When one thinks of a sanctuary they picture quiet, calm, a retreat from the hectic and chaos of life. A safe, relaxing place where their thoughts can unwind and their stress and tensions fade away. 

If you think you have to book a getaway to find such a place, think again! With just a few simple steps this relaxing space can be your very own bedroom. 

Here are seven ways to create a serene bedroom sanctuary. 

1. Remove the Clutter

Nothing says stress more than clutter and just simply too many things in one space. A room can be clean and still be cluttered. 

Your home is a busy place. The kitchen is often as much of a gathering place as it is for food preparation. The living room is also full of much activity and noise. You need one room that is just simply a safe haven. 

A comfortable bedroom starts with removing excess clutter. Your bedroom easily becomes the catch-all for things. The good news is with a little organization and a few storage hacks, you can not only remove the clutter but open up the space. 

When you walk in, you should immediately get the feeling of a peaceful bedroom and an escape from any outside pressures.

2. Upgrade Your Mattress

In addition to a relaxing bedroom atmosphere, the main goal here is a good night's sleep. There are a few ways to accomplish that, but it all starts with a great mattress. 

There are a variety of mattresses available, and there is one that will fit your sleep needs. Everyone has a dominant sleep position and preferred comfort levels. Are you a side-sleeper? Or rest better when on your stomach? Did you know you could find a mattress designed for just the way you sleep? 

It may be time to get rid of your old mattress and find one that provides the best support and comfort for your unique sleep needs. 

3. Add Calming Scents to Your Bedroom Sanctuary

There is much research behind the calming effect of scent. 

Your sense of smell is tied directly to your brain. Certain scents can bring back a vivid memory or pull you in the direction of an enticing meal. It can also aid in sleep. 

The key to falling asleep is first being able to relax. When stressors, deadlines, or to-do lists keep popping up in your brain it is difficult to shut down and drift off. 

That's where a good essential oil diffuser or scented candle comes in. Lavender is the most popular and tested scent for helping to relax and calm the brain. But it's not the only one. Try a few out and see which ones work best for you. 

4. The Power of Plants

Living things bring life's energy and tranquility. A touch of nature inside your bedroom retreat may be just the touch you need. 

You don't need a greenhouse full of plants to reap the benefit. A few small potted plants positioned around the room is enough. And caring for them is easier than you think. 

Start small with a peace lily or pothos. Set a timer to remember to water them weekly and open the curtains for a little sunlight. Nature will do the rest. 

5. Consider Your Color Scheme

Just like scents, color plays a role in our overall mood and the ability to relax. 

While purples, reds, and bright yellows might be your favorite colors to wear, they don't always provide the best colors for a bedroom.

When thinking about relaxing, think calming shades of blue or green. These are nature's serene colors, like the sky, trees, or ocean waters. Or you can even go with neutral colors of beige, white, or light grays. 

Don't worry, though, you can still add a splash of color. Pillow accents or wall decor can brighten or lighten the mood. If you really must go with a more colorful scheme, choose the pastel forms to soften the impact. 

6. Tone Down the Lighting

Nothing says can't sleep like bright lights. 

Of course, there are times when you need adequate lighting in your bedroom. You need the right lights for reading and getting ready. But you also need a way to tone down the brightness at the end of the day. 

Consider using a dimmer switch or buying 3-way bulbs. You can pick just the right amount of brightness for the task at hand and then bring it back down. 

7. Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

Now that you have your bedroom sanctuary set up, the only thing left now is to get a good night's sleep. There are a few simple steps to help you drift off to dreamland. 

Being active during the day and getting a dose of sunshine are the first keys to being able to relax at night. Our bodies work on a rhythm and need these components. 

Speaking of rhythm, try to keep a regular sleep schedule. It can be extremely tempting to stay up later on your days off or sleep in, however, doing so throws off your sleep patterns and makes getting consistently restful sleep more difficult. 

Another piece of advice is to go easy on the electronics just before bed. Not only does the lighting from these devices interfere with being able to fall asleep, but the images and messages also keep the brain active and thinking. 

You need to shut down the outside world. You can listen to soothing music or some apps simulate rain falling or ocean waves. If you want to read, choose an actual book in low lighting to help unwind. 

Your Perfect Bedroom Sanctuary

Only you can create the perfect bedroom sanctuary of your dreams. The key is to discover what works to put you at ease and brings happiness. 

Whether you have a large space or a small intimate area, you can make a few changes to turn it into a safe and relaxing space. 

Our goal at Nest Bedding is to provide everything you need for a restful and good night's sleep. Find out today how we can help you with your sleep needs.