Our guide to creating the ultimate sleepscape

We spend a third of our lives asleep, yet so many of us overlook the importance of a good night’s rest. A good night’s sleep can help support mental and physical wellbeing, good concentration, and overall happiness, which is why it’s so important to create a restful, calm, and relaxing environment to go to bed in. 

Good sleeping habits and ‘sleep hygiene’ can make a huge difference in the pursuit of the perfect slumber, and your sleepscape, your atmosphere to escape to, should be perfectly designed with sleep in mind. There are several ways you can help yourself achieve a good night’s sleep, recharging you for the next day. From your winding down routine to the furniture in your bedroom, lighting, and preparation for bedtime, we’ve outlined some of the positive choices you can make to get the best sleep. 

In the UK, how we prepare for sleep varies from region to region, with some people choosing to have a hot shower or hot drink, and others swearing by their skincare routine and listening to music. How you prepare for sleep is personal to you, but a startling proportion of people do not have a regular bedtime routine. Having a regular routine can help signal to your body and mind that it’s time to switch off and rest for the night, and the environment in which you sleep is equally important. 

What habits can help with better sleep?

There are several ways you can help to improve sleep, including lifestyle and dietary choices in the lead-up to bedtime.  Here are three simple habits you can adopt to help you if you struggle to fall or stay asleep at night:

Reducing electronics before bedtime

Limiting screen time before bedtime can breed better sleep. The blue light emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. If you can’t resist a last-minute scroll, many smartphones have a blue light reduction tool that can limit the impact that extra screen time has on your brain. However, if your phone disturbs you during the night, it may be more practical to leave it in another room and opt for a simple alarm clock. 

Reducing caffeine intake throughout the day

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain soft drinks, and it can wreak havoc if you’re trying to switch off. Consuming caffeine, especially in the afternoon or evening, can disrupt your sleep patterns, so it’s advisable to reduce or eliminate caffeine intake several hours before bedtime. Opt for decaffeinated beverages or herbal teas in the evening to promote relaxation.

Meditation or stretching exercises

Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation or gentle stretching exercises into your evening routine can help calm your mind and body. Practices like mindfulness exercises, meditation, or yoga can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, making it easier to transition into a restful state. Several apps on the market promote relaxation, through music or storytelling, and these can prove useful in helping you get ready for bed. 

5 steps to creating a better sleepscape

Your sleepscape should be your haven for perfect sleep, and how you furnish it can make a big difference to the sleep you get. Lighting, furniture, and colour schemes can all promote better sleep, creating a calming aesthetic and a restful environment to escape to. When creating your sleepscape, it’s important to weigh up practicalities and comfort and your choices will depend on the size of the space, your personal taste, and any other preferences you have.

01. Choose your bed wisely

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to choosing the right bed for you, but indulging in a luxury bed could be integral to how well you sleep. The size and style of the bed will depend on your tastes and needs, but it’s also important to make sure that your bed fits with the ambience and colour scheme of your room to create a calming feel.  

At The Sleep Co, we have a range of different styles and sizes of bed, all to help you indulge in luxury.  If you’re looking for a bed with a storage solution to keep your sleepscape clutter-free, then why not opt for one of our divans or platform beds, which have built-in storage and a flatbed to lay your mattress on? 

If you want your bed to provide a strong focal point for your bedroom and have a larger space, then our range of sleigh beds or head and footboards could help you create that striking look. You’ll also want to make sure you choose the right size of bed. If you share your bed, and one of you is an active sleeper, then it is worth investing in a King or Super King to give you space to move. However, if space is limited, we have single, small double and double beds all boasting the same luxurious finish and quality. 

02. Choosing the right mattress 

Creating the perfect sleep environment involves selecting a mattress that offers maximum comfort. Considering your mattress, in its 7-year lifespan, will endure over 20,000 hours of wear and tear, it’s worth investing in a quality product that will stand the test of time, and provide comfort night after night. While the ideal mattress is a personal choice, understanding various styles and fabrics is crucial for long-term satisfaction.

