8 Things That Might Interfere with Your Sleep

A proper sleep schedule is just as important to your health as eating a nutritional diet.

 

We all know what not enough sleep feels like and how it can affect you in your everyday life. Keeping up with a routine can be difficult with a busy life, but maybe some unknown factors are playing into your lack of sleep.

Here are 8 things that might be affecting your sleep and how you can eliminate them for a good night’s rest:

Intense Colors

Red may be your favorite color, but bold and bright colored bedrooms are not conducive to a restful night’s sleep. According to a recent article in Nestmaven,“ primary colors are less conducive to sleep than more toned-down shades. Sleep specialists also recommend opting for a flat finish over glossy, which makes colors appear softer.”

TravelLodge conducted a study and found color to have a direct impact on restful sleep. For example, purple was reported to incite vivid dreams and perhaps even nightmares. Red signals danger and can be linked to a rise in blood pressure. It would be best to choose muted shades of blue, yellow and even green, which elicits the feeling of comfort and relaxation.

 

Pets in Bed

You may love your pet but an animal who requires stroking and petting throughout the night, or who wants to sleep on your head or chest may hinder your rest. You may also have an allergy to dander and not even realize it. An air purifier may help, but a better option would be to make a warm and cozy bed for your four-legged friend and get the rest you need to operate on all cylinders.

 

A Heavy Comforter

While the feeling of a hefty comforter is soothing at first, waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat is rather uncomfortable. Trying to get back to sleep sticky and wet is hard and it messes with your sleep schedule. Your comforter does not have to be heavy in order for it to be good. Remember that you can add quilts to your bedding as the winter approaches and keep it light and cool during the summer.

 

A Scratchy Blanket

We all love cuddling up in a good blanket, but shopping for a nice one can be tricky. It might look pretty in the store or magazine, but a functional blanket has to pass the “itch” test. Fabrics like wool and acrylic can leave your skin irritated. Go for a soft cotton or even a plush fleece blanket for maximum comfort and quality.

 

Bright Light and Technology

An alarm clock (yes, some people still use them!), laptop, cell phone, or a TV can promote enough light to interfere with your sleep. While technology may be a key factor in your daily life, it does not have to be an active participant in your sleep. Sleep.org explains how certain technology can suppress melatonin and keep your brain alert. Start getting into the habit of a new nightly routine that reduces your amount of technology time to maximize your sleep.

 

Food

Eating in bed can be relaxing, but the untidiness that it can create is not worth it. There is no peace in falling asleep in a mess of cookie crumbs or popcorn kernels. If you must have that craved, late night snack, try to keep it out of your bed and within the confines of your kitchen. However, eating too late and right before bed can cause your sleep cycle to get off track and you may wake up not feeling as refreshed.

 

Bad Mattress and Old Pillows

Mattresses can last up to 10 years. That being said, if you feel like your body is being beaten up by your mattress, trust your body and search for a new one. When it comes to choosing your mattress, its ok to unleash your inner “Princess and the Pea” or “Goldie Locks”. The same goes for your pillows. Old and lumpy pillows are not pleasant and can cause more strain on your body. Your comfort is the most important thing to focus on when choosing the best mattress and pillows for yourself. Find the pair that is not too hard, not too soft, but is just right.

 

Loud Noises and Sounds

Reducing the noises being emitted in or around your room can positively affect your sleep for the night. Adding white noise to your room (i.e., a sound machine, air purifier, small fan, etc.) helps distract the noises interfering with your sleep. White noise helps your brain to relax and release melatonin for a better slumber.

 

What should you have in your bedroom? Here are a few bedroom essentials:

• A good book
• Soft lighting
• Relaxing scent – candle or essential oil
• Meditative playlist
• Blackout curtains
• Comfy sheets
• Good mattress and/or therapeutic mattress pad
• Quality pillows
• Cozy PJ’s
• Cup of chamomile tea

 

 

 

 

You may also like 9 Evening Rituals for a Better Tomorrow. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.