Though more overlooked than light or sound, the way your room smells can make or break your sleep experience. 

Imagine climbing into bed in a musty-smelling room. Not very relaxing, is it? Now, take a breath and out, then imagine inhaling a clean and fresh scent as you drift off to sleep. Much better! 

Start by washing your sheets and bedding. One study found that people with clean sheets were more excited about going to bed and had a better night’s sleep! And since carpets and curtains can cling to unpleasant odors, assess if they need cleaning or replacement.

Next, decide if you want to enhance your room with a calming essential oil. This can be as simple as placing a few drops of oil on a cotton ball, or spritzing your pillow with a calming spray, then inhaling the scent just before you drift off to sleep. An essential oil diffuser with a timer can deliver a pleasant fragrance into your room throughout the night and contribute to the “maximize beauty” instruction found earlier. 

Make sure that whatever essential oil you choose is 100% natural. Synthetic scents can cause headaches and do not impact your brain the way naturally occurring oils will. Also, if you have pets, be sure that the scent you choose is not toxic or irritating to your furry friend. Read more: aromatherapy and the impact of smell on sleep.

Not into strong smells? Your favorite cup of tea can provide a lighter aroma or create a neutral scent using dehumidifiers and air purifiers as needed.