Why You NEED a Ceiling Fan in Your Bedroom ( & Other Tips to Sleep Better)

Finding yourself drinking more than your fair share of coffee and energy drinks due to sleepless nights? Here are some great ideas on how to upgrade your bedroom and get better sleep!

It's no secret that getting a good night's sleep is often easier said than done. Whether you find yourself staying up late to catch up on work, spend time with your family, or squeeze in some personal time, we know how hard it is to turn off your devices and snuggle into bed at a reasonable hour.

That's why designing a bedroom that promotes relaxation and tranquility is so important; when you have a comfortable place to unwind at the end of the day, settling into bed won't seem quite as daunting.

Fortunately, designing a bedroom that exudes comfort and peacefulness is something that can easily be accomplished with a few simple tips. Here's everything you should know about the importance of sleeping well and how to transform your bedroom into a place you'll be happy to rest in at the end of the day.

What Happens When You Don't Sleep Well?

We all know that sleep is a significant factor when it comes to looking and feeling our best, but did you know long-term sleep deprivation can have serious negative effects on your overall health? It's true. Without adequate sleep, your body and mind cannot restore themselves properly, which can lead to a number of health concerns, such as:

• Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts

• A compromised immune system

• An increased risk of diabetes and heart disease

• Respiratory, digestive, and endocrine illnesses

Clearly, getting between seven and nine hours of sleep at night should be a top priority for all of us. If counting sheep just isn't cutting it for you, it could be time to make some changes in your bedroom.

Invest in a Comfy Bed

First things first, a comfortable bed is a must for a good night's sleep. If there's one piece of furniture worth investing in for your home, it's a comfy bed. To find the perfect bed for your ultimate bedroom, keep these tips in mind:

• Appearances Matter: Your bed will likely be the focal point of your bedroom, which means that it should look good. Be sure to choose a bed frame and headboard that matches the overall style of your room and can easily transition from one look to another if you want to redecorate in the future.

• Prioritize Comfort: When it comes to getting a restful night's sleep, the quality of your mattress can make a huge difference. It's better to fork over a few extra dollars in order to get a mattress that is suited to your sleep preferences than try to cut corners and pay for it later when it's time to turn out the lights. Pro-tip: don't be afraid to shop around and try out different mattresses until you find the right one for you.

• Consider the Size: Your bed shouldn't only be attractive and comfortable; it also needs to be the appropriate size for the room and for your needs. If you're sharing your bed with a spouse, child, or pet, it's important to purchase one that's spacious enough for everyone to spread out. On the other hand, the bed also shouldn't be so big that you can't walk comfortably around the room.

Choose the Right Bedding

After you select a bed frame you love as well as a comfortable mattress, it's time to pair them with the right bedding. Make no mistake, not all bedding is created equally. With this in mind, you should not only be looking for sheets, comforters, and pillows that look great but feel nice as well. To optimize the beauty and comfort of your bed with linens you will be happy to sleep in, try these four steps:

• Invest in super-soft sheets. Be sure to choose fabrics that will breathe well, such as cotton or linen, so you won't feel overheated as you dream.

• Next, choose a quilt or comforter that will keep you snug and warm, while adding some texture to your bed.

• Once you've selected your sheets and comforter, pick out a charming duvet to complete the look and bring everything together.

• A cozy throw blanket draped at the end of the bed along with plenty of plush pillows can add pops of color while ensuring your bed is as comfy as it is beautiful.

Lower the Lights

The way in which you choose to light your home can have a big impact on the overall ambiance and functionality of a space. The light fixtures you use in your kitchen should be completely different from the ones you bring into your bedroom. Whereas bright, ambient lighting is important in a setting where you're handling sharp utensils and hot appliances, the light sources in your bedroom should be softer, warmer, and more relaxing. To keep things cozy and inviting while still adequately lighting the room, try to incorporate a combination of task and accent light fixtures. Wall scones, recessed lighting, and table lamps all work well in bedrooms without feeling overstimulating. Additionally, a smart ceiling fan with a built-in overhead light is the ideal complement to warm accent lights.

Don't Forget the Ceiling Fan

If your bedroom doesn't have a ceiling fan, it needs one! Aside from being an attractive source of overhead light, there are a variety of reasons why ceiling fans are essential to creating a more comfortable space for you to rest in your home, including:

• Temperature Control: If your room is too warm, you can kiss a good night's sleep "goodbye." Studies show that the optimal temperature to sleep is sixty-five degrees. Of course, a ceiling fan can help cool your bedroom quickly without having to turn your thermostat down.
• White Noise: There's a reason so many new parents put a white noise machine in their infants' nurseries -- they help people sleep better. With a ceiling fan's gentle humming in the background, you won't need to use a machine or app on your phone to catch some z's. With the flip of a switch, you can fall asleep to the soft lulls of your room being cooled with a steady stream of circulating air.
• Air Circulation: Circulating the air in your bedroom with a ceiling fan doesn't merely feel pleasant, it's also practical. In the winter, a fan can help distribute warm air evenly, while in the summer a ceiling fan can help ensure you and your family are comfortable no matter how hot it may be outside. Likewise, air circulation plays an important role in preventing your bedroom from smelling stale or feeling stagnant.
• Cost-Effective: Ceiling fans can help cut down your power bill by keeping your personal space comfortable without having to adjust the temperature of your whole house.

