In designing and decorating their bedrooms, many people end up creating an environment that does little to aid relaxation and is anything but sleep-friendly. Space constraints, particularly in Hong Kong, can mean the bedroom becomes part office, part storeroom, with computer, television, exercise machine and assorted other gizmos seeming to occupy every spare inch.
The overall sense is of 'busyness', not calm. So, since the quality of the bedroom environment is known to have a big impact on how well one sleeps, it is important to pay heed to recommendations for layout and design.
'Keep clutter in a bedroom to the minimum,' says Kenneth Tjon, managing director of Dormirest. 'More furniture will attract dust, as will rugs and curtains, so try to avoid this. Choose curtains with a smooth surface [which are easy to maintain] and effectively block out light.'
The starting point should always be to create a space conducive to sleep, not somewhere to multitask. In general, that means doing away with the television and anything the mind normally associates with work or which increases mental activity.
As Tjon points out, flickering light from a television or computer screen can confuse the body clock. And, while people may think watching the late-night news or a movie is a good way to unwind, this is something of a fallacy. Whatever the content, it will serve to stimulate more than relax. And aside from the programming, commercials can be a jarring interruption.
Regarding accessories, such as nightstands, his advice is to opt for pairs. And in terms of shapes, it is better to go for ovals and circles rather than items that are all angles and sharp corners.