I happily teamed up with the National Sleep Foundation to bring you this post.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
I let my bedroom go. I let it turn into the dumping ground. I let it get dusty and cluttered. I kept using the excuse "When we finish the basement and can move our bedroom over there, THEN I will redecorate and take care of the mess." But guess what? Two years after deciding to make our master suite in the unfinished part of the basement, we are not any closer to actually doing it. The money just hasn't been there. And it was high time I stopped waiting. Maybe your excuse is "When we move somewhere bigger." Or maybe it is "When we are no longer renting." Whatever your excuse is, how about you change the way you are thinking about it? Because when your room looks like the back lot of the thrift store where people dump their stuff, then you probably are not getting the type of sleep that you need. I believe that the space you are sleeping in can affect the way you sleep...or don't sleep.
So I decided to take care of my room. I did a NO COST room refresh! Well, I did splurge on $5 grocery store flowers since most of mine in the yard have not bloomed yet.
I moved the gallery wall from the side wall to above my bed. I changed my comforter from green (which was full of holes from getting washed so much over the last eight years) to an all white one. I felt pretty safe doing this now that we have no diapers and all my kids are old enough to make it to the bathroom when they have the flu. I have probably just jinxed myself. Watch for a post next week on removing stains..... :P
You already got to see me transform these metal card catalogs into a side table, but it has finally found its home on my side of the bed.
We added some blackout curtains. Up until this point we only had sheers. We live in the country and it gets pretty dark at night so I never really worried about it. But man! What a difference they have made! You can read my interview on the Sleep Foundations site for more about why they helped and how it has affected my sleep.
I went shopping around my house and decided the artwork in my office would look better in my room. I added colorful pots to my greenhouse instead of all white.
And while I was shopping my house I collected some of the pillows I have hoarded collected and made over the years.
Another addition to the room is this Dohm sound machine. I will admit that I have mocked others for having a sound machine. I didn't want to fall asleep to the sound of gulls. But this one just sounds like a fan. And I can control how loud it is. I have it on the lowest setting and I have to admit to being SHOCKED at how it has helped me fall asleep faster. I kid you not. Shocked. Normally my mind races and thinks of all the things I did not do that day, all the things I need to do the next day, and all the things I want to do but will never have the time to do. It normally takes me 1-2 hours to fall asleep. HOURS! Sad, but true. Now it is maybe twenty minutes. And it is so small!
So what else can you do to get a good night's sleep?
* Have a clean space. Having clutter can give you anxiety and make it harder to sleep. I also think having a beautiful space is calming. I once heard that how your space looks (cluttered, cleaned, etc) reflects how you feel inside. I think there is some truth to that.
* Limit screen time before going to bed. This is a hard one for me since I blog at night so I can spend time with my kids during the day. I also have TV time with my husband in the evenings. But the type of light that comes from the screen of electronics can affect you being able to fall asleep. Doing something calming like reading at least an hour before going to bed.
* Stick to a schedule. MAN! This is super hard for me. I blog until I am done and sometimes I have to pull an all nighter. Editing pictures, writing posts, and research all take time. But I have tried hard to go to bed at 11:00 or 11:30 for the past couple of weeks which is much better than my normal 1 or 2 am. It is all about time management and priorities I decided.
* Avoid napping if falling asleep at night is an issue.
* Keep your bedroom cool. Did you know you sleep best between 60 and 67 degrees? I had no idea. Our bedroom is in the basement so it is always just under 70 degrees.
* Avoid caffeine, alcohol, large meals, and spicy food before bedtime.
* Don't do things like watch TV, work on a laptop, or play games on your phone in your bed. I remember a long time ago, I think even before I was married, that Oprah said to not have a TV in your bedroom. I don't even remember her reasoning. I just decided then and there I would never have a TV in my bedroom. You know, because Oprah said so. I have never regretted it. Our room is for sleeping (and "sleep" related activities) only.
* Keep your circadian rhythms in check. Before working with the national sleep foundation I had no clue this was a thing. You are suppose to avoid bright light at night before bed and then expose yourself to bright light (sunlight) in the morning. It is really quite fascinating and you can read more about it on their site.
* Exercise and be active during the day. My favorite day would go like this: Wake up, work in the garden and yard to the point of exhaustion, shower, read, go to bed. It is no wonder that on those type of days I always sleep so well.
*Keep your bedroom free from noise as much as possible. I am not sure if this means making your snoring husband sleep on the couch or not. Hehe. Actually, either my husband is miraculously done with snoring, or the sound machine has drowned it out. But either way I haven't noticed his snoring.
*Sleep on a good mattress and pillows. This brings us to today's GIVEAWAY! You don't have a nice mattress you say? Well, how would you like a Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress set? Enter below!
*Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the USA at the time of the contest. The winner will be chosen via random.org and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The prize will be shipped by the company.
I partnered with the National Sleep Foundation to bring you this post and giveaway. I was compensated for my time but all opinions and ideas are all my own!
My poor mattresses sags no matter how many times I turn it.
I need a new set a mates because mine is so bad I roll into my husband no matter what it's terrible
I'm in Canada, so can't enter, but this post resonated with me. We've had a hand-me-down mattress from my parents for the last two years and knowing them, they probably had it for far too many years. One of those things we keep meaning to buy but just an expense I find hard to justify (no real idea why!). I always got into bed feeling uncomfortable because it was so dang hard. Today, we get our new one ($1600 down to $600 because of a small mark!) and I am so excited for the plushness and height of it. Today, because I also just completed gutted our room back to studs and today it gets new carpet (no more lumpy teal carpet!) gets painted and put back together, bed rebuilt and new mattress and new-to-us dresser! Plus new blockout curtains (the old one - only one panel!) was badly faded and came with the house on a gross curtain rod. So that, plus the state of the awful cracked plaster lathe covered with panel board stressed me out and so I did nothing to make the room feel any nicer. Until now, when it is all at once. (and my hubby gets home from australia at midnight, so it must. be done.!). I'm just waiting for my drywall guy to finish sanding in there (he started at 6 am to get it done early so I can paint before the carpet!
I am so excited for you! I am so happy you will finally have a good mattress and your room all fixed up :)
The Dohm sound machine is actually a lifesaver. My mom has one in every room in the house, and I was devastated when I brought mine to Ireland and my adapter/converter didn't work properly and fried it! It's been over a year and I still can't find one that compares! So sad. Your room looks lovely, too. I like that it's a beautiful place to both fall asleep in and wake up, whereas most tend to value function.
I feel like I have been living under a rock because I didn't know about them. But I am just glad I found out about it!
I think your room looks beautiful!
A new mattress would be a true blessing! Love how beautiful and fresh your room looks!
Your bedroom is stunning! I just love all the white with the crisp, clean colors. Beautiful!!
We've had the same mattress for more years that I care to count and need a new one!
Great tips! We have a Dohm sleep machine for my boys, too, and it's awesome! :)
I love my white noise machine. Wish I had it sooner. Took it to hospital when I had my babies. Both kids have had one since they were born. Wish I had it when I was in an apartment and also in college. Would have slept so much better. All my husband's family members saw mine and got one for kids or snoring spouse. Doctors and counselors use these to block out noise and give privacy I have seen before.
I really didn't know a lot about them. I thought they all had sounds like rain, the ocean, and crickets. But I am glad I learned! I really do love it!
I recently did a low-cost room re-do too! I really simplified the number of décor items I had. Although they were items I still liked, removing the tchotchkes to dust all the time...not so much :-) I replaced the misc. items with a couple of metal candle holders w/pillar candles (found at a consignment store), and replaced a large piece of busy artwork with a vintage oil painting of the countryside that I found on ebay.
I have an air purifier in my room...it helps with allergies and the white noise helps with sleeping too. Although I do like how small that Dohm machine is!
I loved how you "shopped your house" for a new look though! I gotta remember this tip more often!
Isn't it so fun how simple changes cam make your space brand new?
I love your room. Our bedroom is always the last priority when it comes to decorating and organizing. I need to change that, because I have a terrible time sleeping. I need a peaceful place. And I can't tell you how badly we need a new mattress. Ours is so sad...
I read an article one time that said the bedroom was the LAST room people got to when they moved into their home or apartment. It doesn't really surprise me but I know when our room is clean and looks nice I feel more at peace.
Wow - what an awesome giveaway, first of all.
Next I LOVE (love, love, love) your honeycomb greenhouse in your bedroom. If it's missing, you will know where to look ;) - that is gorgeous!
Last, I too can take hours to fall asleep with my brain spinning! Love the sound machine and I also diffuse a little Peace & Calming essential oil or Stress Away oil and I am getting to sleep so much faster. And a great mattress is key too!!
Sleep yay!
These are great tips! I definitely need to look into the noise machine. We use one in my daughter's room but I never thought to use one in ours. I am a terrible sleeper. My daughter not sleeping through the night for almost 4 years I think broke me! (Kidding, not kidding.) I am trying to be better about shutting down and just going to bed but I am just not good at getting sleep. Your bedroom looks beautiful!
Sleeping on a couch, and I need a comfortable bed to sleep on cause my back is killing me!!!
Really could use a new mattress.on floor.