02.1 Springs vs memory foam mattresses

Selecting between spring and memory foam mattresses is a key decision. Spring mattresses provide support through coil systems, offering a traditional feel and bounce. On the other hand, memory foam mattresses contour to your body, relieving pressure points and promoting a more customised sleep experience. Premium mattresses also offer a range of different benefits, depending on the type you choose, and maintenance and longevity should be other factors to help you decide. 

02.2 Are mattress toppers worth it?

If you’re not in the market to buy a whole new mattress, or you want to refresh your current mattress, you may want to consider a mattress topper. Mattress toppers come in various materials like memory foam, latex, or feather, and they can add an extra layer of softness or support. 

02.3 Breathable mattresses

A breathable mattress could be key in creating a comfortable sleep environment. Mattresses made from breathable materials, such as those with cooling gel layers or perforated designs, can help regulate temperature and prevent overheating during the night. This is particularly beneficial for those who tend to sleep hot or in warmer climates, ensuring a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.

03. Blinds vs curtains for creating darkness

Achieving a dark sleeping environment is crucial for promoting a good night’s sleep. Darkness signals the body to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to light, especially artificial light from street lamps or electronic devices, can inhibit melatonin production, disrupting your sleep.

Natural light exposure during the day and darkness at night are essential for regulating the circadian rhythm, the natural way your body understands night and day. A consistently dark sleep environment supports the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, promoting a more regular and restful pattern. This is why, whether you choose curtains or blinds, ensuring your sleepscape is plunged into darkness at night is key to achieving quality sleep. 

03.1 Benefits of blinds

Blinds offer adjustable light control, allowing you to easily regulate the amount of light entering the room. Vertical or horizontal slats provide flexibility in managing light levels. If you’re looking to save space and create a modern look, blinds are often more compact than curtains, making them a suitable choice for smaller rooms or windows.

03.2 Benefits of curtains

If you’re after creating a cosy vibe, then plush curtains can help you to achieve a warming and snug look and feel. Thick and blackout curtains are highly effective in blocking out external light. They create a completely dark environment, and help keep you warm at night, as curtains can provide additional insulation, contributing to a comfortable sleep environment.

04. Reducing noise and sounds

Reducing noise, particularly jarring, sudden sounds that could wake you, is important in achieving a good night’s sleep. Removing devices that could create sound, like mobile phones, from the room entirely could help any unwanted, unnecessary wake-ups in the middle of the night. It’s also worth investing in a luxury bed frame, to mitigate unwanted squeaking and noise that can occur when you or your partner roll over. 

Soft furnishings can help reduce noise from both inside and outside the home.  Some people also choose to play white noise, like the sound of a fan, to help them drift off to sleep and stay asleep.  If you struggle to switch off, it may help to play soft and calming music quietly in the period before going to sleep.

05. Declutter 

A cluttered environment can contribute to stress, anxiety, and a sense of overwhelm, affecting both mental and physical health. The bedroom, your sleepscape, is a sanctuary for relaxation and sleep, and it is particularly crucial for maintaining tranquillity and promoting a peaceful state of mind. 

Opt for storage solutions that hide clutter and clear your bedroom of mess. Beds with built-in storage can prove extremely helpful in decluttering your bedroom, as you do not sacrifice floor or wall space to stash away your belongings.  Depending on how often you need to access the items you are storing, you could opt for a bed with built-in drawers, for regular access, or more long-term storage, many platform beds provide the option to store underneath the mattress, for a sleek and clean finish. 

Get on your way to better sleep today

The quality and amount of sleep you get can have a major impact on your day-to-day life, which is why creating your perfect sleepscape can help you to relax, unwind and drift off for an uninterrupted night’s sleep. The environment in which you sleep, combined with the adoption of a good bedtime routine could see you well on your way to better physical and mental health. This is why it’s important to invest in your bedroom to make it a serene, calming environment conducive to good sleep. Choosing the perfect bed and mattress, to ensure complete comfort, along with soft furnishings and decor to create relaxing surroundings, should be a priority if you’re looking to improve your sleep.  We spend 27 years of our lives in bed, so make them count. Please browse our range of luxury, indulgent beds and mattresses and start your journey to better sleep today.

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