Tori Murphy Living InspirationTraditional Bedroom

7. A nighttime ritual is a wonderful way to unwind. There are many ways to relax after a full day that don’t involve staring at a computer or television screen. Personally, I like to write in my journal. I have three: one for recording things I’m grateful for, another for writing down tasks I’ve done that day that move me toward my goals and a third for envisioning the future. I recommend building time into your daily schedule, perhaps half an hour or even one hour, for an evening wind-down process. Turn off all your devices and be quiet. Perhaps sip some chamomile tea from a warm mug or listen to the crickets outside or heat up your bed before you climb into it (a microwaved rice bag works great). If you like to read before bed, make sure it’s something light and soothing, rather than something disturbing or too stimulating that will keep you up. The rewards are relaxation and, in many cases, a better night of sleep, something all of us could probably benefit from. MoreHow to Simplify Your Life, All Year LongSimple Pleasures: A Long Winter’s Nap

6. Thickness of the bedding. If you like to cuddle up with a hot-water bottle and your partner likes to sprawl out with just a sheet, the bedding could become an issue. We all experience temperature differently at night, and where one person gets cold in bed, the other is boiling hot.What’s the answer? Avoid duvet battles by including a variety of linens on your bed. Layer your sleep area with a duvet, thin blankets and snuggly throws to provide plenty of options during the night. One of you can wrap up in the duvet, while the other can keep cool with a thin blanket.Browse bedding on Houzz

5. Consider cotton and weave. While Egyptian cotton is the best, there are also pima and American upland cottons, which aren’t necessarily as delicate and durable. A percale weave is smooth and cool, while a sateen weave is silky and warm. For a more relaxed and lived-in look, try linen. Linen fabric will soften with washing over time, and it’ll also keep you cool on hot summer nights.

Reboot your bedding. Even if you’re not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, you will still be spending much of your life between the sheets, so treat yourself to quality bedding. Cotton with a high thread count or crisp linen feels wonderful against skin. And while good-quality bedding will cost a little more, it will repay you with night after night of comfort. It’s also generally more durable than the ordinary variety.