal in the summer, there’s nothing better than cuddling with a cozy pet on a cold winter night.

They Can Help Fight Depression and Anxiety

Feeling sad and lonely can be hard to bear. However, having a loving pet in the bed can be helpful for those dealing with depression or anxiety. Since dogs are known for their unconditional love, having this furry friend nearby can provide some needed comfort during hard times.

It’s Great for the Pets, Too!

As good as this sleeping arrangement is for humans, it has possibly stronger benefits for pets. Dogs usually have a strong devotion and connection to their masters. We often forget that they receive comfort from us just as we do with them. So, allowing them to sleep on the same mattress works only to strengthen that cherished bond.

With an attentive and adoring pet around that wants nothing more than to spend time with its owner, sharing a bed can be a win-win situation for everyone involved.