How to Create a Winter-Ready Sleep Environment

One key to having a good night's sleep is a comfortable, healthy sleeping environment. In the winter, as the temperature drops and the days get shorter, having the right conditions for sleep is extra important. 

Creating a winter-ready bedroom is easy—as easy as adding a few pieces to your bedroom or reutilizing items you already have. Let’s take a look.

Getting your bedroom ready for winter: the basics 

Here is an overview of how to get your bedroom winter ready:

• Keep your bedroom warm—but not too warm
• Control light and noise 
• Make your bed with winter-friendly bedding
• Use home decor to your advantage 
• Take care of your sleep hygiene 

Room temperature: what is the best room temperature for sleeping? 

According to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal sleeping temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While you definitely want to keep your bedroom warm during the winter months, avoid the temptation of cranking up the heat. While it may be cold outside, a constant stream of warm air will not increase your sleep quality—in fact, it will likely have the opposite effect.

If you tend to get too hot at night, lower the temperature to between 60 and 65 degrees. If you run on the colder side, up to 67 degrees Fahrenheit might suit you better.

Light and noise in your winter-ready bedroom 

Light, whether natural or artificial, significantly impacts our circadian rhythm and, by extension, our sleep patterns.

In the winter, with shorter days, it’s more important than ever to get as much sunlight during the day. At night, however, our bedrooms should be as dark as possible.

Black-out curtains, which are specifically designed to keep light out of your room, are an excellent investment to keep your bedroom as dark as possible during the night. Extra heavy curtains will also do the trick.

As you begin your wind-down process, try transitioning to sleep with a small, low-powered lamp. Eliminate other light sources (such as smartphones, television, tablets, or computers) from your sleeping space. When you're ready to close your eyes and drift into a slumber, ensure your room is as dark as possible.

Winter-friendly bedding 

A comfortable sleep starts with a well-made bed. During winter, opt for bedding that not only keeps your bed warm, but that is also breathable so that you don’t feel suffocated as you sleep. 

Blankets

Nothing says cozy quite like an oversized fluffy duvet, a soft silky comforter, a beautiful handstitched quilt, or a fresh coverlet in our favorite winter tones. Warm blankets are an essential part of a winter-friendly bedroom. 

The particular type of blanket you choose will likely depend on your preferences and sleeping style. If you are a naturally hot sleeper, meaning feeling hot leads to restless nights, choose a lighter blanket such as a quilt or coverlet.

Sleepers who feel cold during the night or suffer from cold hands or feet should consider a thicker, warmer blanket such as a duvet or comforter.  

Sheets 

Your sheets make up the most fundamental layer of your bed—the layer you sleep on. Stylish sheets are a fun way to give your winter bedroom an extra warm touch, yet the essential factor in getting a better night's sleep is the fabric and quality of your sheets. 

Flannel sheets are the epitome of winter coziness, while microfiber and Jersey sheets are also great alternatives to stay warm without overheating through the night.

Mellanni’s variety of bed sheet sets are made with the highest quality craftsmanship and are an excellent base for your winter bed. 

Pillows

Bed pillows are a year-round investment. A fluffy, soft pillow filled with down or down-alternative filling is an excellent addition to a warm bed.

In addition to bed pillows, throw pillows can be used to decorate your bed, adding extra layers, warmth-inducing textures, or providing additional support to read or relax.

We recommend adding a body pillow to the mix if you experience any aches and pains during the winter months or just want to feel extra cozy and supported. Body pillows are also an excellent option for side sleepers or pregnant mothers.

Extra comfort

While sheets, blankets, and pillows are essential bedding items, a comfortable winter bed starts with your mattress. That said, a mattress is a considerable investment, and only some have the means to go out and purchase a new mattress.

Consider instead investing in a fluffy mattress topper, such as Mellanni’s Microplush Mattress Pad. A mattress pad can provide an extra layer of softness that makes your bed that much cozier.

Use home decor to your advantage 

Bedroom and interior design are about more than just what you see with your eyes. Certain design decisions profoundly impact how we feel and experience a room. Use design theory to your advantage this winter to create the ultimate sleeping environment. 

Creating space 

A clean, non-cluttered space is essential for a good night’s sleep. Not everyone has the luck or luxury of having a large, open bedroom.

To create a sleeping environment that appears more spacious, clear any clutter by maximizing storage.

Utilize neutral, lighter color palettes to help the space feel more open.

Windows and lamps

At night, it’s essential to keep your sleep space dark to fall asleep and stay asleep. During the day, however, natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm.

In the winter, arrange your bedroom space to allow as much natural light as possible to enter the room. If you do opt for thicker curtains to maintain complete darkness at night, tie them back during the day to allow sunlight to illuminate the room.

As the sun goes down and it becomes necessary to use artificial light sources, opt for well-placed lamps or fixtures instead of overwhelming ceiling lights. Choose either warm bulbs to enhance the warmth in the room or soft, cool bulbs to provoke a sense of calm.

Texture 

Playing with various textures is a great way to make a space feel more cozy, inviting, and warm. Knit textures, faux fur, wool, plush, and other similar materials can be mixed and matched to create a sleep environment that promotes comfort and deep sleep during the winter. 

Color 

There is a known link between color and our emotions. During the winter, use mood-boosting colors such as white, green, yellow, and orange.

Good sleeping habits 

Aside from a clean, cozy sleep space, an important part of a good night's sleep during the winter is having good sleep hygiene. Sleep challenges usually stem from two sources: an unsatisfactory sleeping environment or bad sleep hygiene. With some helpful sleep tips, you can improve both.

Having a consistent bedtime routine is a good practice for better sleep. Try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day to support the body's natural rhythms.

Incorporate relaxing activities into your routine, such as reading, stretching, meditating, or having a hot tea before bed. Consider a calming shower with essential oils or scented candles.

Avoid eating a heavy meal or doing excessive physical activity too close to bedtime.

And, of course, the most challenging habit of all in today's world: keep blue-light-emitting electronics out of the bedroom.

In conclusion 

A proper sleeping environment, supported by healthy sleep habits, is the key to a full night's sleep. In the winter, with lower temperatures and less sunlight, we may experience sleep disruption.

Creating a winter-friendly bedroom can help. How do we do that? It's all about utilizing space, design, and bedding to make a comfortable space.

• For a well-made bed, start with the softest, highest-quality bed sheets. Check out Mellanni’s wide variety of sheet sets.
• Reach for a cozy blanket to keep warm during cold winter nights. Coverlets are a great option for a sleek design and an inviting bedroom. 
• If you prefer to pass the winter with a fluffy, extra-lux duvet, ensure you get a duvet cover to match.
• Comfortable pillows are essential for a restful sleep this winter. 
• Looking for extra comfort? Try our Premium Body Pillow. 
• Jump into a cloud this winter with Mellanni’s Microplush Mattress Pad