World Mental Health Day · 10 October
A calmer room, a calmer mind
Sleep and mental health shape each other. Here are gentle ways to make your bedroom a place of rest.
A bad night makes everything feel heavier the next day. And when life feels heavy, sleep is often the first thing to go. The mental health charity Mind describes the relationship as working in both directions.
According to Mind, sleep problems can make mental health problems worse, while conditions such as anxiety and depression often disrupt sleep. A bedroom cannot fix that on its own. But a calm, comfortable space can make rest a little easier to find.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you do not have to manage it alone. Speak to your GP, or visit Mind's website for information and support. If you are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123.
In short
- Keep regular sleep and wake times, even at weekends.
- Make your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, with bedding you love getting into.
- Put screens away before bed, or turn the brightness down.
- If you cannot sleep, do something calm until you feel tired, rather than lying there forcing it.
What Mind suggests
Keep a steady rhythm
Mind suggests going to bed and getting up at around the same time every day. It helps your body learn when to wind down.
Shape your space
Adjust the temperature, light and noise in your bedroom, and think about whether your bedding is helping you feel comfortable.
Make room to relax
Breathing exercises and meditation can ease tension before bed. Even five slow minutes can help.
Step away from screens
Avoid screens before bed where you can, or turn the brightness down.
Do not force it
If sleep will not come, do something relaxing in bed, or get up and do something calming until you feel tired.
Your bedroom should be the softest place in your day.
Small changes for a calmer bedroom
- Clear surfaces: a tidy bedside table is easier on the mind at the end of the day.
- Soft, low lamps instead of a bright overhead light in the evening.
- Bedding in calm, quiet colours, such as soft blues, sage and dove grey.
- Fresh sheets: few things feel as restorative as getting into a just-made bed.
- A notebook by the bed, to put down tomorrow's worries before you sleep.
Make changing your bed a small ritual rather than a chore. Fresh, smooth sheets on a Sunday evening can set a calmer tone for the week ahead.
For more ideas, see how to design a bedroom for better sleep.
Sheet Story
Make it a place you love to rest
Ackly Bamboo in sage, sky blue and dove grey: silky, calming colours for a quieter bedroom. Free UK delivery on orders over £80.
Shop Ackly Bamboo →Questions we are often asked
How are sleep and mental health connected?
Mind explains that poor sleep can make mental health problems worse, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can make it harder to sleep.
What can I do if worries keep me awake?
Mind suggests doing something relaxing, or getting up and doing something calming until you feel tired. Writing worries down before bed can also help.
Does my bedroom really affect my sleep?
Temperature, light and noise all affect sleep, and a comfortable bed you enjoy getting into can help you relax.
Where can I get support?
Speak to your GP, or visit Mind's website. If you are in crisis, Samaritans is free to call any time on 116 123.
Sources
Every bed tells a Sheet Story
