Are you feeling sleep deprived? According to studies, around one in four people aren’t getting enough sleep. Unfortunately, when our sleeping patterns are suffering, this has a ripple effect on our entire lives. Sleep deprivation leaves you feeling tired, lethargic, drowsy, and less able to focus, all of which can have a detrimental effect on your work, family and even your sex life. Studies also show that not getting enough sleep can put you at a higher risk of problems such as weight gain, heart attacks and diabetes, and due to tiredness you are at greater risk of being involved in accidents such as a traffic collision. So, how do we combat sleep issues? The good news is that a simple bedroom makeover is often all it takes to get back to getting the recommended seven or eight hours of sleep per night. If you’re feeling restless and want to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, we’ve put together a list of steps you can take to achieve the results that you want.

1. A Single Purpose Space

Bedrooms were not designed for multi-tasking, so when designing your new, sleep friendly bedroom it’s important to remember that its purpose is for sleep and relaxation. The best bedrooms are for single purpose, so avoid using your bedroom for any other purposes such as a home office, workout space, study area or a family play area. When people try to cram too much activity into their rest space, sleep can suffer. Wherever possible, move non-bedroom items to other parts of your home.

2. Banish the Clutter

A cluttered bedroom does not make for a serene or calm resting place, and having an untidy or cluttered bedroom can often be detrimental to sleep. Maximize your bedroom’s storage capacity by using ceiling-high wardrobes, under the bed storage facilities, and closets and cabinetry in which you can neatly store away all your belongings out of sight.

3. Minimize Dust

Dusty areas can trigger allergies, which in turn can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Soft surfaces such as bedding are home to dust mites, microscopic pests which can have a similar allergy inducing effect, especially in people who are asthmatic. Keeping your bedroom clean can help you to sleep better, so wash your bedding weekly and regularly vacuum under the bed and on top of the mattress surface to keep dust mites to a minimum.

4. Keep it Dark

The presence of light, even when it is dim light can alter your natural sleep pattern and cause you to experience a less rejuvenating sleep. Use blackout drapes to block streetlights and other sources of illumination. If you can’t find any blackout drapes or curtains that you like, there are a number of alternatives such as blinds made from thicker materials or layered window treatments such as a combination of blinds and curtains which will also offer a more fully-dressed look to your windows.

5. Find the Right Mattress

If your mattress is over ten years old, it’s probably time that you consider buying a new one. Having the right mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep, and it is definitely worth investing in a good quality mattress that will provide you with the comfort that you need at night and last a long while. Personal Comfort Beds are designed to be the last mattress that you’ll ever need, and the technology behind the Number bed means that you can fully personalize the firmness and comfort of your mattress to match your sleeping needs. Talking with a mattress expert about your preferred sleeping habits, preferred sleeping position and even your weight will put you on the right track to finding a mattress that’s perfect for you.

6. Create a Restful Mood

Finally, it’s important that you create a design and look in your room that is calming and serene. Once you’ve addressed the technical aspects of creating a sleep-friendly bedroom, turn your focus to decorating in order to create a space that has a calm and restful vibe. Choosing natural colors and colors inspired by nature is a great way to do this, and avoid energizing bright colors or busy patterns that will serve only to keep you up at night. When it comes to choosing bedding, consider the season – opt for lighter bedding in summer and heavier in winter in order to get the best sleep.

How do you create a sleep-friendly space in your bedroom? Have you benefitted from making any changes? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.