Bedrooms are for "bed" purposes: sleeping, pleasant and restful time, and body recovery time. In order to sleep well, a body has to relax fully. TV news and commercials, computers, and stressful paperwork do not support the purpose of a bedroom. Pleasant books may.

I had a patient who had had a decade of insomnia that no treatments were stably helping. When I went to her bedroom to see what was happening, her computer, printer and study books were almost on top of the bed. As soon as she took everything out of her room except for some pleasant books to read, she started sleeping much better.

Here are some suggestions for ideal rest and body recuperation:

1. No TV or computer or any unnecessary machines.
2. No stress-reminding items, such as bills to pay or lists of things to do.
3. No cell phones, portable phones or any wireless devices. If you want a phone for emergencies use a traditional phone that has a jack into the wall, but no cordless or wireless capability.
4. Open space around the bed is good! No clutter. This is no place for unfinished projects.
5. No dirt and dust as they make it harder for a body to recover. No carpeting due to the dirt and mold that accumulates in carpet.  Only area rugs that can be removed and cleaned.
6. Use calming, restful colors in the room. Intense red may not be the best choice

Read the other health tips in my sleep and bedrooms series to learn how to keep your bedroom healthful and restful.

May you have healing, restful sleep!

Dr. Pepi

January 12, 2010