Five Ways to Have a Healthier Bedroom

Most people spend a third of their life sleeping which is why the bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It serves as a sort of refuge and retreat where a person can escape the cares of the day and find peace and rest. Is your bedroom serving its function well? If not, it may be time to make some changes both for your physical health and peace of mind. Here are some ways to increase the health of your bedroom.

Remove any night time light sources.

When you retreat to your bedroom to sleep, it’s important that the room be as dark as possible. When the eye is exposed to even small amounts of light at night, levels of the sleep regulating hormone melatonin are lowered. Lower melatonin levels have been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Most experts suggest removing or covering any visible sources of light from digital clocks and other electrical appliances. If all sources of light can’t be eliminated, it’s recommended that a sleep mask be used to completely block out all light. Studies have shown that fruit flies exposed to light at night had significantly shorter life spans overall. Keep your bedroom as dark as possible at night both to promote sleep and to protect health.

Get a carbon monoxide detector for the bedroom.

Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your bedroom. Because carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, it’s a silent killer. Carbon monoxide can build up in the home from a fireplace, heating equipment, or cooking equipment, particularly in the winter. A carbon monoxide detector in the bedroom can alert you to danger before levels of this undetectable gas become too high. Don’t go to sleep without one.

Add a smoke detector to your bedroom.

If you sleep with your bedroom door closed, add a smoke detector. This is particularly important if you smoke in the bedroom. It could save your life.

Replace carpeting with natural floors.

Did you know that carpeting can emit up to forty different volatile organic compounds? The gases given off by carpeting have been associated with allergic symptoms as well as chronic headaches and fatigue. In one study, mice exposed to the fumes given off by carpeting experienced neurological symptoms, convulsions, and even paralysis. While it’s unlikely your bedroom carpeting is giving off high enough gas levels to cause these symptoms, it could contribute to allergies and headaches. It’s also unclear what long-term effects exposure to these fumes could have.  

Use natural bedding.

Use sheets and blankets made of natural fibers rather than synthetic ones. Synthetic bed sheets may contain unhealthy chemicals such as formaldehyde, used as a treatment to prevent wrinkling. Natural sheets and blankets also feel better which can make it easier to get a restful night’s sleep. It’s also a good idea to use a natural mattress topper, particularly if you’re prone to allergies.

Don’t let your bedroom make you sick. Make the changes needed so it can be the healthy, relaxing retreat it was meant to be.