Sleeping on floor really could use one
I havent had a good mattress in years . So now i have back problems . What i wouldnt give to sleep on a fantastic mattress . Omg ANYTHING LOL
Sleeping on broken down couch..even padding doesn't help these 74 year old bones...hope to win a mattress...your rooms are beautiful..thank you..Janice
Sleeping on air matress
I need a new mattress, My back is hurting! I would love to win this!
My husband has trouble sleeping because his body is constantly in pain.
A good mattress would be so wonderful and to get real sleep a true benefit.
I really need a new bed. I wake up with back pain every morning.
I want a new serta sleeper set. The best sleeper in the world.
Need a mew mattress.... Hardly slept because it is so bad.
Getting back issues from mine. Would love this!
I HAVE HAD 11 BACK SURGERIES AND MY BED IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS BED, IT WOULD BE LIFE SAVING WHEN YOUR DISABLED BECAUSE OF YOUR BACK, WHAT I WOULD DO TO HAVE A COMFY NIGHT SLEEP!!
I have the sleep number bed...it sucks
as I wake up with a back ache every day
I've had it eight years.
My husband and I have been financially supporting my sister and her three kids as she is battling cancer for the third time. We've also been helping my mom who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Once we help them there really isn't much leftover to buy things for us. We've been sleeping on a 20 year old mattress that was handed down. I'm not complaining as my family needs us but it sure help both of us sleep better.
It would truly be a blessing to win!!
I think that the sleeping thing is right on the money. I need for my room to be clean a well. Unfortunately, my other half doesn't quite see it like that, which can be the cause of many an argument, er, discussion on the matter.
Also, Serta is THE brand for mattresses these days. You simply can NOT turn on the television and NOT see an advertisement for a Serta mattress and boxsprings on sale at your local Sears or Mattress Depot or wherever you shop for mattresses at these days!
All I know is that MY mattress is several (well, almost a dozen) years old, worn through in spots, and covered in dog hair (at least it's white!) and I could really, really, REALLY use a new Serta mattress. If the powers-that-be could make it so, that would be 'AWESOME!' and I would be eternally grateful and sing praises of the brand 'til the end of my days.
Also, Serta is THE brand for mattresses these days. You simply can NOT turn on the television and NOT see an advertisement for a Serta mattress and boxsprings on sale at your local Sears or Mattress Depot or wherever you shop for mattresses at these days!
All I know is that MY mattress is several (well, almost a dozen) years old, worn through in spots, and covered in dog hair (at least it's white!) and I could really, really, REALLY use a new Serta mattress. If the powers-that-be could make it so, that would be 'AWESOME!' and I would be eternally grateful and sing praises of the brand 'til the end of my days.
IF I win your giveaway, I'd like it to go to a brother who had a paralyzing (black ice) accident Jan 2014. His wife had to quit her nursing job to take care of him. Still struggling with infections and rehabilitation. Prayers always welcomed.
I TRUELY need a new mattress. Seems like I have spring sticking me In the back all night long
I really need this bed I'm struggling with 3 kids and we need furniture badly
Wow It would be wonderful to win a new mattress set. Thanks for the chance.
My mattress is 13 years old. It sags on both sides. I can't afford to buy a new one. I really hope that I win this one.
I have a really old mattress that I can't even sleep in or I wake up and can't hardly get out of. Bed. I have degenerative disc disease, arthritis and a. Cracked disc. I sleep on the couch which isn't much better so I really could use a new mattress. It would be so great to be able to go get in bed.
need a good mattress set mine is 20 yrs old and is plder and my husband cant aford a new mattress om social security
I really need a new mattress. My husband and I start out facing away from each other and we wake up in the middle of the bed that we call the pit because it dips so much you feel like you are being swallowed up.
I have a mattress that kills my back because it is too soft for me. I go to the chiro at least every two weeks.
Thanks for the motivation!
Change is great!
I need a Sorta perfect sleeper queen mattress set because i simply need a new Queen size mattress to replace my dilapidated, falling apart, no good sleep mattress . my mattress is and has always been my personal space, but unfortunately, since money is spent on other more important things for my 3 children (ages 5,4 & 2) anything for Momma's personal use is put on the back burner. I have spine problems following 4 surgeries and am desperately needing a good mattress to get some unenterupted comfy sleep and rest on these day. Sorta, please help!!
I have fibromyligia and my bed hurts my body. Would soooo love to have this so I can sleep better!
I'm such in need. My bed sags in the middle, but only at the FOOT OF THE BED! It's so bad now, the dog recently fell off. We been looking, but just can't settle. We know it HAS to be a serta, I've had back surgery, but WHICH one? Oh, how this would help! God Bless.
