Nothing seems normal these days. Stress is up and sleep is down. The Better Sleep Council’s latest research, “The 2020 State of America’s Sleep,” revealed COVID-19’s arrival caused America’s quality of sleep to significantly decline.
America’s quality of sleep declined in January 2020 compared to last year, and fewer Americans are getting the minimum recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Four in 10 Americans described their sleep as poor or fair (43 percent), up from 38 percent in 2019.
By setting yourself up for success and improving the energy in your bedroom, you’ll sleep better and stress less.
We’re now finding ourselves at home more than we could ever have imagined. The kids are home from school, many of us are working from home, and our kitchens – and even bedrooms – are being transformed into a second living room, classroom, and home office.
Stuck at home, worried about your own health and wellness, as well as your family’s, shoots stress levels to an all-time high. Here are a few simple adjustments you can make to achieve better sleep.
Size matters
When it comes to both size of the bedroom and size of the bed, size matters.
We are at our most vulnerable when we are asleep. If the room is too big, it can be difficult for us to fully relax enough to sleep soundly. This feeling of needing to be on alert is a survival instinct from way back when. If the room is too small, we can feel cramped or trapped, like we’re in a prison cell. What size is right?
- A twin-size bed is generally too small for an average-sized adult
- A full-size or queen-size bed is usually a good fit for most adults sleeping alone
- Most couples are happy with a queen mattress.
- Want even more space? If you prefer a king, look for one that does not have split box springs under the mattress, so as not to create disharmony in your relationship, according to feng shui.
The command center
Feng shui says that the bed should be placed in a “commanding position” in the bedroom. When you are lying in bed, you should be able to see the door in front of you so you have a feeling of safety and stability — you can easily see when someone or something enters your space.
The wall opposite the door is the best place to position the bed. At the same time, you do not want to be directly in front of the door. The head of the bed should be placed against a wall, and there should be a headboard to stabilize the bed’s position in the room.
Ideally, there should be equal space on either side of the bed so each person can get in and out easily, and the room feels balanced. You also want to have access to turning on the light quickly and easily.
When rearranging your room, avoid putting the head of the bed under a window. Windows represent the gateway from the bedroom to the outside world. Having your head right under a window affects sleep from all the energy that comes from the outside — including noise, light, wind, scents, and shadows. When you sense something unfamiliar, that survival instinct kicks in and you wake up, and it can be difficult to fall back asleep.
Circulation
It is important that energy be allowed to circulate freely throughout the room, and around and under the bed. Your bed should be elevated off the floor on a frame or a platform, not placed directly on the floor.
Don’t store boxes, books or shoes under the bed — leave that space open for air to flow through. Don’t overcrowd the room with furniture, and as much as it may be difficult, keep any work- or exercise-related items out of the bedroom.
Although it might be a challenge right now, try to maintain a clean and organized bedroom as best as you can. A room like this helps you to feel more relaxed, and that is good preparation for sleep.
Décor
When it comes to new décor, blues, greens, and browns are ideal. Think of the sky, a field of trees, a beautiful meadow — this is the feeling you want to evoke. Warm colors signify activity and are energizing, so avoid colors like bright reds, pinks, and oranges. If you like those tones, go for muted versions like peach, maroon, and lavender.
For wall décor, add artwork that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Think about what you see when you first wake up in the morning!
It is always best to keep electronics out of the bedroom, but if you insist on having a TV in the room, consider keeping it in a media cabinet behind closed doors. You can also cover it with a pretty blanket or piece of fabric when not in use. This way, you don’t have a big black void taking up valuable space in the room.
Lighting should be set on dimmers wherever possible, so you can control the light in the room and have options for how much you need during any time of day.
Comfort is key
Feng shui recognizes how important it is that the bedroom be a comfortable place to rest. The room needs to be cool — between 65 and 67 degrees is good. The room should also have good window treatments to block out light from outside.
Most importantly, your mattress is the foundation of a good night’s sleep. Invest in the best mattress you can afford And make sure your mattress continues to support you with time. Mattresses generally need to be replaced at least every 7 years, so keep checking to make sure your mattress is in good shape.
Bedding is also important. Pure cotton is best as it breathes. Don’t go crazy with the pillows! Beds with too many decorative pillows can feel cluttered and crowded. You need one great pillow to actually sleep on — one that works for your preferred sleep position.
A good night’s sleep prepares us for a good day’s activity. When we implement some of these feng shui strategies in the bedroom, it helps us to rejuvenate the body and prepare for a day fueled with positive energy.
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