secrets to a good night sleep

there are several home improvement projects slated for this year at casa djalali. the master bedroom, guest room, and hallway have new carpet. the master bathroom will finally get a much-needed facelift and landscaping both front and back with new walkways. phew! while i always love home renovation projects, the process from beginning to end is never dull. and there’s bound to be at least one unforeseen problem that needs to be solved. the backyard now needs a retaining wall, and i can’t wait to see what the master bathroom uncovers. and i say master bath loosely as the dimensions are 48.25″ X 140,” i wasn’t certain we could find a tub… but i have the most amazing interior designer working on the project and she rustled up a 48″ tub. hallelujah! calgon can take me away after the redo is complete. rest assured we will squeeze every inch out of the renovation. needless to say, problems can crop up along the way, but i needn’t lose sleep over them. in fact, are you aware of why sleep is important? getting a good night’s sleep is key to our overall health, both mental and physical. seven to eight hours of sleep is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet. yet many of us are sleep deprived. our sleep patterns begin to change with age. but over the past few decades, sleep quality has declined for most people regardless of their age. so let’s talk about secrets to a good night sleep.

for me, sleep is a priority, which is why i like my bedroom to be calm and serene. there’s no television in sight and hasn’t been for over thirty years. instead, you will find stacks of magazines and books strewn around the room for before bed reading sessions. it’s been recommended that bedrooms and beds be reserved for sleep and sex. so it’s important not to watch late-night t.v. or answer emails in bed. your bed needs to be a stimulus for sleeping, so i keep that in mind when choosing the color scheme, bed linens, and even pajamas. all three work together for a good night sleep.

secrets to a good night sleep

if you have difficulty falling asleep, pay attention to your habits. good sleep habits are key. let’s take a look at several secrets to a good night sleep.

• listen to your circadian rhythm and develop a regular sleep schedule
• avoid stimulating activities before bed
• create a comfortable sleep environment – quiet, dark, and cool are key components
• start a sleep ritual – i love to read before i turn out the light
• reduce blue light exposure – stow away computers or smartphones for the night and don’t watch t.v.
• avoid alcohol, caffeine, and snacks before bedtime
• consider supplements like melatonin, ginkgo biloba, lavender, or magnesium
• rule out a sleep disorder

soothing grays and blues create a serene sanctuary. the tartan bed linens are from Pottery Barn. the percale sheets are from William Sonoma. isn’t the striped bedframe adorable? it’s from Ballard Designs. the ticking stripes allow for endless pattern mixing.

the nightstand from Wayfair (similar here) has a charging station that allows my phone and watch to recharge at night while staying out of sight. the gold frame mirror is from Ballard Designs. don’t forget a candle. lafco candles are one of my favorites and i love the blend of chamomile lavender. 

drink plenty of water and keep a tumbler next to your bed. nothing compares to a Yeti tumbler that keeps your water cold for hours. it holds 20 ounces so i can easily keep track of my water intake.

the artwork is from Art.com. 

a brass side table (old, similar here) is from West Elm. it’s large enough to house a few books and faux flowers.

don’t forget the importance of pajamas. silk or cotton p.j.’s are my favorites. i’ve linked several below.

the pillows are from Pottery Barn.

more artwork. but these are from Grandin Road. the dresser is from Ballard Designs (old, similar here)

my everyday perfume is Chance by Chanel.

there’s a new brand in town called Haven Well Within. it’s tied into the Talbots brand but concentrates on sleep, lounge, intimates, beauty + wellness, active and home. this cashmere cardigan is heavenly.

similar silk pajamas | silk robe

the new carpet is so plush i don’t want to wear my slippers.

bedframe | duvet | shams | euro shams | faux plant | plant stand

the silk pajamas are a simple luxury from The White Company. this pair is sold out but similar here, here, and here.

happy Wednesday, ladies. time to put a smile on someone’s face, including yours.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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