Creating A Healthy Sleeping Space For Better Rest
When creating healthier spaces in our home, one area that I focus on in particular is the bedroom. When you think about how much time is spent in a bedroom, you can see why it is such an important place to eliminate chemicals and toxins. Here are a few ways I make my bedroom (and my kids’ bedrooms) healthier and less toxic.
Organic Latex Mattress - Most mattresses are treated with chemicals to make them fire-resistant and they can off-gas these chemicals for years. This includes furniture, sadly, as well. According to healthychild.com, “Most mattresses contain petroleum based chemicals, toxic foams, synthetic fabrics, and fire retardant barriers or chemicals. These chemicals can off-gas to expose your family to dangerous levels of toxins while they sleep.” Additionally, “a mattress can still off-gas even when it’s 10 years old and there’s no chemical smell.” When searching for the best mattress option for our family, I came across organic latex mattresses. After reading lots of reviews, we decided to take the plunge. It was definitely an investment, but good health is so important to me and I knew this mattress would last us a long time. We ordered our mattress from Pure Rest. After sleeping on this mattress for the first time, we were hooked. We still have our same king-sized mattress from 2010 and our kids all have organic latex mattresses, too.
Zero-VOC Paint - I use zero-VOC nursery paint in our baby rooms. According to buildwithrise.com, “VOCs commonly found in paint include formaldehyde, chloride, methylene, and benzene. Exposure has been linked to respiratory and exocrine system problems, including, but not limited to, trouble breathing, headaches, nausea, cancer, fatigue, dizziness, itchy skin/rash, poor coordination, and nose, throat, and eye irritation. Most latex paints off-gas for roughly three to five years, but can continue up to 10 years.” One safe brand that I researched and have personally used a few times is Ecos Paints. They have a Lullaby line of paints with a great color palette but can also match other paint brands. I have also used their furniture paint to refinish an old cradle.
Air Purifier - I love my Air Doctor air cleaners all around my house but especially in the bedroom. Since so many hours are spent in this room, this is extra important. I want to breathe in the cleanest, freshest air possible while my body rests and rejuvenates. This also helps a lot with allergies, which also leads to much better sleep.
Organic Cotton Bedding - The bed sheets that touch our skin are also a crucial part of a low-tox sleeping space. We use a wool puddle pad to protect the organic latex mattress in the event of baby or dog messes (I purchased this from Pure Rest). I use these 100% organic cotton sheets - they are great quality and totally worth the investment! I love how they are also labeled “head/foot” so they are easier to put on the mattress.
Organic Cotton Pillow - Your face is literally breathing this in the entire night. According to theroundup.org, “Some studies have shown that many pillows contain high levels of toxic chemicals, which can cause various health problems.” This includes flame retardants, pesticides and other VOCs that can cause a variety of health issues. This organic cotton pillow has stayed fluffy and been so comfortable to sleep on! I have also slept on buckwheat pillows, which I also highly recommend. A lot of chiropractors also recommend a buckwheat pillow for more neck support.
Himalayan Salt Lamp - Not only is this great for a nursing baby so the light won’t interrupt their circadian rhythm, it also offers a relaxing ambiance. Mine is on a remote from the hardware store so I can turn it on and off from my bed. It’s also said that salt lamps help to purify the air.
House Plants - I have a few plants in my bedroom that help to purify the indoor air. One is an aloe plant which is also great to use for sunburn and bug bites. The other is a pothos plant. According to an article on HGTV.com, “Pothos earned high marks in a NASA clean air study for clearing the air of benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, carbon monoxide and xylene.” I promise, both of these options are super easy to care for!
Magnesium Spray - I can’t forget to mention my favorite magnesium spray that I apply to my feet each night. I spray a few sprays, rub it in and then put socks on so it doesn’t get all over my sheets. This seriously helps me sleep so soundly.
I’ll write more about herbs and supplements for better sleep in a future post. Bottom line, if you plan to detoxify a room in your home, this is a good place to get started. The more you lower the toxic burden on your body, the more your body can use energy to heal and restore. Wishing you some excellent rest!