Can't Sleep? Your Bedroom Could Be the Problem

Not getting a good night’s sleep lately? Your bedroom could be the problem.

Here are eight things you should never keep in your bedroom and the reasons why:

1. Clutter

No one wants a cluttered bedroom, but somehow this room often seems to attract every item in the house that needs a home. However, experts say a chaotic bedroom environment subconsciously leads to stress and makes it more difficult to sleep.

2. Electronic Devices

Do you watch TV while falling asleep? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. However, experts say it’s a better idea to leave all electronic devices (TVs, tablets, phones and so forth) somewhere other than the bedroom because the blue light emitted from screens interferes with the production of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

3. Work-Related Items

If you’ve set up a desk in the corner of your bedroom, you may want to consider relocating your workspace. Even just having work-related items in your line of sight as you’re trying to fall asleep can remind you of that nagging work project you need to finish and make it more difficult to relax.

4. Exercise Equipment

It may seem convenient to wake up and jump on the Peloton^® beside your bed, but experts agree that it’s actually better to keep all exercise-related equipment in a separate area of your home. Even just stashing a treadmill in the bedroom corner can remind you of working out and consequently make it harder to unwind.

5. Plants

It’s true that a few plants in the bedroom can benefit you as you sleep. However, if your bedroom looks like a greenhouse, it might be time to find a new home for your potted friends. Indoor plants need at least 50% humidity to truly thrive, which they are unlikely to find in your bedroom. They are likely to attract insects as well.

6. Bright Colors

Neon colors might be your jam, but don’t bring a jarring color palette into your bedroom. Even if you love bright colors, they can overstimulate you as you try to fall sleep. It’s better to go with muted tones when designing your bedroom decor.

7. Mirrors Facing the Bed

Feng shui experts agree that bedroom mirrors should be carefully positioned - ideally facing away from the bed - as they tend to activate energy in the room, disrupting sleep. Even if you’re not particularly into feng shui, you might try removing, covering, or repositioning your bedroom mirrors if you’re having trouble sleeping to see if it makes a difference.

8. Excessive Lighting

Even if you love lots of bright lighting in the rest of your home, you may want to tone it down in the bedroom. Installing a softer light source will help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.

By making these eight adjustments in your bedroom, chances are you’ll find yourself in a more relaxing, restful sleep environment when you turn in for the night.

References: 7 Surprising Things You Should Never Have in Your Bedroom | 10 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bedroom | Pros and Cons of Keeping Plants in the Bedroom | 10 Feng Shui Rules for Mirrors, According to Experts