10 Steps to Create Your Perfect Sleep Environment: Expert Guide 2023

Sleep is an essential aspect of our overall health and well-being. A good night's rest is crucial for our mental and physical health, and the environment we sleep in can significantly impact the quality of our sleep. In this article, we will discuss ten steps to create the best sleep environment to promote a good night's rest.

1. Invest in a Comfortable Mattress and Pillows

One of the most critical factors for a good night's rest is a comfortable mattress and pillows. A mattress that's too soft or too hard can cause discomfort and pain, leading to a restless night's sleep. A back or stomach sleeper may benefit from a harder mattress whereas a side sleeper may benefit from a softer mattress. Invest in a quality mattress and pillows that support your body and ensure a good night's rest. Find sleep expert picks for the best sleep products on Amazon for 2023 here.

2. Keep Your Room Dark

A dark room is essential for a good night's sleep. Light can disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. The circadian rhythm is responsible for controlling a range of functions, including hormone production, metabolism, and body temperature, among others. It operates on a roughly 24-hour cycle, and disruptions to this cycle can have negative effects on health and wellbeing.  Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to keep your room dark, even if there is light pollution outside.

3. Reduce Noise

Noise can significantly impact our sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you have anxiety or insomnia, one small noise can be the difference between a night of good sleep or no sleep at all. Use earplugs or a white noise machine to reduce noise levels and create a more peaceful sleep environment.

4. Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

The temperature of your sleep environment can impact your sleep quality. A room that's too hot or too cold can disrupt your sleep. Maintain a comfortable temperature, between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, to promote better sleep. You will be less likely to wake up cold or in a heat sweat.

5. Remove Electronic Devices

Electronic devices emit blue light, which can suppress the production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Remove electronic devices from your sleep environment or use blue light filters to reduce their impact. Consider sleeping with your cellphone on a distant nightstand from your bed or place it in a separate room so you will not be tempted to use it in bed.

6. Use Calming Scents

Aromatherapy can promote relaxation and help you fall asleep faster. Use calming scents like lavender or chamomile to promote relaxation and create a peaceful sleep environment. Adding a humidifier or vaporizer can also be helpful for diffusing essential oils or adding moisture to the air.

7. Keep Your Room Clean and Clutter-Free

A clean and clutter-free room can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Make sure to keep your room clean and tidy, reducing visual distractions that can disrupt your sleep. A cluttered room is often associated with a cluttered mind - free up your space and catch some ZZZ's!

8. Invest in Quality Bedding

Quality bedding can significantly impact your sleep quality. Invest in comfortable sheets, blankets, and comforters that promote comfort and relaxation. Silk sheets and pillow cases have been known to be higher quality breathable fabrics and a better choice for skin health. 

9. Use Soft Lighting

Harsh lighting can throw your sense of sleep out of whack. Your body is more likely to respond with alertness to higher stimulating lights. Consider turning off harsh lighting in advance before bed, or use soft, warm lighting to create a peaceful sleep environment.

10. Establish a Nighttime Routine

Establishing a nighttime routine can help promote relaxation and signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Consider reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to promote a good night's sleep. If you can become an expert at this, your sleep habits will never be the same! We have a transformative sleep tracker guide and a free sleep tracker than can get you kick-started here.

If you're someone who struggles with getting a good night's rest, then upgrading your sleep environment could be the solution you've been looking for. Researchers in 2023 recommend upgrading your sleep environment because it can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep, which can, in turn, affect your overall health and well-being.

Here are some reasons why upgrading your sleep environment is important:

Better sleep quality: A comfortable sleep environment can help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed. By upgrading your sleep environment, you can create a space that is conducive to a good night's sleep. This might include waking up and feeling more refreshed, having less of an urge to supplement sleep-debt with caffeine, or experiencing reduced irritability.

Reduced stress and anxiety: Creating a relaxing sleep environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Adding calming elements to your bedroom, such as soft lighting, soothing scents, and relaxing décor, could boost your sleep quality and your immune system as you acquire deeper and more restful sleep.

Improved physical health: Poor sleep quality has been linked to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By upgrading your sleep environment and improving the quality of your sleep, you can help to reduce your risk of these health problems. A 2023 study came to the startling conclusion that poor sleep can be linked to Alzheimer's Disease.

Boosted mental health: A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health. By creating a comfortable sleep environment, you can help to improve your mood and reduce the risk of depression and mood swings related to lack of rest. You can read more on the relationship between sleep and mental health here.

Overall, upgrading your sleep environment is an investment in your health and well-being. By creating a comfortable, relaxing space for snoozing, you can improve the quality of your sleep and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.

Don't fret if you aren't able to make all of the recommended sleep environment steps immediately. Getting a good night's rest is a marathon, not a sprint. Find a couple of steps that work best for your life situation and work to become an expert. It's not too late to take your first step tonight by utilizing a sleep tracker. We have made one incredibly simple to log and easy to follow. Find your printable copy here, no hassle or purchase necessary. We'll even teach you how to use it for best results!

Creating the best sleep environment is crucial for a good night's rest. By investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows, keeping your room dark, reducing noise levels, maintaining a comfortable temperature, removing electronic devices, using calming scents, keeping your room clean and clutter-free, investing in quality bedding, using soft lighting, and establishing a nighttime routine, you can create a peaceful sleep environment that promotes relaxation and a good night's rest. Say goodbye to your restless nights!