While the kitchen may be the home’s hub, most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room in the house. According to one study, we spend roughly one-third of our life either sleeping – or trying to sleep.
In a study by IKEA, 70% of respondents agree that sleep is one of life’s greatest joys – and over half of the people surveyed said they would prefer sleeping over going out to engage in a social activity.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and reports that among Americans who don’t get enough sleep, the highest numbers are among men (37%), and adults between the ages of 45 – 64 (39%).
Perhaps that’s why one of the trends in the Best of Houzz 2025 Awards – which celebrates the hottest interior design trends – is creating a comfortable, relaxing bedroom.
Keep reading to learn why sleep is so important, the factors that affect your quality of sleep, and how you can create a bedroom that’s conducive to sleep
Why Sleep Is So Important
According to Dr. Ruchir Patel, founder of TMS Institute of Arizona, an insomnia and sleep institute, sleep is critical for multiple reasons beyond being just the time in a 24-hour period where we allow our minds and bodies to rest and recharge. “The body and the brain, which follow a circadian rhythm (intrinsic body clock), actually have various regenerative and repair functions, including the brain cleansing itself of toxins and other metabolic wastes that accumulate throughout the day—in addition to the liver and other organs undergoing repair and regeneration,” he tells me.
And that’s not all. Patel explains that a significant hormonal regulation process is also occurring when you’re sleeping – and reproductive, metabolic, and growth hormones are being released. “The best way to think about sleep is there is a subjective component of rest and relaxation, and an even more important objective component where the brain and body truly cleanse, repair, and regenerate themselves.”
What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, you may find yourself frequently yawning, and feeling groggy throughout the day. However, those effects are just the tip of the iceberg. “Studies have shown many years ago that consistently sleeping less than 6 hours per night can increase the risk of mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety, increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction, and even more sinister, dementia, but also increase the risk of weight gain and obesity,” Patel says.
In addition, when you sleep less than 7 hours per night, he says you greatly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. “This includes coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart attack, and even stroke – and sleeping less than 7 hours a night can result in an odds ratio of 2-4,” Patel explains. And there are even more negative consequences to consider. Insufficient sleep can also greatly impact overall longevity and Patel warns that it can even cause you to physically feel and look much older. “There are studies showing that chronic sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality from untreated sleep apnea can make a person appear physically 10 years older than they truly are.”
What You Can Do To Sleep Better
One key to sleeping better is to prioritize it. Patel says it should be as important as brushing your teeth, exercising, going to work, or eating a meal. “Too many people sacrifice their sleep, thinking they’ll make up for it later, but we will never recover the sleep debt we develop by not obtaining an appropriate quantity of sleep on a nightly basis,” Patel says, noting that this practice has long-term complications that can be irreversible.
Next, Patel recommends a consistent sleep routine and steps that you take every evening to help your brain and body relax naturally. “If, however, you do all of this and still don’t feel that you sleep well or do not feel rested, you may need to be evaluated by a sleep medicine physician for further evaluation as there may be an intrinsic sleep disorder impacting sleep quality that may not be apparent,” he says.
Creating An Environment Conducive To Sleeping
According to Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), bedrooms can have the worst air quality of any room in your home. He explains that it may be full of allergens, asthma triggers, scents, and chemicals. While it’s not possible to create an environment that’s completely free from allergens, he tells me there are some steps you can take to reduce exposure to allergens.
Mendez recommends that you wash bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, duvets, and comforters weekly in soapy, hot water (130°F), then dry on high heat.
He also recommends vacuuming your mattress and box springs before covering them with asthma and allergy-friendly barriers, like mattress pads and encasings.
“Pillows that meet AAFA’s standards not only provide protection against allergens such as dust mites, but also use breathable fabrics to ensure a sleeper’s comfort,” Mendez says. And while a pillow protector can extend the life of your pillow, he recommends replacing pillows every two years. “Pillows collect dust mites – in fact, after two years, nearly 10% of the weight of your pillow can be made up of dust mites and dust mite debris,” Mendez warns.
