HAVING TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP OR STAYING ASLEEP? Your dilemma may be due in part to an unsuitable sleep environment. Here’s how to remedy the problem:
Make your bedroom a haven for sleep and intimacy only. Relegate work and all other activities, including television viewing, to a different part of the house so your mind and body know it’s time to rest whenever you’re in the bedroom. Listening to calming music in the bedroom, on the other hand, can help promote drowsiness.
Setting aside a dedicated sleeping space can be a challenge for college students and small-apartment dwellers who must use their limited space for a multitude of purposes. In these situations, it can be helpful to set aside a quiet space, such as a soft, comfy chair, where you can relax to the point of drowsiness before heading off to bed.
Room temperature is another important consideration in your sleeping quarters. A hot, stuffy atmosphere feels confining and uncomfortable, so keep it on the cool side by opening windows or using fans. Keep extra blankets within easy reach in case the temperature gets too cool in the middle of the night or early morning hours.
If you are having a hard time keeping your room dark enough for sleeping, for example if you work nights and sleep during daylight hours, consider putting heavier curtains or blinds in the window or using a blindfold. If excess noise is a problem, try using earplugs.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of a good mattress. You spend a good portion of your life on your mattress, so don’t skimp on its quality. Sound, restful sleep is worth the few extra dollars you might pay for a good sleeping surface. ✲
