My New Years resolution this year is to get some sleep. Now you might be thinking this is not the most challenging change I can make to my life. But as someone who has spent the last 6 years being woken most nights by my two tiny party animals, sleep has become the most important way I can show myself some self care.
Getting to sleep is not a problem for me. I can fall asleep seconds before my head hits the pillow. I’m not joking! My problem is staying asleep. And on the rare occasion one of my children doesn’t wake up needing me in the middle of the night, my own body finds a way to sabotage what could be an actual decent night’s sleep. So when I read this article about good sleep hygiene I decided to take matters into my own hands and make some much needed changes to my bedroom in the hope I could get that elusive good nights sleep I’ve been dreaming of.
Declutter the Space
Firstly we know decluttering and tidying the space always improves mental well-being. But it’s not only that, a proper clear out and clean can freshen up the room, removing dust and dirt that could be affecting your breathing at night. I am sensitive to dust so this is something I do regularly focusing on the space under the bed. I’m never not disgusted by how dusty it gets!
Freshen up your Bedding
Once under the bed is clean and clear, we can focus on what’s on top of the bed. There is nothing better than freshly washed bedding. And while I wish I could put clean bedding on my bed every night, logistically it’s just not possible. So instead I fake it. A night time, lavender spritz sprayed onto pillows between washes can help to give that freshly washed feeling, as well as helping to create a relaxing environment to fall asleep in.
Hide your Tech
Screens are well known to hinder sleep and I’m guilty of picking up my phone in the middle of the night when I’m struggling to get back to sleep. While I like to keep my phone in the bedroom just in case, it doesn’t need to be out on display. Instead of using my phone to check the time I have a sunrise alarm clock. This not only displays the time but also helps me to wake up gently in the mornings to a gradual slow light. A much calmer way to start the day than a shrill phone alarm.
Utilise your Decor to Create Calm
I do feel that I’ve decorated my bedroom in a calm and relaxing way, but there are definitely some improvements to be made. Adding some softer textures like curtains over my blind would not only help create a more comforting vibe but it would help me block out the street light from outside. I actually have curtains I bought two years ago but never got around to putting them up. So please hold me accountable and shout at me over on Instagram to get that done. Otherwise it might be another two years until they’re up!
The Perfect Mattress
Now onto my biggest hindrance for a good night’s sleep. My mattress. I have woken up many times in the middle of the night in too much pain to turn over. So perhaps the most important change I’ve made for that good night’s sleep was upgrading to the Simba Hybrid mattress. Unlike my old, foam mattress this utilises a combination of springs and foam to allow for better spinal alignment & pressure relief. Something my lower back is crying out for!
I’ve slept on this mattress for just one night so far, but incredibly, even with two children in bed with me and the fire alarm randomly going off at 12.15am I had a very good night’s sleep! I know it doesn’t sound quite like the perfect 8 hours, but after the panic of a potential fire and getting everyone back into bed, I quickly managed to get back to sleep for a solid six hours, even after anxiously googling why fire alarms go off when there’s no fire for 20 minutes! And I can honestly say I can’t wait to get back into bed tonight.