An air purifier can reduce airborne allergens in your bedroom, and Mendez recommends choosing one with a Clean Air Delivery Rating (CADR) appropriate for the size of the room where you are sleeping.
If your sleeping area has high humidity levels (greater than 50% humidity), Mendez says a humidifier can be used to reduce the humidity levels. “Humidity greater than 50% can create a breeding ground for mold – a common allergen,” he explains.
Also both Mendez and Patel advise against letting your pet sleep in your bedroom. “Pets both carry dander (a common allergen) and may also carry other allergens such as dust and pollen.” Mendez says.
You need a comfortable bed and bedding appropriate for the time of the year and ambient temperature, according to Patel.
“Avoid distractions and LED light exposure from phones, tablets, computers, and TVs,” says Patel. He also warns against working, eating, or doing activities that stimulate the brain in bed. “I have had too many patients over the years say their bed is also their office, and this conditions the brain to believe the bed is a place to be active rather than actually to relax, rest, and sleep,” he concludes.
These are some of the items that can help you create the right bedroom environment.
A high-quality mattress provides a firm foundation for a good night’s sleep. The One is Casper’s premium foam mattress, which includes 3 layers of foam for a supportive and comfortable experience.
If you’re not in the market for a new mattress, the Sleep Number ResponseFit Memory Foam Mattress Layer can soften your existing mattress to relieve pressure. The open cell design provides enough airflow to avoid trapping heat.
Cotton cashmere? Yes, please! The Riley Cotton Cashmere Duvet Cover is made of 95% cotton and 5% luxe cashmere. The soft and breathable duvet cover has corner ties and loops to keep it from sliding around. Color choices include oatmeal, cream, and silver – and the shams are sold separately. The matching cotton cashmere sheets (flat and fitted pieces sold separately) are also available in the same colors, and also in jade. The cotton ribbed oversized throw is made of 100% cotton, and the rib knit adds texture and softness on chilly nights.
Bundle your bedding with the Bedsure Double Stitch Amber Evenings Bundle, which includes a Mongolian cashmere cotton duvet cover set, sheet set, heathered Mongolian cashmere fringe throw blanket, and tufted checkered cotton throw pillow cover. Color choices for the duvet cover and sheet set are mocha brown, oat, ash brown, and wheat. The throw pillow cover is also available in several other colors, including smoky blue, and peach clay. The fringe throw is available in terra brown, toasted orange, cloudy grey, and milky tan.
Your choice of pillows can determine if your head and neck are properly aligned when you’re sleeping. And if you tend to get hot while sleeping, that’s another factor to consider. The Coop Cool+ Adjustable Pillows are made of cooling gel-infused memory foam and microfiber. The design is breathable and the cool-to-the-touch cover also contributes to the cooling experience. In addition, the fill can be removed so you can customize the pillow’s firmness level.
To avoid using your smartphone as your alarm clock, the Bespoke Post Loftie Smart Alarm Clock has a 2-phase alarm and you can customize the tone, volume, and day of the week. The clock also has white noise and nature soundscapes, along with an adjustable nightlight, sleep timer, and Bluetooth speaker for listening to music.
The Hammacher Schlemmer Projection Alarm Clock multitasks. It has a place to hold and charge your phone, projects the time on the wall or ceiling so you can easily view it, and also accurately keeps time. The clock can also be set up to display indoor temperature/humidity, outdoor temperature/humidity, and day/ month/date.
If you want easy-to-care-for bedding that always looks good, The Company Store Classic Smooth Wrinkle Free Sateen Duvet Cover is buttery soft, and the breathable material ensures you won’t get hot while sleeping. The 500-thread count duvet cover has a button closure and internal ties to keep the duvet in place. The matching sheet set is available in complementary colors, including blue infinity, blue shale, white, cream, laurel green, cinder, gray mist, and stone gray.
