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How to Create a Summer-Ready Sleep Environment

Certain design elements can improve your sleep performance throughout the warm weather season.

Aug 10, 2021

Whether you realize it or not, your bedroom can make or break the quality of sleep you get at night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, creating a bedroom environment that is conducive for falling—and staying – asleep is key to practicing good sleep hygiene at home. 

Curious what design elements are essential to an optimal sleep environment? From tips for shutting out unwanted sunlight to cooling bedding ideas and more, here’s how to set up your bedroom so that you can score better ZZZs during the warm weather season. 

 

 Sleep on a cooling pillowcase

Our body temperature naturally drops at nighttime, which is why sleep experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps send a signal to your brain that it’s time to rest. To ensure you stay cool (and get sleepy) every time your head hits the pillow this summer, consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase. Composed of breathable 100-percent Mulberry silk, the Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is naturally cool-to-the-touch but still provides plenty of insulation—so you can use it year-round to help you fall asleep faster. 

 

 Dress your bed in breathable bedding

Regardless of whether or not you’re a hot sleeper, the warmer the temperature is outside, the easier it is to get overheated – and wake up – in the middle of the night. Avoid interrupted sleep (and excessive night sweating) by investing in buttery smooth bed sheets composed of crisp, breathable materials, like 100-percent long-staple cotton Classic Percale Sheets, that will make your whole bed feel like the cool side of the pillow. For a blanket that will keep you warm (but not too toasty), try a 100-percent cotton Lightweight Quilt instead of a comforter. 

 

 Be mindful of how you decorate

No matter what your interior style may be, certain decor elements can help transform your bedroom into a sanctuary for sleep. A patterned area rug can supply ample amounts of visual interest while simultaneously soundproofing your space. Additionally, a plug-in pendant light will cast a warm, ambient glow throughout the room that will help your brain and body unwind before sleepy time. You can also hang artwork with soothing images, like clouds or water, to set a more serene vibe for the space. 

 

Slip into some cooling sleepwear 

Crisp, cool garments made of breathable materials can help you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep no matter how high the temperatures rise. For a refreshing and restorative night of sleep, slip into an ultra-soft jersey tank, like the Clark Tank or the Morgan Tank, and a pair of lightweight French Terry shorts, such as the Bowery Short or the Bleeker Short before you hit the hay. 

 Keep the room as dark (and light-free) as possible

Make no mistake about it: Too much light in your bedroom can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. To ensure your room stays as dark as possible throughout the night, consider hanging sun-blocking blackout curtains in your windows and wearing a cool but insulating sleep mask, like the Mulberry Silk Eyemask to bed. You can also switch from a digital alarm clock to a cool analog style one, such as the Wideboy Clock or the Hotel Clock, to keep your bedroom free of stimulating, flashing lights. 


Written by Julianna Salguero

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