The Ultimate Bedroom Optimization Guide

OPTIMIZE YOUR BEDROOM FOR MAXIMUM SLEEP Tips for a Better Night's Sleep We spend, on average, a third of our lives sleeping. It restores our minds, strengthens our immune systems, and let's face it: It's just plain enjoyable. Still, a lot of us aren't getting the best sleep we deserve, which can have a huge effect on how we experience our waking hours. Here are some simple tips for turning your bedroom into the sleep sanctuary it should be. HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU NEED? Infants 16 HOURS Ages 3-12 10 HOURS Ages 13-18 10 HOURS Ages 19-55 8 HOURS Ages 55+ 6 HOURS Hours 10 15 20 PICK A COLOR ANY COLOR Your property manager may allow you to paint your walls and may even ask for your preference if the apartment is going to be repainted before you move in. Choose a tone that you personally find soothing. If you prefer warm tones, skew towards more muted ones. When possible, select a matte finish to avoid amplifying light by reflection. IT'S WORTH SPENDING ON YOUR SLEEP Buy the most expensive Invest in sheets with at least a 300-thread count. Long-fiber or "Supima" cotton is best. mattress you can reasonably afford - it is worth it. KEEP IT CLEAN KEEP IT COOL Fight the urge to bring your waking life into The ideal temperature for sleep is around 65 degrees. the bedroom. Keep work or chores like laundry out; they'll serve as distracting reminders. + GO DARK + Invest in a good set of window shades or even blackout curtains - just be sure these are compliant with any window covering restrictions set by your property manager. Can't afford to? A sleep mask is an inexpensive solution. Ideally, your bedroom should be as dark as possible without your bumping into things. DIM EARLY, DIM OFTEN 8h 4 in 10 people will check their phones during the night if it goes off. And 81% of users will keep it on throughout the evening. Your body needs The average person now spends 8 hours, 41 minutes of their day on true darkness in order to get the best sleep. electronic devices, which is more than they sleep. Almost 80% of people If you have to have it in your bedroom, keep your phone face down so your Trade in your digital alarm clock for an who seek medical analog one with glow-in-the-dark attention for exhaustion or difficulty sleeping keep phones in bed sleep isn't disturbed by a glowing screen. hands. with them. Don't) Sheeppriend E Avoid viewing any Though it's only the size of a pea, the pineal gland is what releases melatonin (a sleep-inducing homone) about 60 to 90 minutes before you go to sleep. screens an hour before sleeping – this includes TVs, tablets, etc. Install dimmers so you can slowly bring down light levels as you prepare for sleep. (Get the OK from your property manager first.) Energy-efficient bulbs emit a harsh, artificial light. Try old-school Edison bulbs in bedside lamps for a warm, soothing and natural glow. ForRent.com http://www.forrent.com/blog/decor-for-the-home/optimize-your-bedroom-maximum-sleep/ NATION'S LEADING APARTMENT PEBOURCE %24