Create The Bedroom Sanctuary Of Your Dreams With These Calming Ideas

These days, we're talking a lot about living our best lives. We're dreaming big, setting goals, and dialing in routines that take us there. But we don't often acknowledge the effort that comes with balancing work, school, family, and social lives. We forget that we can't be on "go" all the time. Rest is integral to well-being, and if we have a space devoted to relaxation—it's that much easier.

A sanctuary is a sacred place, and sleep is nothing less than sacred. It underscores our health, mood, and even relationships. Sanctuary has a fancy sound but really just means a place to indulge in comfort and minimize distractions. That can be as simple as saying no to late-night work sessions in bed or choosing a few transformative sleep solutions from your local Ikea store. The bottom line is, your bedroom should feel like a soothing oasis. And that's made up of six essential elements. 

Studies2 confirm what we already know: Feeling comfy is a fundamental aspect of sleep quality. There's no precise formula for comfort; it's a blend of elements that invite you to slow down. But is there anything more enticing than a plush down comforter (or down-alternative if you are allergic), fluffy pillows, and a mattress that has your back? A mattress you can't wait to jump on is a great starting place—and Ikea has all sizes and firmness levels across spring, foam, and hybrid types. If you already love your mattress, maybe it's time to layer on some silky soft sateen-woven sheets or a luxurious FJÄLLARNIKA duvet insert.

Lighting has a direct impact on our body, behavior, and feelings3. Studies3 have shown that too much light, especially blue light, can interfere with our body's circadian rhythm (or sleep-wake pattern). So, how do we get the light just right? When it's time to hit the hay—the darker, the better, and Ikea's blackout shades and room darkening curtains can help with that. For subtle lighting during your bedtime routine, set the mood with stylish and affordable table lamps (like the MISTERHULT, a bamboo beauty).

Minimizing sound is a simple way to amplify relaxation. Environmental sounds are one of the main causes5 of sleep disturbance, but sound-absorbing curtains or even sound-absorbing panels can go a long way. On the flip side, there are ways we can utilize sound to benefit our sleep, like streaming relaxing music before bed. This bookshelf speaker should do the trick.

This one might come as a surprise. Studies6 have shown that exposure to air pollutants is positively associated with poor sleep quality. Plugging in an air filter is one simple way we can put extra intention into our bedroom. Knowing that every breath is a little cleaner? We're more relaxed just thinking about it. The price tag on most air purifiers can be intimidating, but Ikea's FÖRNUFTIG air purifier is a high-quality and affordable option. No odors, pollen, dust, smoke, and chemicals allowed in our sanctuary. 

We think we're successfully ignoring that pile in the corner, but studies7 show that clutter is connected to higher cortisol levels (aka our stress hormone). And stress and sleep don't tend to jibe. Besides, there's something satisfying about an aesthetically organized wardrobe or artfully arranged shelves. If there's spare space in the bedroom, Ikea has a storage solution that will fit right in. When all that clutter finds a new home, a better night of sleep is waiting—rest assured.