Here’s how to set up your bedroom for better sleep – National

This is non-negotiable. A mattress protector keeps out moisture, dust mites, bed bugs, and other unwelcome guests. Remember: we sweat out about a pint of liquid every night. Without a protector, that moisture (and everything that comes with it) gets absorbed by your mattress, leading to odours, mold, and an ideal breeding ground for dust mites. And what if something spills on the mattress!? Plus, many mattress warranties are void without one. If you don’t already have one, get one for each mattress in your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

If your bed feels too firm, a mattress topper is the quickest route to cloud-like comfort. They come in several materials and price points — from poly-filled and shredded rubber to luxurious down. It can also add several inches to the top of the mattress, and some offer cooling capabilities. The shredded rubber topper is the perfect happy medium; it adds softness and another layer of protection for your mattress.

If you want to have the full luxe experience, this down feather mattress topper is both ethically sourced and Carbonzero certified and is down filled on the top and feather filled on the bottom, offering you a soft buffer at the top and the solid structure of the feather and quill toward the bottom, which equates to a 5-star sleep experience.

Ever notice how pillows yellow over time? That’s from drool, sweat, body oils and skincare products soaking in night after night. They can also become moldy if exposed to moisture, and harbour allergens and dust mites, making for a very uncomfortable sleep experience. Pillow protectors are waterproof and breathable and zip over your pillows like “pillow underwear,” keeping them fresher for longer. Wash them every few months, and your pillows will stay in better shape (and smell much nicer). Again, a super-easy solution and a tweak that leads to more comfort.

Tucking sheets under the mattress doesn’t have to be an arm workout. A sheet tucker helps you smooth and secure your bedding for that crisp, hotel-perfect look. It’s also great for anyone with mobility challenges who wants to make bed-making less of a chore.

If your fitted sheet keeps popping off the corner of your mattress at night, it’s time to lock it down.

You can choose from under-corner straps or systems that clips and secures the sheet around the mattress with a plastic strip. Either option keeps your sheets firmly in place so you can sleep without the 2 a.m. corner battle, or wake up in the morning and have to preposition your fitted sheet along with making your bed. Who has time for that?

Look for one that doubles as a fan — especially if you like to keep your room cool (a cooler space promotes deeper sleep). The best models are whisper-quiet, but if you prefer a gentle hum of white noise, go for one that has a bit of sound. It can be surprisingly soothing.

Here’s a brilliant and simple fix: motion-sensor light panels. These rechargeable, stick-on lights can be placed under a cabinet or along a wall. When you move, they gently light the way — no switches, no harsh light, and no struggle getting back to sleep. They’ll turn off after 20 seconds of no motion detected, so you don’t need to worry about anything besides getting back to bed asap. They’re subtle, practical, and one of those small upgrades that make a huge difference in your nightly routine.