If you usually struggle with your sleep, then the idea of "luxurious" sleep for you might be simply eight hours of uninterrupted unconsciousness. However, sleep is a complicated thing. Although we all need a lot of high-quality deep sleep each night, falling asleep isn't always easy - particularly in today's fast-paced and stressful world.
Little extra touches, like luxurious sheets or a plush set of pillows, could make it easier to find the restful slumber you need and wake up feeling more refreshed than ever. Here are a few ways that you can bring more luxury to your evenings.
You don't need your pajamas to be as expensive as your wedding wardrobe to have a good night's sleep, but soft clothing that's less likely to rub against or itch your skin can make a real difference. Ideally, you'd sleep with no clothes on at all (some people like to wear socks), as this will help to keep you cool all night, improving your circadian rhythm. However, if you do need a pair of pajamas, opt for something like silk, to help wick away moisture and make you feel like you're sleeping on clouds.
It's not just how you feel that has an impact on your sense of luxury when you go to bed at night; it's what you smell too. If you're trying to fall asleep with the scent of stale bedding all around you, then you're going to have a hard time drifting off. On the other hand, if you can smell lavender and valerian aromatherapy infusions in your bedroom, then you'll feel as though you're relaxing at a top-quality spa.
Light is one of the most disruptive factors for our sleeping cycles. While it's important to expose yourself to plenty of natural light during the day to keep your circadian rhythm in check, you don't want that same light to be waking you up during the night. Block out excess light with a sleep mask made of pure silk. The mask will keep your environment dark until you're ready to wake up, while the silk will ensure that your skin isn't irritated.
Your sheets are probably one of the most important elements when it comes to determining how comfortable you're going to feel in your bed. Don't spend a ton of money on your pajamas and then forget about your sheets. Make sure that you choose bedding that can breathe and wick away moisture easily, so you don't feel overheated during the night.
If you want a luxurious night's sleep, you're going to need the right pillow. There's no one-size-fits-all choice here. Some people prefer flatter, softer pillows, while others like firmer, bulkier cushions. The kind of pillow that's right for you will depend on both your personal preferences and how you sleep. For instance, if you sleep on your side, you're going to need something that's quite squishy, to allow for a better alignment between your neck and spine.
Just like your pillows can have a real impact on your quality of sleep, your mattress will make a difference in how comfortable you feel too. If your mattress is outdated and lumpy, then it's more likely to keep you awake at night, tossing and turning. With that in mind, think about investing in a new hybrid mattress, or memory foam bed that allows you to sink into the cushioning and get the right level of support for all parts of your body.
While you're stocking up on new bedding, remember that it's important to have several sets available so you can refresh your linens as often as possible. Over time, our bedding often gets stale and smelly, thanks to regular exposure to sweat. You're not going to feel as though you're sliding into the lap of luxury if you haven't washed your bedding for a couple of weeks. Keep on top of your laundry for a better taste of luxury.
It's hard to convince yourself that you're sailing away on a yacht somewhere, or unwinding at a local spa if you can hear the sound of your neighbors outside, or cars on the road somewhere in the distance. Create the perfect sleeping environment with a white noise machine, or a tool that allows you to play soft, music, and nature sounds into your bedroom while you slumber. This will help to keep unwanted distractions to a minimum.
Finally, remember that it's not just the five-star bedding and high-quality mattresses that make today's luxurious hotels so compelling. The little things can make a big difference too, like a fresh vase of flowers on your nightstand, or a glass beside your bed so you can always top up your hydration with a drink of water.
