It is no secret that sleep is vital to our health. But did you know that design elements in your bedroom can actually have an impact on the quality of your sleep? If you find yourself not getting the rest you feel you need, see if any of these ideas can help.

1) Mattress placement
Choosing the right mattress is only the first step. It is important to choose the right spot to place it. Experts say arranging your room so that you are able to see out the door while your bed can only be partially seen from the door is a key way to get a better night's rest. It all deals with a feeling of security. Those nighttime fears we had as children may not be as prevalent, but they still can have a subconscious impact when you aren't able to keep an eye on your surroundings and know you're safe. Other things to consider are positioning the bed to minimize light from windows or other sources of light or sound disturbing your sleep.

2) Color Choices
Even if you're a fan bright, bold colors, it's a better idea to subdue things a bit in your bedroom. There have been numerous studies documenting how colors can impact a person's mood. Bright colors can actually energize you or even add to anxiety. 

That doesn't mean you have to stick with a boring palette. Instead opt for something in the pastel range of your favorite hue, and you can find yourself drifting off to sleep faster.

3) Window coverings matter

Another well-documented fact is we tend to get better sleep in darker surroundings. Humans have spent thousands of years operating in the daylight and sleeping at night, so it can be hard to fight countless generations of evolution. 

You may love those beautiful drapes, but do they block out light? This becomes even more important as we move in to the summer months when the daylight starts much earlier and lasts much later into the night. If you don't want to swap out the sheer drapes, consider adding a window shade you can draw when it's time to sleep. This will give your room, and your body, the darkness it's come to depend on.

4) Functional fragrances

Just like colors can have a huge impact on our mood. The right smells can trigger powerful memories, evoke strong feelings and increase our comfort or amp up our energy level. Lavender is a common scent known for its calming effects. Conversely, citrus can do the opposite, making it more difficult for you to sleep. Play around with some subdued, calming scents in your room to make it easier for you to drift off to sleep.

5) Clean your room

Not to sound like our parents who frequently lamented the cleanliness of our rooms as kids, but there is a connection between clutter and rest. You don't need to break out the vacuum and dust rag every night, but getting rid of clutter can help your mind relax instead of focusing on all the "things to do" around it at night. It's bad enough having a "to-do" list hanging over our heads during the day, don't add to it at night.

These simple tips can help you improve your quality of sleep and get you through your day feeling more energized. If you need any help with finding items to aid in your journey, stop by the store and we'll be glad to help you find what you need.