9 Things to Buy for a Healthier Bedroom
When you think about setting up your bedroom, you're probably thinking about it from a design perspective. You want it to reflect your personal taste. While achieving your specific aesthetic is important, it's also worth noting that how you decorate your bedroom can also affect your health. Just think about it: The bedroom is where you get your sleep, where you relax and unwind, and where you start your day. When your bedroom is set up for success, with all of the creature comforts that can help you, you're setting yourself up for success every day, too.
There are plenty of wellness products out there that can help you achieve a healthier bedroom, from lighting to aromatherapy tech to bedding that can help you drift off to dreamland. Take a look at some of our picks below, and get ready to redecorate.
Smart Lighting
Great lighting can set the mood in your bedroom. You'll need a good table lamp for bedside reading, or late-night chats with your partner. But there are also some high-tech lighting options out there now that will help you wake up easier, combat seasonal affective disorder, and actually help you sleep better.The Phillips alarm clock does double duty because it acts as a traditional clock, but it also is equipped with a lamp that provides light therapy and simulates the sunrise, so you can wake up more peacefully. Another plus? You won't have to rely on your phone as an alarm, which means you can block out blue light or other temptations (like Instagram and emails) that prevent you from getting better sleep.
Another option is this Glow Light from Casper (yes, the mattress brand). It's self-dimming, which can lull you to sleep, and it gives out a warm, well, glow, so that if you need to get up in the middle of the night, it won't be so jarring to turn on the light. It's also controlled by an app and charges wirelessly, because we are living in the future.
If you're prone to seasonal affective disorder, you might want to keep a light therapy box in your bedroom. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions."
Diffuser
We've gone on and on about the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy, so it goes without saying that a diffuser can affect your mood for the better. Use it in the bedroom to help you relieve stress and get some sleep.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains come in handy if you need complete darkness in order to get a good night's sleep. Even if you don't, if your bedroom windows seem to let in a lot of light at night, you might want to invest in some heavy-duty curtains.
Bedding
You might not be getting restful sleep because you aren't exactly comfortable in your bed. If you don't remember the last time you bought brand-new sheets, or if your comforter is looking a little threadbare, it wouldn't hurt to invest in new bedding.
Pillows
It's recommended that you get new pillows every one to two years. Older pillows won't be as firm and give you the support you need when you're sleeping, which might lead to neck pain. Not to mention, your pillow can be a source of dust mites if you don't clean it.
Plants
Plants are known to purify the air and make you feel better. Plus, they just look so dang good in a bedroom. So why not cultivate a mini indoor garden in your space?
Candles
You can set the mood with your diffuser, but a couple of candles can help, too. Choose ones with soothing fragrances and light them while you're going about your self-care routine to unwind.
We know journaling can help with mental health, but you can also use a journal to track your sleep cycles, which comes in handy especially if you have been having trouble sleeping recently.
Sleep Mask
Like blackout curtains, a sleep mask will bathe you in complete darkness so you can catch some z’s. Plus, they make such luxe ones now (like the Slip silk versions) that you’ll feel oh so comfortable.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.