Stick With a Calming Palette

Your bedroom should be a reflection of all the things you love. It is the only room in your house that is devoted solely to you, after all. While you are free to select whichever color you please for your walls, bedding, and décor, it's best to stick to soft, muted tones to ensure that your bedroom is as calming and relaxing as possible. Just because your bedroom is adorned in understated colors and patterns doesn't mean it has to be boring, though. Rather than whitewashing your entire room in an effort to make it peaceful, pick colors that are subtle but still have a lot of personality, such as cool blues, relaxing greens, or romantic pinks. The result will be calming yet stunning, the perfect combination for a one-of-a-kind, spa-like bedroom.  

Add Some Houseplants

If we've said it once, we've said it one thousand times: adding potted plants to your living spaces is a good idea, and your bedroom is no exception. Plants are not only beautiful to look at, they are known for removing harmful toxins from the air, making it easier to breathe and ensuring your room always smells fresh. Best of all, plants are great at relieving stress and helping you feel good, which is especially beneficial at bedtime. Looking for the perfect plant to add to your bedroom? Peace lilies, pothos plants, and spider plants are all gorgeous, affordable, and relatively easy to care for.

Incorporate Soothing Scents

A calming, well-balanced room should evoke all of your senses, including your sense of smell. One great way to elevate the tranquility of your bedroom and get a better night's sleep is to bring in smells that will help you do so. If the houseplants you add to the space aren't particularly fragrant, consider placing a lightly scented candle on your bedside table. Its soothing light and gentle fragrance would be a perfect complement to reading your favorite book, meditating, or stretching before you drift off to sleep. Likewise, plugging in an essential oil diffuser is another wonderful option to elevate your bedroom with relaxing scents, such as lavender or chamomile.

Lose the Clutter

Few things can ruin the overall atmosphere of a room quite like excess clutter can. If your bedside table, dresser, or floor is overflowing with clothing, knick-knacks, and plain old junk, this may be preventing you from sleeping well and feeling rested. There's no question that a clean and tidy room can help you feel comfortable and keep anxiety at bay. With this in mind, it's a good idea to keep the surfaces in your bedroom, such as your desk and side table, as well as the floor free from piles of books, shoes, and anything else that could affect the feng shui of the space. If getting rid of some of your belongings isn't an option, consider adding additional storage containers, such as wicker baskets or cloth bins, to your bedroom to help your items stay neatly organized and tucked away. You may be surprised with how much better you feel by simply freeing up some space.

Customize Your Window Treatments

One of the factors that make sleeping in a hotel so enjoyable is their infamous window treatments. Along with choosing curtains or blinds that are stylish and modern, it's important to choose ones that effectively block out sunlight, just like the ones in your favorite hotel room. If you're worried about black-out curtains being ugly or overbearing, don't. Layering black-out curtains or blinds with airy curtain panels will make sure that you aren't woken up by sunlight or other distracting outdoor lights, while your bedroom stays as romantic and calming as ever. If possible, it's best to invest in customized window treatments to guarantee your window dressings fit your window perfectly and holds up for years to come.

Arrange Your Furniture Thoughtfully

The way in which your bedroom furniture is arranged can have a tremendous impact on how you feel every time you walk into the room. To make sure that your bedroom furniture is positioned in a way that helps you relax, keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure the bed is the focal point of the room by positioning it in the center of the main wall.
• Pick a bed that is comfortable to your height, not too short or too tall.
• Don't forget to provide some comfortable seating arrangements, such as a bench at the foot of the bed or a cozy armchair in the corner.
• Avoid filling the room with too much furniture. Stick with the essentials and ditch the rest to make sure the space feels open and airy.

More Tips to Sleep Better

After you've created the ultimate relaxing bedroom for yourself, it's wise to make a few changes to your daily routine to set yourself up for a great night's sleep. Here's how:

• Avoid napping during the day; even if you're tired, power through it, so you aren't wired at bedtime.
• Limit your caffeine consumption in the afternoon, and avoid it altogether several hours before bed.
• Do your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Strive to do a relaxing activity one hour before bed, such as reading, taking a bath, or doing light exercises.
• Turn your electronic devices off at least one hour before bed.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals a few hours before bed.

Above all, your bedroom should be a place that is customized to meet your particular taste and needs. It should be a calming retreat where you can relax and unwind from a long day- you have earned it!