My mattress is over 10 years and I need one soon. I am a Disabled Veteran and had major back surgery. Well good luck for everyone. Thanks Earl
I'm in desperate need of a new mattress mine is 10+ years old and is not helping with getting a good night sleep
l would love to win, our mattress and bedding need a major change
I am 26 years old. I have had the same full size mattress set since I was thirteen. And I got it used. I have two mattress toppers on it but it dosent make a difference it is horrible. The springs are so bad they go do down then randomly pop back up an hr or so later . I would love to have a new bed
I need a new mattress--mine is 10 years old
My grandson doesn't have a bed sleeps on a used futon or on the floor I can't afford a bed. Be nice to win one
Having severe spine problems with herniated disks, it would be such a joy to win the Best mattress that's made.
Good luck to all t hat has entered.
I would be so excited and grateful to win a new mattress!! :)
I have fibromyalgia and back problems. Although there is no cure, I believe that this mattress could be the start of some comfort and relaxation. I am a single parent of three and I can't afford to purchase a mattress, so I would be very humble and gracious if I were to win this!
I believe I deserve to win this mattress because I've had my second hand full queen mattress for 10 years, it was my grandmas before she passed. While I was engaged, my ex fiancé came home in a drunken stuper and relieved his bladder all over my mattress, and myself. I am now trying to get back on my finances but have been sleeping on a child's twin mattress. Please I need this mattress !! There is nothing like a good nights rest !!
I believe I deserve to win this mattress because I've had my second hand full queen mattress for 10 years, it was my grandmas before she passed. While I was engaged, my ex fiancé came home in a drunken stuper and relieved his bladder all over my mattress, and myself. I am now trying to get back on my finances but have been sleeping on a child's twin mattress. Please I need this mattress !! There is nothing like a good nights rest !!l
I have had my mattress sense 2003 and it is one that you can not turn over ,i wake up with aback ache everyday
Thanks for the tips! There are a few things I need to get better!!
I bought a new mattress about 2 years ago and the one Side sages after a very short time it is sad considering the amount of money I paid for it.
Loved your tips for better sleeping. Will try them all. I also will check out the Sleep Foundation's site. I've really messed up my circadian rhythms and need to do a "reset".
My mattress sags and is old. No matter what we do to it, it still is no good. My boyfriend has a board under his side of the bed so it does not sag. I have had neck surgery and the mattress is not good for my neck either. I have tried different pillows and it seems like nothing works for me.
I really need to get a new mattress set and I would really need to win this set.
Please enter me in the sweepstakes!!
When I first saw this, I believed it was heaven-sent as my puppy and I are sleeping on a blow-up mattress. The floors in our apartment are laminate and are very cold.
beautiful bedroom idea need new mattress for my bedroom set!
My husband passed this last December and I desperately need a new bed. He was bedridden during much of his illness and the bed leans to one side making sleep quite uncomfortable as I also suffer from chronic neck and back pain. A new bed set would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for considering my entry.
So beautiful, i really need a bedroom set.
New mattress what's that.. Oh now I remember I got one 40 years ago...
My mattress has springs poking out
Would bless my husband & my sleep to win :)
I really liked your site. I thought I was the only one going through this room slump too. Really like what you did and very informative reading. Thank you. I really need a new set. Please.
My bed is just starting to wear out. I am shopping around for just the perfect bed!
My set is at least 15 yrs. old. Help!!!
We've had our mattress over 2 years already and it's gotten lumpy. We do NOT want a new mattress, we NEED one so bad that it's not even funny. I don't have an Instagram account so I am unable to follow anybody on Instagram. I may take pictures with my phone, I only share on Facebook.
Seriously, we need a new mattress!!! This would be so heavenly!!!!!
My mattress has so many lumps in it it is like riding a camel
My mattress has so many lumps in it, it is like riding a camel
My wife and i are newlyweds. We have nit been able to sleep in the same bed since we been married. I sleep on a twin mattress on the floor and she sleeps on the sofa across the room. The bed tht we do have serves only one purpose and that is to catch all the things we do not no what to do with. Plus the mattress is in no condition to b slept on at all So needless to say our bedroom is a hot mess. Our current situation provides us with no privacy and hardly no quiet time whatsoever. I would love to transform our bedroom into the sweet we both would enjoy
We are both disabled with backs like train wrecks. Our current bed is a bummer. Could really use a new Serfs.
Did a bed give mines away. So I would love something new and comfortable.
I would love to win this
I need a new one mine is twenty years old. Its really nice
My son is as sweet as he can be: he is 16 sleeping on a twin bed. It would be nice to give him a mattress that will allow him to stretch out and be comfortable. So if I would win, I would give it to him.
My bed broke when a friend came over jumped on my bed, we heard a big cracking sound
I would love to win the bed I have RA and fibromyalgia and I think that bed would help me be able to sleep and wake up feeling like I slept instead of waking up and barley able to move cause of the pain . So please draw my name