Guest Blog: How To Decorate A Bedroom To Improve Seniors' Sleep
As we get older, sleep naturally changes. Older adults tend to have more difficulty falling asleep, and spend less time in deep sleep. Although some of these changes can be attributed to chronic disease, anxiety, medication, or other issues common among seniors, even healthy people can have trouble sleeping as the years go by.
If you’ve ruled out any medical issues that may be underlying your sleep issues, or you simply want to do everything you can to get enough rest, changing your bedroom decor may be part of the solution. Creating a space that’s relaxing and conducive to sleep and rest can go a long way toward helping you fall asleep sooner, stay asleep longer, and get more restful sleep. It doesn’t have to be a major overhaul either. Just a few small tweaks to your bedroom’s decoration can make a big difference.
Clear the Clutter
How do you feel when you are in a cluttered, messy room? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t feel all that comfortable or relaxed. If you suspect this could be disrupting your sleep, you’re right. A 2015 study found that people who sleep in cluttered rooms are more likely to have trouble falling asleep and are more likely to wake up in the night.
The first step to improving your sleep then, is to clear the clutter to support a more restful and calming environment. Put away clothing, keep accessories and decorative accents to a minimum, and keep your night table clear. Give everything a place, and put everything away when it’s not being used.
Use Color
The colors you use to decorate your room can have an effect on your mood and how well you sleep. Conventional wisdom says that neutral colors and shades of blue and green are the most restful and relaxing, but deeper shades of red and yellow can create a cozy and inviting space that helps improve sleep for seniors.
If you prefer bright and energizing colors, you don’t have to sacrifice them in the name of better sleep. Add pops of color through bedding or accessories, or paint an accent wall in your favorite shade, to add interest to a more neutral space.
Choose Bedding Carefully
When it comes to bedding, choose materials and textures that help you sleep. If you have a tendency to sleep hot, for instance, opt for sheets made from cooling fabrics like linen, bamboo, or Egyptian cotton in a shade or pattern that matches your decor. If you get cold, warm flannel or plush fleece sheets will help you maintain the perfect temperature. Invest in the best quality bedding you can, with matching comforter and duvet, bed skirt, and shams for a cohesive and stylish look and a better night of sleep.
Use The Right Light
Darkness is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep. Even small amounts of light from a street light or headlights passing on the street outside your window can disturb your rest, so dress your windows to help you get better sleep. Blackout curtains can help your room stay dark without sacrificing style.
Carolyn is a writer and editor who makes sure to take naps any time she's alone in the house. She loves horror movies and musicals and any combination of the two.
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