It is difficult to fully appreciate a good night's sleep until you no longer get it regularly. With the fast-paced speed of life in Washington DC, we all can appreciate a good night’s sleep. Once sleep is out of our grasp we often become desperate to get it back, willing to try anything to restore a long and complete good night's sleep. If you are someone who suffers from a lack of sleep, what would you do to get it back? Try remodeling! 

Lack of sleep can have a profound impact on our health, mood, and overall quality of life. It can lead to decreased concentration, memory problems, irritability, and even depression. It can also weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to illnesses. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. So what does remodeling have to do with good sleep?

At PACE, when we partner with you on a remodel, our ultimate goal is to improve your life, and sleep has a dramatic influence on the quality of someone's life. So how can we help you prioritize good sleep in a remodel? Here are some ideas: 

LIGHT 

Light can have a significant impact on our sleep, as it affects our body's natural circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to bright light during the day helps keep our circadian rhythm in sync, while exposure to bright light in the evening can disrupt it and make it harder to fall asleep. Consider investing in blackout shades! These shades are designed to completely block out any external light from entering the room, creating a dark and peaceful environment that's conducive to sleep. They come in various styles and materials, from roller shades to curtains to cellular shades. It is important to consider factors like the size of your windows, the level of insulation you need, and your personal style preferences. Blackout shades that also auto-open when it is time to wake up would be another great way to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. If you have children, consider blacking out their rooms as well to help them get better sleep (which also helps you get better sleep)!

ELECTRONICS

Exposure to blue light, as our body prepares for sleep, can trick our body into thinking it is still daytime and make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. In your remodel, include a designated area or "drop zone" for electronics to charge overnight, away from your sleeping space. This will assist in avoiding the mindless scrolling in bed before sleep. It seems simple but having a place that is made to house electronics will make eliminating blue light before bed easier to manage. 

SOUND

Sound is another way to set the stage for sleep. In a busy city like Washington DC, the sounds of the city could be disturbing your sleep. Soundproofing bedrooms is one way to prioritize good sleep in your renovation. It could block out external noises like traffic, sirens, and neighbors, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Soundproofing can also prevent noises from inside the house, such as footsteps, slamming doors, or the TV in another room, from disturbing your sleep. This can be especially helpful if you have a partner who has a different sleep schedule, children who tend to be loud, or a creaky DC row home! Overall, soundproofing your bedroom can be a great way to prioritize good sleep in your renovation.

Temperature

It is essential to maintain a comfortable temperature to ensure quality sleep. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range helps our body regulate its internal temperature, allowing for a more restful sleep. When the temperature is too high or too low, it can disrupt our sleep and cause us to wake up frequently. Keeping the temperature in your bedroom in a comfortable range can be tricky with a whole house system. Installing a mini split heat pump in your bedroom can regulate the temperature and humidity while you sleep, keeping it in the perfect range. Contact PACE today to reimagine your entire indoor climate!

Air quality and the GENERAL ENVIRONMENT

Air quality is also an essential factor that can impact the quality of our sleep. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems that can affect our sleep. To improve air quality in your bedroom, you can invest in a high-quality air purifier that filters out pollutants and allergens, and switch to electric appliances to further reduce your exposure. The general environment of your bedroom is also an important factor in getting good sleep. Do you enjoy being in your bedroom? Does it calm you or stress you out? Do you have space for your clothes? Consider a custom closet from our partner The Tailored Closet! Consider upgrading your heating and cooling systems to keep temperatures comfortable while you sleep. Add a steam shower to your bathroom to help you relax before bed. 

Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on our health and overall quality of life, but by making a few changes to your home, you could improve your sleep and ultimately your life. At PACE, we would love to partner with you to prioritize good sleep and improve your life and health! 

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