With the fast pace and distractions of modern life, sleep matters. As the evenings get darker, and with World Dream Day on 25th September, now is the perfect time to think about how you can improve your sleep pattern and conserve energy for those cold winter days.
Two things which make a huge difference to sleep is your diet, and your bed. Here a few of our food and master bedroom ideas to help improve sleep.
Food
There is plenty of foods which will make you sleepy (and lots that will keep you awake too). Stick to these foods for late night bites, and incorporate these into your diet, to help improve your sleep.
Vegetables like sweet potatoes, nuts like pistachios and almonds and fruits like prunes, bananas and cherries are all great to help you feel sleepy. Herbal teas are also great to help you rewind at the end of a long day.
You could even make a banana cake incorporating foods which will make you sleepy (and also make a delicious dessert). Check out a delicious recipe for banana cake here.
Foods to avoid include peppermints, burgers and spicy food. For drinks, of course coffee, as well as orange juice, are ones to avoid in the evening.
Bed
In order to get the best night's sleep possible, it is important to ensure you have the perfect mattress. Our blogposts on choosing the perfect bed, and choosing the best position for your bed, are full of handy hints and tips to make sure you'll get a great night's sleep every night.
Most importantly, to ensure you wake up free of aches and pains, your mattress should support the three natural curves in your back (the neck, middle and lower back). The mattress should be a soft, luxurious surface you can sink into which doesn't force your back straight. Whether you go for springs or pocket sprung is up to you. Further, when it comes to bedroom decorations keep it simple. You don't want to provide your brain with more distractions, keeping you awake.
The bed frame is more about style than comfort, however a solid bed frame is important to give adequate support to the mattress upon it. A bed with a curved headboard is great for providing comfort if you like to sit up in bed and read or talk and will also create an elegant finish. Alternatively, contemporary beds with a slim, oak frame will create a sleek look that will perfectly compliment modern furniture.
Of course, patterns are also hugely important when it comes to improving your sleep. For example, turning off any gadgets at least 30 minutes before going to bed will help relax the brain. Ensuring you don't do work in your bedroom also provides a separated, relaxing space which will make it easier to doze off.
Did you try any of these bed ideas? What are your tips and tricks for getting a better night's sleep? Let us know.
