BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (WXYZ) — We spend roughly a third of our day in our bedroom, so how can we create a healthy environment where we sleep?
Many of us spend nearly a third of our day in our bedroom sleeping – or trying to. But you might not realize how you set up your room could be making you sick.
Here are four essentials for a healthy bedroom in today’s Living a Better Life.
When it comes to where you catch your ZZZZs, many people sleep better when their bedroom is not dirty.
“Clean, cozy and tidy,” said Leah Eschrich of Bloomfield Hills, when asked what shape her bedroom needs to be in for a good night’s rest.
Karen Brown of Trenton agreed. “I can’t go to sleep well when there’s clutter.”
Sarah Bonilla of Wayne has a regular routine. “I vacuum,” she said with a nod.
“Changing the sheets and cleaning the floors,” is what Michelle King of Warren likes for a healthy, tidy bedroom.
Cassie Sobelton is a health and wellness author and speaker who is passionate about creating healthy spaces, and the bedroom should be no exception.
She outlined four key essentials for setting up a healthy bedroom.
FOUR ESSENTIALS FOR A HEALTHY BEDROOM
1. Chemical-free mattress
Sobelton said for a healthier bedroom – #1 – start with a chemical-free mattress that is non-toxic and eco-friendly, so there is no dangerous off-gassing.
“We want to look for organic cotton mattresses. We want to look for mattresses that don’t have the fire retardants or the chemicals inside of them. We really want to look for natural latex or organic cotton,” explained Sobelton.
Granted, these mattresses are more expensive by a few hundred dollars, but many people usually hang on to a mattress for about a decade. So Sobelton believes it’s worth the price for your health.
She recommend's the Good Trade's suggestions for affordable organic and natural mattresses.
2. Organic, plant-based comforter
Her #2 suggestion is to pick an organic, plant-based comforter.
“This one I’ve recently found is called “Buffy.” And they make it out of eucalyptus. It’s 100 percent plant-based, all organic. It is wonderful because it’s breathable. It is also all-natural so people who might have allergies to certain down-filled comforters, they’re not going to have any issues with this,” said Sobelton.
3. Essential Oils
Her #3 suggestion is to use essential oils in the bedroom to help calm you and prepare you for sleep.
“Lavender is one of my very favorites when it comes to calming myself, preparing myself for sleep. It actually sends signals to our bodies to slow down, to relax. And so, it’s very helpful when it’s time to go to bed,” Sobelton explained.
Mint or eucalyptus can be good if you have congestion, she said. Sobelton uses a diffuser when she’s ready to use essential oils.
Typical diffusers cost $10 to $15 and up. The more expensive ones look like vases or artwork to blend with your home décor.
She has a variety.
4. Eliminate Clutter
Her #4 suggestion is totally free, but it may take some time.
Eliminate clutter! That’s because the more stuff you have, the more surfaces on which dust can collect – and that can impact bedroom air quality.
For those who are allergic, dust can make sleeping through the night nearly impossible – even causing itchy eyes and nasal problems year-round.
Moving books off bedside tables and limiting knick-knacks can help. Cleaning with a damp cloth can also minimize allergens. And cleaning carpets, curtains, and bedding regularly can help as well.
Because, let’s face it. We all want a good night’s sleep!
To learn more from Cassie Sobelton, click here.
