Your bedroom is your sanctuary—a place for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. To maintain a peaceful and healthy environment, it’s essential to be mindful of what you keep in this space. Here are ten items you should never have in your bedroom and why removing them can improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Table of Contents
1. Out: Electronics and Screens
From TVs to laptops to smartphones, electronic devices can be major disruptors of sleep. The blue light emitted from screens interferes with your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Plus, the temptation to scroll through social media or watch videos can keep you up much later than intended.
Tip: Create a tech-free zone in your bedroom. If you use your phone as an alarm, consider switching to a traditional alarm clock instead.
In: Plants
Indoor plants can improve air quality and add a touch of nature to your bedroom. Certain plants, like snake plants or peace lilies, are known for their air-purifying qualities.
Tip: Select low-maintenance plants that thrive in indoor environments. Place them in decorative pots that match your room’s aesthetic.
2. Out: Work Materials
Bringing work into your bedroom can blur the lines between rest and productivity, making it harder to relax and unwind. This can lead to increased stress and a decrease in sleep quality.
Tip: Designate a specific area outside of your bedroom for work. If space is limited, try to at least keep work materials out of sight when it’s time for bed.
In: Essential Oil Diffuser
Aromatherapy can enhance relaxation and improve sleep quality. An essential oil diffuser fills your room with soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus.
Tip: Choose high-quality, pure essential oils and experiment with different blends to find what works best for you. Set the diffuser to run for a few hours before bedtime to create a calming atmosphere.
Amazon | SENMUL
3. Out: Exercise Equipment
While staying fit is important, having exercise equipment in your bedroom can make the space feel more like a gym than a place of rest. The sight of workout gear can also be a visual reminder of tasks you need to accomplish, which can be stressful.
Tip: Find a dedicated space for your workouts, even if it’s just a corner of another room.
In: Water Bottle
Keeping a water bottle by your bedside ensures you stay hydrated throughout the night and first thing in the morning. Opt for a stylish, insulated bottle to keep your water cool and refreshing, encouraging healthy hydration habits.
4. Out: Clutter
Clutter can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. A messy room can lead to a cluttered mind, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
Tip: Keep your bedroom tidy and organized. Make use of storage solutions like bins, baskets, and under-bed storage to keep items out of sight.
5. Out: Bright Lights
Bright or harsh lighting can disrupt your sleep cycle and make it difficult to wind down at night. The goal is to create a calming, dimly lit environment as bedtime approaches.
Tip: Use soft, warm lighting in your bedroom. Consider investing in dimmable lights or smart bulbs that can be adjusted to create a more relaxing atmosphere.
In: Light Wake up Clock
A light alarm clock simulates a natural sunrise, gradually increasing in brightness to wake you gently and naturally. This can help regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Amazon | Philips
Amazon | Dekala
6. Out: Food and Snacks
Eating in bed can lead to crumbs and spills, which attract pests and create a less-than-ideal sleeping environment. Additionally, the association of eating with your sleeping space can disrupt your sleep habits.
Tip: Keep food and snacks out of the bedroom. Designate the kitchen or dining area as the sole eating spaces in your home.
In: Crystals
Incorporating crystals into your bedroom can bring positive energy and promote a sense of tranquility. Crystals like amethyst, rose quartz, and selenite are believed to have calming properties, making them ideal for creating a soothing atmosphere conducive to restful sleep.
7. Out: Strong Scents
Strong fragrances from candles, air fresheners, or scented lotions can be overwhelming and may cause headaches or allergic reactions, disrupting your sleep.
Tip: Opt for natural scents and essential oils known for their calming properties, like lavender or chamomile. Keep scents subtle and soothing.
In: Aromatherapy Pillow Mist
An aromatherapy pillow mist can infuse your bedding with soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, or bergamot, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Tip: Lightly spritz your pillows and sheets with the mist before bedtime for a gentle, calming effect.
Amazon | Wild + Rooted
Essential Oil Spray with Lavender, Cypress, Black Spruce, Vetiver & Rose Water
Amazon | Sacksy Thyme Store
Aromatherapy Bedroom Spray with Calming Lavender and Chamomile
8. Out: Pets
As much as we love our furry friends, pets can disrupt sleep by moving around, making noise, or taking up space. Pet dander can also be an issue for those with allergies.
Tip: Create a comfortable sleeping area for your pets outside of your bedroom. If they must be in the room, set boundaries to keep them off the bed.
In: Cozy wall hangings
A cozy wall hanging, such as carpet, macrame or weaving hangings, adds a touch of texture and warmth to your bedroom decor. These handcrafted pieces can create a calming, bohemian vibe and serve as a focal point that brings a sense of relaxation and comfort to the space.
9. Out: Old Mattresses and Pillows
An old or uncomfortable mattress and pillows can lead to poor sleep quality and physical discomfort. Mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years, and pillows every 1-2 years.
Tip: Invest in a high-quality mattress and pillows that provide the right support for your body. Regularly wash pillowcases and covers to keep them fresh and allergen-free.
In: Neck and Beauty Pillow
A neck and beauty pillow is designed to provide optimal support for your neck while preventing sleep lines and wrinkles. Made from soft, skin-friendly materials, these pillows can enhance your comfort and promote better skin health as you sleep.
10. Out: Negative Energy Items
Items that carry negative memories or emotions can impact your mental well-being. This includes anything from photographs to gifts from past relationships.
Tip: Surround yourself with positive, uplifting items in your bedroom. Remove or store away anything that evokes negative feelings.
In: Vision or Affirmation Board
An vision or affirmation board can serve as a daily reminder of your goals, positive thoughts, and things you are grateful for. This visual positivity can boost your mood and set a peaceful tone for your day and night.
Tip: Update your board regularly with new affirmations, quotes, or images that inspire you and reflect your current aspirations.
Editorial Note: Morella&Ulalume Editors may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Furthermore the content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Prior to making any health-related decisions, including the use of supplements or dealing with decisions that can affect your mental health, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare provider.