Falling back is easy. Getting to sleep right after is the hard part. Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended and clocks have rolled back, we have all gained an extra hour of sleep. In theory, a good thing. But the sudden shift can wreak havoc on sleep patterns as your body adjusts to its new clock. So, what better time to consider ways to improve your sleep — while also giving your routine and surroundings an eco-friendly upgrade?
Invest in an organic mattress
Hitting the hay may sound like a sustainable idea, but it wouldn’t make for a comfortable sleep. Instead, why not try swapping your existing mattress for an eco-friendly alternative? These mattresses are made from sustainable materials and fibers like bamboo and coconut. Not only are they designed to last longer than traditional mattresses, but they also tend to be much more comfortable.
And while you’re at it, why not choose organic bedding too? This bedding is also made from natural materials like cotton and wool and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. It’s also super soft and cozy — perfect for the darker months ahead.
Lastly, swap out the traditional laundry detergent for an alternative that is hypoallergenic and free of toxins: our eco-friendly detergent strips. Not only will our strips, available in multiple scents, ensure crisp, clean bedding for you, but they will help you sleep easier, knowing there are fewer chemicals in your household and environment.
And don’t forget: many manufacturers take back old mattresses to recycle them afterward.
Use essential oils in your bedroom
Changing the clock can leave you feeling jet lagged. Especially during this time, we must get a good night’s rest as it’s critical to our health and well-being. Have you ever tried to work with too little sleep the next day? It has been proven that too little sleep impacts the body the same as alcohol does. Unfortunately, many of us have trouble falling asleep — or even sleeping well through the night. Aside from the revised clock, many factors can promote poor sleep. These include stress, anxiety, and even poor nutrition.
But a natural method can help you get a little more restful sleep — using essential oils in the bedroom. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants that can be vaporized in a diffuser. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties and can help calm and relax the body and mind. Place the diffuser in your bedroom and vaporize lavender oil there, for example. Among other things, your brain will soon associate the scent with sleep and initiate the sleep process. Make sure the oils are of organic quality; this means they are environmentally friendly without side effects.
Swap your cell phone for a good book
It’s no secret too much screen time on cell phones, laptops, and TVs just before sleep can negatively affect our health. Studies have shown too much screen time can lead to insomnia and anxiety, and depression.
Cell phones — and blue radiation — are one of the leading causes of poor sleep. But cell phones are also one of the most convenient ways to stay connected to the people and information we need. Streaming a movie here and looking at some pictures there. It sounds hassle-free — but it’s not.
So, what can you do? One way to reduce screen time in the bedroom is to stop using your phone before bed. Resolve to put your phone to sleep after a particular time and then charge it in another room, for example. Swap your phone for a good book.
Reading has been shown to improve sleep quality and is a great way to wind down before bed because the pages of a book are much gentler on the eyes. Plus, it’s much more environmentally friendly than using electricity to look at pictures you’ll forget about the next day. When you’re done with a book, you can pass it on or donate it to a local library. So why not give it a try? Next time you need to relax, reach for a book instead of your phone. It’s guaranteed to improve your sleep and make you feel happier.
Light a few candles
Candles are a great way to create a pleasant atmosphere in your bedroom, and they can also be used to relax before bed. Traditional candles are often made from petroleum-based waxes and contain harmful chemicals. Therefore, if you are looking for a more sustainable alternative, it is better to invest in beeswax candles. Beeswax is a natural material that is renewable and biodegradable.
It also burns much cleaner than other types of wax, so you can use it with a clear conscience without worrying about air pollution. Beeswax candles emit negative ions when they burn, which can even help clean the air.
So, when you’re getting ready for bed, reach for a beeswax candle instead of a traditional candle. But be sure you have a base for the candle on which it can burn down easily without setting the house on fire. For example, the candle should be placed on a plate or a metal bowl if you ever fall asleep.
Soak up natural light during the day
Studies have shown that people who spend their days in actual daylight — not artificial light — sleep better. That’s because our bodies are naturally attuned to sunlight. We grow sleepy without it and wake up when it arrives again. And the environmental benefit is obvious: natural light doesn’t require electricity. So, while none of us can live without artificial light, catch as many rays as possible.
Get eco-friendly blackout curtains
Your bedroom must be in absolute darkness. That’s because the sleep hormone melatonin in your eye is broken down as soon as light hits your eye. This is why we wake up in the morning when the sun is up, and this is also why we have difficulties when we must get up very early without the sun. Even a tiny amount of light can disrupt our natural sleep cycle. Eco-friendly black curtains are made of linen, hemp, and cotton. Tightly woven, they block out light from the outside, making it easier for you to sleep. In addition, blackout curtains help keep the bedroom cool because they keep the heat out.
Declutter your decor
If your bedroom feels crowded with things, it’s time to free up some space. Studies have shown that decluttering your surroundings reduces stress and helps improve sleep. And if you are planning a complete redecoration, consider buying green furniture for your bedroom — whether vintage, used items from a store or shop, or wardrobes and tables made with sustainably sourced wood.
Green up your bedroom with plants
The therapeutic benefits of plants are well-known — they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This means fresher air dispelled of toxins. Their presence also adds a peaceful quality to any space, essential as you fall asleep.