The bedroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house. After all, you’ll spend nearly one-third of your life there. The unique needs of the bedroom like a quiet, dark environment will help you decide how you can best incorporate sustainable design elements. In the bedroom, sustainability often starts by managing energy use.

1. Maximize the Use of Natural Light

Light has a significant impact on your sleep-wake cycle. The bedroom should be kept as dark as possible while you sleep, but once you’re awake, open the curtains and let sunlight illuminate your day instead of electricity. Bedrooms with east-east facing windows maximize the use of morning light, reducing your energy consumption. If you use paint with a gloss finish, it will reflect more light throughout the room, making it feel brighter. Mirrors can also help disperse natural light to reduce energy use.

2. Think Efficiency When Covering Windows

The morning sun is most definitely your sustainability friend. However, evening light whether it comes from the sun or from streetlamps can interfere with your ability to sleep. Some lights are even bright enough to suppress sleep hormones.

Heavy drapes, blackout curtains, or curtains with a heavy liner can not only keep light under control but block out summer heat and keep warm air inside during the winter. The more energy efficient you make the room, the less electricity you’ll need to maintain the temperature. Roman blinds/shades are another option, and they use less fabric than curtains yet provide good protection from heat loss or gain. If you purchase locally-made curtains or blinds, you’ll increase the overall sustainability even more.

3. Choose Accents and Furnishings Made of Recycled or Upcycled Materials

Everything from area rugs and weighted blankets, to curtains and pillow covers, can be made of recycled materials. Some of the most sustainable options use organic cotton, wool, and bamboo blend fabrics. If you stick to all-natural, organic products, you’ll also be reducing your chances of exposure to harmful chemicals.

4. Sleep on an Eco-Friendly Mattress

While there’s no mattress on the market today that’s 100 percent sustainable, there are some all-natural latex models that are 95 percent natural and biodegradable. Natural latex mattresses may contain anywhere from 30 to 95 percent all-natural latex with the remaining percentage being made of synthetic materials. However, natural latex mattresses are some of the most expensive on the market. Less expensive but still eco-conscious options will have natural, organic cotton or wool covers and plant-based foams.

5. Smart Bulbs

The latest technology can help keep your energy use down. Smart bulbs connect to your smartphone or iPad via a hub and app. You can then control the lights remotely. Not only can you turn them off without leaving your bed, you can also control them when you’re away from home. If you forget to turn out your lights, you can do it from work or while you’re on the road. Some models use a geofence so they only turn on when you’re within a few feet of the bedroom.

Guest author: SleepHelp.org