In a perfect world, everyone would have their own private retreat: a quiet room with blackout curtains, relaxing decor to help you drift off, and uninterrupted silence. But for many people, especially those living with roommates or in busy family homes, the reality is far from this ideal.
If you’re sharing a small apartment with friends or living with family, good quality sleep can sometimes feel like a luxury. The good news? With a few strategic adjustments, restful sleep is entirely achievable, even in a busy household.
Why Sleep Hygiene is So Important
When we refer to sleep hygiene, we mean the habits and practices that help you get good-quality sleep. These include a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, managing light and noise levels, and creating a soothing sleep environment that brings you peace.
Poor sleep hygiene can lead to fatigue, irritability, a weakened immune system, and even long-term health problems. When you share your space with others, you might need extra creativity and compromise to achieve good sleep hygiene, but it’s well worth the effort.
Finding the Right People to Live With
Sometimes, your current living setup might not be ideal for getting the rest you need.
Platforms like www.spareroom.com can help you find roommates who respect your sleep schedule. Every three minutes, someone finds a roommate on SpareRoom. Whether you’re looking for a quieter household, your own room, or just a better fit with your lifestyle, a platform like this makes it easy to find the right space.
If you’re not ready to take such extreme measures, read on:
How to Create a Restful Space and Sleep Better
1. Create a Sleep Sanctuary
Even if you’re working with just a small portion of a room, you can still carve out a sleep zone. This doesn’t have to mean an expensive makeover. Using a few visual elements can train your brain to associate a certain space with rest.
Use rugs or room dividers to separate your bed area from the rest of the room. Soft lighting, such as a dimmable lamp or string lights, can bring warmth into your space and let your brain know that it's time to wind down.
2. Get Smart With Sound
Noise is one of the biggest barriers to restful sleep when you live with others. If earplugs aren’t your thing, try a white noise machine or a fan to drown out background chatter and city sounds. Soundproofing hacks, like weatherstripping your door, hanging thick curtains, or even placing a bookshelf against a shared wall, can make a surprising difference.
3. Set Boundaries With Roommates and Family
Communication is super important when sharing a home with others. Set quiet hours if possible, or discuss which times of day are most important for you to rest. A mutual agreement will help everyone feel heard and respected. If your schedules are completely different, consider using a whiteboard or calendar to flag quiet times.
4. Invest in Sleep-Friendly Tools
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your sleep space more inviting. A comfortable mattress topper, blackout curtains, and a sleep mask can improve your rest hugely. Lavender pillow sprays or essential oil diffusers will give you a calming scent that can cue your body for sleep. And why not try blue light-blocking glasses if you use screens before bed? These can keep the disruption to your circadian rhythm to a minimum.
5. Keep a Consistent Routine
Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. A short wind-down routine before bed (like reading, meditating, or listening to calming music) can make a big difference in how quickly you fall asleep and how rested you feel in the morning.
6. Navigate Night Owls and Early Risers
If your housemates’ sleep schedules don’t align with yours, think about small tweaks that minimize disruption. For example, use a white noise machine or play soft music with earbuds if someone else is watching TV late. If you’re the one who stays up later, try using low lighting and being mindful of noise to avoid disturbing early sleepers. Small gestures can go a long way toward keeping the peace.
7. Personalize Your Wind-Down Routine
Everyone relaxes differently. While some people swear by a warm bath or a cup of herbal tea, others might prefer journaling or listening to a podcast. Whatever helps you unwind, make it a nightly ritual. This consistency will help your brain recognize when it’s time for sleep and also bring a sense of stability in an otherwise hectic household.
8. Making the Most of Your Morning
If your house is busiest in the morning, try prepping the night before to reduce stress. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, or set up the coffee maker ahead of time. This can help you wake up calmly rather than diving straight into chaos. A calm morning starts with a restful night, so each step supports the other.
Conclusion
Sharing a home doesn’t mean sacrificing good quality sleep. With thoughtful planning and communication, you can create a restful sleep environment that supports your well-being. There are plenty of ways to sleep smarter. Prioritizing your sleep is an investment in your overall health, and it’s one worth making, no matter how busy your household may be.