Add some fun to your bedding repertoire with this pinstripe Buffy Breeze Pinstripes Duvet Cover Set. It’s available in a blue pinstripe, grey pinstripe, and over 3 dozen solid colors. Buffy also makes sheet sets in coordinating colors.
Noise can disrupt your sleep, but the Soundcore A20 Sleep Earbuds have a 4-point noise masking system, along with twin-seal ear tips, passive noise blocking, and smart volume control. The earbuds are designed to be comfortable, even when sleeping on your side. In addition, the earbuds can connect to your smartphone to provide sleep analytics, and access a white noise library.
Add a luxurious element to your bedroom with the Perigold Lands Downunder Juno Cashmere/Lambswool Throw. It can be layered on your bed to add texture and warmth. The throw blanket is available in several colors, including taupe, light gray, light blue, navy, and Pacific sand.
Did you know that your hair grows when you sleep? Give it a head start with the waterproof Foreo Luna 4 Hair which combines LED light with a T-Sonic massage to increase hair growth and thickness, while reducing dandruff. Another option is Foreo’s FAQ 301, which uses 20 red LED lights to stimulate hair follicles and strengthen hair, a T-Sonic massage to help oxygen and nutrients reach the hair follicles, and silicone bristles to loosen scalp buildup.
If you tend to get hot while sleeping under heavy bedding that traps heat, the 200-thread-count Casper Hyperlite Sheet Setis made of 100% Tencel Lyocell and has a grid weave that provides breathability. Color choices are indigo, grey, and white.
Comfortable pajamas can also help you sleep well. The Company Store Legends Hotel Pima Cotton Jogger Pants Pajama Set is comfortable and soft enough to sleep in, but also durable enough to wear while running errands. The relaxed fit pajama set comes in numerous colors, including navy, blue denim, rose, green mint, cognac, and cocoa. For men, The Company Store Legends Hotel Pima Cotton Men’s Pajama Set is available in navy, and black.
Exercising during the day can help you sleep better at night. That’s because it relieves stress, and makes you tired (that’s why parents like to let their kids run around all day). You may not have time to go to the gym, but the Echelon Stair Climber Sport is a compact machine that provides a low-impact, high-calorie burning workout. The resistance and incline level can be adjusted and the padded handles provide a comfortable workout experience. Bluetooth connectivity lets you view workout stats while tracking and recording your workouts. In addition, the transport wheels allow the machine to be stored upright or flat.
Sometimes, your workout routine can cause enough aches and pains to keep you from sleeping well at night. The Hydragun HeatPod Sauna Blanket is an infrared sauna blanket that can be used for whole-body heat therapy. It’s designed to improve recovery, manage pain and stress, and contribute to better heart and systemic health.
If you have sleep apnea, the RingConn Gen 2 Air Smart Ring is AI-powered and provides sleep apnea data, including Apnea-Hypopnea Index, Oxygen Desaturation Index, SpO2, and more. The thin lightweight design is ergonomic, with a rounded interior and a square exterior. The ring can also be connected to the app so you can view health data on your smartphone. With the charging case, the battery life is over 150 days.
Ensure the air in your bedroom is fresh and clean with the Windmill Air Purifier, which uses a medical grade HEPA filter designed to capture such airborne pollutants as pollen, smoke, odors, and dust mites. It can clean the air in rooms up to 1,950 sq.ft. and when connected to the app, you can view real time indoor air quality stats and control the air purifier on your smartphone. The air purifier also has a gorgeous real bamboo finish, or you can choose the white or navy color.
Eliminate dry air and sleep better with the Homedics Natura Humidifier. The versatile design allows it to also be used to add moisture to a small plant or it can be used as an accent table to hold bedside items. The top-fill humidifier can provide a warm or cool mist, and does not require a filter.
Using 37.5 Technology, the Sleep Number True Temp Sheet Set absorbs excess heat to keep you cool, and then releases it when necessary to warm you. The 300-thread count sateen sheets are a blend of 76% cotton, 22% polyester, and 2% spandex. Color choices include dun, icy blue, gray, Pacific blue, soft rose, and white.
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