Not sleeping as well as you’d like to? Whether it’s because you’re stressed out, suffering from insomnia, or just plain uncomfortable, there are a lot of decorating decisions that you can make in your bedroom to turn it into an oasis of rest and relaxation. If you feel like you could be sleeping better at night, here are a few simple changes you can make around your room to catch some extra Z’s:

Don’t be afraid of the dark. According to Health Magazine, the more light in your room, the worse it is for your sleep cycle. Whether you know it or not, your eyes can detect light through your eyelids, leading to a decrease in the amount of melatonin produced by your body. Keep a nightlight in the hall rather than in your room, cover up digital clocks, and invest in thick curtains for maximum light blockage.

Choose quality linens. You don’t have to get the most expensive sheets that money can buy, but don’t get the cheapest either. Your body temperature naturally drops when you’re getting ready to go to sleep, and cheap polyester or expensive linens with excessively high thread counts can heat you enough to wake you up.

No computer, no television, no problem. Work from home a lot? If you do, make sure your bedroom isn’t also your home office. You don’t want a source of stress in a room that should be associated with tranquility. Also, falling asleep to TV at night inhibits good sleep; you’re going to want to move your set to another room.

Choose calming colors. Color theory suggests that certain colors are naturally more soothing than others. Blues, greens, purples, and neutral colors like shades of white or brown are generally popular for bedrooms for their soothing appearances. Red is a very energetic and vibrant color, and therefore is not good for the bedroom; however, shades of rose and maroon can be used to create a calm, yet romantic feeling when used in moderation.

Overwhelm the senses. Lavender or chamomile scents can come from candles, or the plants themselves. If you sleep better with a little bit of background noise, look into investing in a small fan. Not only will this create light noise that can block out disruptive noises, but it will also increase air flow to dissipate irritating allergens and create a calming breeze in the room.

Interior decorating is about more than just making your home aesthetically pleasing; it’s about creating a comfortable living space for yourself and your loved ones. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more attractive and soothing, contact a decorating professional like Hemet Interior Designers. Don’t let your bedroom cost you any more valuable hours of sleep!