Do you ever wonder why you seem to sleep more soundly in a hotel room than in your own bedroom? You can blame it on jet lag or, better yet, to the amenities these accommodation options provide so you can get the rest you deserve.
The good news is you can already replicate the same feeling with a few well-thought-out tweaks in your bedroom. This way, you wake up every day as if you’re in the Ritz or the Four Seasons.
1. Right Bed
You spend at least one-third of your time each day in the bed, so you need to choose one wisely. The best option depends on many factors:
- Are you a flat, side, or stomach sleeper?
- Do you sleep heavily or lightly?
- Are you sleeping with a partner?
- Do you suffer from joint or muscle pain?
- How tall are you?
- How many are sleeping on the bed?
- How much is your budget?
If you are prone to aching joints and back problems, get a memory foam. This one follows the contour of your body, as if snuggling you. It offers excellent support for the spine and back.
However, if you want something more breathable, a hybrid mattress is a better pick. It combines latex, gel, and memory foam. It provides support but also permits air to flow better, so it is more breathable.
2. Blackout Curtains or Blinds
Most hotel rooms feature heavy drapes or modern roller shades for windows for a reason: you need to prevent outside light from entering the room.
The body has an internal clock called the circadian rhythm, and it’s sensitive to light. In the morning, daylight stimulates the production of cortisol to keep you awake and alert.
In the evening, cortisol levels decline. Instead, the body create melatonin, which promotes relaxation. With a calm body and mind, you’re ready to fall asleep soundly.
When the body perceives even a tiny amount of light in the evening, it tricks the brain into thinking it’s daylight. Thus, it produces less melatonin, which makes snoozing more difficult.
3. Thermostat
If you keep on tossing and turning in your bed, perhaps your room isn’t in the ideal temperature. Experts recommend keeping it at around 18 degrees Celsius. You seem to sleep better when your body temperature goes down.
To ensure that your room is in the right temp, use a thermostat. This device automatically adjusts the settings for your air conditioner or heater, depending on the ambient or surrounding temperature. It can even help you save money. For instance, it can shut off an AC once the room is already too cold.
A thermostat can also keep the humidity in check. If it’s high, your body traps heat, so you feel more sweaty. If it’s too low, it creates dry air. It can cause allergic reactions or nasal congestion.
4. Pillows
Even when you sleep, your body needs to maintain the alignment of the spine. For this reason, the right pillow is the one that supports the head, neck, and upper back properly.
Memory foam seems to be an excellent choice since it allows the head to sink and follows the contours of the neck and back. A pillow with real goose-down filling is not only smooth but also soft to lay your head on.
Don’t keep on wishing you’re in a hotel room each time you sleep. Transform your bedroom into one.
