On average, we spend around eight hours each night in our bedrooms, which amounts to a third of our lives. Since these are the hours intended to revive and refresh us for whatever the next day holds, we owe it to ourselves to make those hours as calm, relaxing and rejuvenating as we possibly can. Just a few simple changes can help to transform your bedroom into a toxin-free haven of peace and tranquillity, helping us to achieve a more restful night’s sleep and helping the planet at the same time.
Go organic
Who remembers the nylon sheets which were to be found in almost every home during the 1970s? The man-made fibres used to create sparks when they came into contact with nylon pyjamas and they caused the bed’s occupant to overheat, not to mention finger and toenails catching on the fibres and the large carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
Happily, nowadays we have become accustomed to the look and feel of cotton bedding with its superior temperature-regulating properties. For the best night’s sleep choose pure organic cotton which has not been soaked in pesticides during its production. Likewise, choose organic cotton pyjamas as these are chemical-free. Wash your pure organic items in an ecologically-friendly washing powder to maintain the integrity of the cotton.
An organic mattress will make a big difference to the amount of chemical vapours being released into your bedroom as you sleep. Most mattresses are produced using large quantities of chemicals, so choosing to go organic will make a big difference to the toxin levels in your sleeping environment.
Cut down on the electronics
All electrical equipment generates positive ions in the atmosphere and creates electromagnetic radiation. These by-products of electricity are thought to be harmful to a human being, particularly during the restful hours of sleeping. Many electrical devices also generate light which can interfere with our bodies’ natural sleep cycles.
Ideally we would all sleep in rooms completely free of any electrical activity, but in these modern times that would be a step too far for most people. We have become accustomed to being surrounded by TVs, laptops, tablets and smartphones throughout the day and night, but it is still possible to minimise any possible harmful effects. Try to turn all electrical and electronic equipment off at the socket at night, including TVs, computers, electric beds and blankets, lamps and mobile phones.
You could also try placing a Himalayan salt lamp in the room as this generates negative ions into the room to counter the effect of electrically-generated positive ions. Users maintain that these salt lamps help to create a sense of inner balance and well being.
Some house plants, such as the Peace Lily are reputed to aid in the removal of electromagnetic radiation in the room, but whether this is true or not, a house plant will help to improve the air quality through its cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen release. Fresh flowers can also help with this, in addition to creating a beautiful scent in the room and creating a more relaxing and pleasing mood in the bedroom.
