So say experts who recommend maintaining a bedroom that's quiet, dark and neither too hot nor too cold come bedtime.
Creating this environment may involve using blackout curtains, eyeshades, earplugs and temperature control. Comfortable bedding (particularly when it comes to the mattress and pillows) is also important.
Another factor to consider when ensuring a bedroom is sleep-promoting is the use of electronic devices, such as televisions, tablets, smartphones and laptops.
These devices can interfere with shut-eye in two main ways, according to Professor Colin Espie from digital sleep improvement program Sleepio: they emit "blue light … which is known to suppress our natural sleep hormones", and using them keeps us "alert and engaged".
So, try to reserve the bedroom for only sleep and intimate activity.
Is your bedroom sleep-friendly?
To help determine if your bedroom promotes sleep, complete our audit, based on recommendations from the US National Sleep Foundation, and consider making any necessary changes.
- Is your bedroom clean and neat?
- Is your bedroom a pleasant temperature (around 18°C)?
- Are your mattress and pillows comfortable and supportive?
- Do you have extra pillows if needed?
- Is your bedding clean and freshly scented (or unscented if preferred)?
- Do you have enough comfortable blankets if needed?
- Can you make the bedroom dark at bedtime?
- Do you have a bedside lamp if needed?
- Are electronics (e.g. TV, laptop, tablet) out of the bedroom (or at least switched off before and during sleep time)?
- Is your alarm clock (and the light emitted) facing away from you?
- Is your bedroom quiet?
- Do you have ear plugs if needed?
- Do you have a sound machine to produce white noise if needed?
- Is your bedroom pleasant smelling (or unscented if preferred)?
- Is your bedroom free from allergens?
Note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and may not apply to everyone.
For individual advice, consult an appropriate health professional.