The 5 Senses of Sleep: How Your Room Should Feel, Sound, and Smell
Getting a good night’s rest is essential for overall health, mood, and productivity. While many focus on mattress quality or nightly routines, the role of the five senses in shaping sleep quality is often overlooked. Our environment — how it looks, sounds, smells, feels, and even tastes — profoundly influences how easily we drift into a restful slumber. Understanding these sensory factors can help you create an ideal sanctuary tailored to your needs.
First up, here's how you can personalize your bedding space by focusing more on sleep and the sense of touch.
Sleep And The Sense Of Touch
How your sleeping area feels to you is very important. Sleep and the sense of touch plays a crucial role in our ability to fully relax as we prepare to fall asleep.
Soft bedding, cozy pajamas, and a comfortable mattress can all significantly reduce physical discomfort that might disrupt us throughout the night. Research indicates that the satisfaction we experience when our skin interacts with a material, object, or environment impacts the time it takes to doze off, thus positively impacting sleep and the sense of touch.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that participants sleeping on softer surfaces experienced deeper, more restorative rest.
Be very aware of your sensory concerns and skin conditions when seeking to improve upon your sleep and the sense of touch connection. Creating a sensory-friendly sleep environment involves choosing bedding that feels gentle against your skin. High-quality, breathable fabrics, like cotton or silk, can help regulate body temperature and prevent sweating, too. To enhance tactile comfort, consider investing in plush pillows, a supportive mattress topper, or even a weighted blanket, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
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Sleep and the Sense of Sound
Second is sleep and the sense of sound! Either facilitating rest or causing disturbances, sound is one of the most influential senses that can affect how well we snooze.
Sudden unpleasant noises, such as traffic or loud neighbors, can fragment sleep cycles and reduce the amount of time spent in REM sleep. This, in turn, affects sleep and the sense of sound by affecting memory and cognitive function. Conversely, calming sounds, such as white noise or nature sounds, can cut through the noise and promote quicker onset. Research in the Journal of Advanced Nursing demonstrates that white noise machines can significantly improve sleep quality in noisy environments.
To optimize the auditory environment as you consider improving your relationship with sleep and the sense of sound, consider using soundproofing techniques or devices that produce soothing backgrounds . Earplugs can be effective for reducing unwanted sounds, and noise-canceling headphones can provide personalized comfort. For a calming atmosphere, a white noise machine or gentle nature sound playlists can also create a consistent, relaxing soundscape that encourages deeper sleep.
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Sleep and the Sense of Smell
Did you know our senses of smell have a powerful connection to emotions and memory? This makes sleep and the sense of smell a potent tool. Certain scents, like lavender and chamomile, have been scientifically shown to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. A study in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that inhaling lavender essential oil before sleep increased the duration of deep sleep and decreased how long it takes to start dreaming. Aromatherapy is a simple, non-invasive way to foster a peaceful sleeping environment.
Incorporating calming scents into your bedroom can be as easy as using essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or pillow sprays. Just make sure that the oils used are pure and free of synthetic fragrances to avoid respiratory irritation that would thereby clash with your efforts to improve your sleep and the sense of smell .
Vibes inspired by calming fagrances...
Sleep and the Sense of Sight
Fourth up is sleep and the sense of sight!
Light exposure plays a critical role in regulating circadian rhythms. These govern our sleep-wake cycles. Bright artificial lights or screens emitting blue light can inhibit melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. On the opposite end, dim, warm lighting signals to your body that it’s time to wind down. Research from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine emphasizes the importance of reducing blue light exposure before bedtime.
If you’re looking to create a sleep-friendly room that prioritizes sleep and the sense of sight, blackout curtains are a great way to go! They effectively eliminate light coming from outside your windows. More sheer curtains can also be placed in the middle for when you’re ready to let the sunshine in during the day.
Opting for soft, warm lamps or amber-toned lighting in the evening will also help offset issues surrounding sleep and the sense of sight. Avoid computer, phone, and tablet screens at least an hour before bed and/or replace your nightly device time with relaxing activities like reading a book. Ever Lasting Fabric offers a selection of silky sleep masks and cozy, low-light lamps that can help create a dark, calming space.
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Sleep and the Sense of Taste
Lastly is taste!
Wait, what exactly do sleep and the sense of taste have to do with each other? Well, while sleep and the sense of taste might seem less directly related, what we consume before bed can influence how well we rest. Heavy, spicy, or sugary foods close to bedtime can cause discomfort, indigestion, or spikes in blood sugar, disrupting sleep cycles. In contrast, a light snack rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and/or melatonin may promote sleepiness and improve sleep quality. Research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that diet quality directly impacts sleep duration.
Examples of good before bedtime snacks include:
- yogurt
- nuts
- bananas
Examples of common bad before bedtime snacks include:
- chocolate
- potato chips
- pizza
To optimize your sleep and the sense of taste relationship, focus on light, easily digestible snacks. Avoid caffeine or alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime. Staying hydrated is also important, but avoid drinking large amounts of fluids right before bed to prevent disruptions.
Achieve your favorite tastes with these...
Conclusion
Achieving better sleep involves more than just choosing the right mattress; it requires creating an environment that nurtures all five senses. By adjusting sleep and the sense of tactile comfort, sound, scent, visuals, and even diet, you can improve your ability to fall asleep faster and enhance your sensory experience. Small changes like soft bedding, calming scents, blackout curtains, and gentle lighting can make a significant difference.
At Ever Lasting Fabric, we believe a good night’s sleep begins with thoughtful details. Our plush bedding, cozy pajamas, soothing lamps, and sleep masks help create a sanctuary that nurtures all five senses. Prioritizing sleep isn’t just for health—it’s about nourishing your mind and body so you wake up refreshed, energized, and ready for each day.
Ready to put what you know now to work and create the perfect sleep sanctuary for you? Explore our collection of bedtime essentials to optimize your sleep experience today!
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Quick Bedding FAQ:
What size should I get?
In terms of sizing, most college dorms have Twin XL beds. In that case, we recommend going with a small size bed set and flat sheet. If you're looking for a fresh start or not sure where to begin, we recommend checking out our bundles! Each bundle will include a pillow, duvet insert and bedding set! It is also already pre discounted! Say heyyy to savings.
Don't see the bundle for the style of bedding set you like? Reach out to us and we might be able to make it happen! :)
For more info on bedding and sizing check out our size guide.
How should I decorate my room?
However you feel fit! No matter your style or aesthetic, Ever Lasting has a huge selection of bedding, we're sure you'll find something you love. ♡ Don't forget to share your progress and room makeovers with us by using #EverLastingMakeover and tagging us @EverLastingFabric.
Anything we missed?
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