Who doesn’t love waking up feeling completely refreshed and ready to take on the day? Deep sleep is the key to feeling our best, but sometimes life can make it a little challenging to get regular deep sleep. It can feel tougher to stay healthy, focused, and energized, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through how to create a relaxing atmosphere, along with the essential daily habits that set you up for a rejuvenating rest.
What is Deep Sleep and Why Does It Matter?
Deep sleep is a part of the sleep cycle where your body undergoes most of its restorative processes. You should aim to get some deep sleep every night to allow your brain and body to rejuvenate after each day.
Regular deep sleep is a holistic health practice. It benefits physical restoration (i.e., repairing tissues), hormone regulation (great for your immune system), and improving overall cognitive function (such as emotional regulation, your ability to retain information, or memory consolidation).
The benefits of deep sleep are tenfold — you just need to nail your sleep hygiene!
5 Sleep Hygiene Tips for a Better Night’s Rest
Sleep hygiene is a term for good sleep habits that extend beyond a regular nighttime routine. It’s easy to get into the swing of things if you follow a few simple tips:
1. Have a Bedtime Routine You Stick To
A consistent sleep routine is so rewarding once you nail it! You don’t need a regimented schedule–just aim to go to bed around the same time each day, and you can build habits from there. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. Try integrating one or more of these practices for winding down before bed:
-
- Dim lights 1-2 hours before bed
-
- Avoid blue light exposure (looking at TV, monitors, phone screens, etc.)
-
- Getting comfy in bed and snuggling up with a Minky blanket
2. Build Good Habits Before the End of the Day
Your sleep hygiene actually starts with your daytime activities because they influence your ability to fall asleep at night. Aim to:
-
- Prioritize natural light exposure in the morning
-
- Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime
-
- Limit naps to 20-30 minutes to avoid grogginess
-
- Avoid caffeine late in the day to avoid trouble getting to sleep.
3. Eliminate Bedroom Clutter
Clutter can link to increased stress and anxiety levels, thus negatively impacting your sleep quality (messy spaces = racing mind!). Start small, like making your bed each morning with simple blanket folding techniques. You’d be surprised how much clearer your mind gets when you’re in a tidier space.
4. Reset Your Circadian Rhythm
What’s your circadian rhythm? It’s your body’s natural way of staying alert and feeling tired when necessary. It’s linked to the day-night cycle, so the timing of your light exposure throughout the day matters! Here’s how to reset your circadian rhythm:
-
- Aim to wake up around the same time every day
-
- Get sun exposure in the morning and avoid bright light late at night
-
- Regulate your routine as much as you can
5. The Cozier Your Room is, The Better You Sleep
A comfortable environment provides physical and mental comfort, which supports a deeper sleep. This is why we often prefer to sleep with a blanket, even on warm nights, since blankets provide a sense of security and warmth. Here’s how to make your room cozy:
-
- Have a mildly cool room (about 65 degrees F)
-
- Use bedding that brings comfort
-
- Have a dimly lit room at night
-
- Declutter surfaces to reduce mental overload
Cozy Bedroom Essentials
So, what are the must-haves for ensuring your bedroom creates the best sleeping conditions?
Soft, Breathable Blankets to Maximise Comfort
The right blanket can make quite a difference in whether you’ll get a peaceful sleep or not. Minky blankets, for example, provide the perfect weight and warmth for a cozy night’s rest because they’re made with soft, breathable fabric.
Weighted Blankets For Extra Comfort
For those who want a little more security, a blanket that applies gentle pressure has many sleep benefits, such as reducing anxiety.
Plants or Essential Oil Diffusers
You’d be surprised how much a touch of nature can elevate your bedroom’s atmosphere. Things like indoor plants, essential oil diffusers (try lavender or eucalyptus scents) have been shown to reduce stress levels, which eases you into a relaxed state.
Soft Lighting
Not only does lighting create a calm ambiance in your bedroom, but it also adheres to your circadian rhythm—your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Curtains or Drapes
Choose curtains or drapes that block out as much light as possible. That way, things like passing cars, early morning light, or street lights don’t disrupt your sleep routine.
Decorative Throw Pillows
Snuggle up with comfy pillows of your choice. Have a little fun here! Mix and match different sizes (smaller pillows are called shams), textures, and colors to make it your haven.
Wall Tapestries, Artworks
You can even cozy up your walls with art prints, wall hangings, or tapestries that add extra comfort to your space.
Ready To Build Your Perfect Deep Sleep Environment?
Setting yourself up for deep sleep doesn’t have to be complicated. Combine a couple of sleep hygiene tips with some cozy bedroom essentials, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your sleep quality.
Remember that consistency is your best friend here. Build habits that work for you, and with that routine underway, you’ll get that rejuvenating rest your body needs each night.
Don’t know where to start? Browse our Minky blanket collections to explore which blanket will make your room more cozy.
Sewn with love, Minky Couture
