You may link poor sleep with stress and anxiety, but it can also be caused by unseen allergens and toxins in your bedroom, which can lead to asthma, eczema, depression and migraines. Here’s how to create the ultimate healthy bedroom – an allergy-free, eco-friendly space that will ensure a good night’s rest.
A Peaceful Haven
Use your bedroom as a quiet, healing place to collect your thoughts and meditate. The colour violet is associated with spirituality and calm so add flashes with violet cushions, throws or rugs. Burning incense or essential oils in a diffuser aids meditation –try frankincense, ylang ylang and narcissus. A dream catcher is a Native American symbol believed to trap bad dreams.
Buying a New Bed
We spend a third of our lives asleep, so it makes sense to invest in a bed that supports your health. Inferior beds can lead to orthopaedic problems such as sciatica and arthritis. Mattresses made from Visco-elastic foam are ideal for back problems as they mould to the shape of your body, eliminating pressure points, which can cause pain. This type of mattress, which is hypoallergenic, was originally developed for NASA astronauts undergoing the high pressure of G-force testing. The Tempur brand has a good range.
Choose Organic Bedding
If you have allergies such as eczema, try organic, chemical-free bedding. Our skin absorbs 60% of the substances it comes into contact with, and this includes pesticides and chemicals from clothing and bedding. Organic cotton is made without synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or bleaches.
Eco-Friendly Furniture and Accessories
The Forest Stewardship Council sets the standards for forest certification and can advise you on where to buy furniture made from renewable sources. Recycled Lamps and Salt Crystal Lamps release negative ions into the air and aid relaxation and breathing. Online store Nigel’s Eco Store has a good selection.
Feng Shui Your Bedroom
Feng Shui expert Sarah Surety suggests hanging a tiny crystal from a silver threat, near the door, to slow down chi that is making you restless. Add colour with your bed linen – red helps to boost energy and passion levels so is conducive to a healthy libido. Plants absorb stress, freshen the atmosphere and move chi upwards, to prevent stagnation. A calming camomile plant by your bed will help you sleep. If you want to clear space and eliminate negative energy try Basilica incense - it is very strong and you will need to leave the room well ventilated while you burn it.
Minimise Electrical Equipment
Electricity upsets the body’s natural state. There are two kinds of radiation: low-frequency electrical fields from cables and more dangerous magnetic fields emitted from electrical appliances. Electrical stress can cause headaches, insomnia, fatigue and epilepsy. Alan Berman, author of The Healthy Home Handbook, advises minimising electrical equipment in the bedroom. Avoid placing your bed against walls with incoming electricity supplies.
To help you relax and improve sleep take time to unwind after work. Moderate exercise in the evening is ideal and will help you de-stress. Take a warm bath and add a few drops of lavender essential oil or try Neal's Yard Remedies Calming Spritzer. Go to bed at a similar time each night to help your body get into a good routine. With a little forethought and investment it is easy to turn your home into an eco-friendly, healthy living space.
Resources
- The Healthy Home Handbook by Alan Berman, Frances Lincoln Publishers, 2002.
- Feng Shui for Your Home: An Illustrated Guide to Creating a Harmonious, Happy and Prosperous Living Environment by Sarah Shurety, Rider & Co, 1997.
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