Creating the perfect sleeping environment

Top tips from industry experts on how to create the perfect sleeping environment for a good night’s sleep

Wondering how you can give your guests a great night's sleep?

We spoke to two leading industry experts to find out how to create the perfect sleeping environment for your guests.

Simon Williams is the Marketing & Membership Manager for the National Bed Federation, the recognised trade association representing bed manufacturers and suppliers in the UK. Andrew Thorpe is the Divisional Contracts & Export Director for Sleepeezee, one of the UK’s most well-known bed manufacturers, producing handcrafted luxury beds and mattresses.

10 Tips for creating the perfect sleeping environment

1.) Blackout Curtains
Simon Williams said: “Ensure the room can be made as dark as possible for sleeping. Use blackout curtains or blinds, or even buy some inexpensive eye-masks for your guests.”
Andrew Thorpe said: “Make sure it can really be ‘lights out’. Installing blackout curtains is important for undisturbed sleep.”

2.) Lighting
Andrew said: “Use soft lighting and dimmer switches.”
Simon said: “Avoid anything with an LED display, including clocks.”

3.) Temperature
S: “Make sure the room isn’t too hot or too cold. If anything, keep it slightly cool. Overly hot rooms are one of the major complaints in hotels.”
A: “Sleeping hot is one of the leading causes of insomnia so allow guests to set the temperature between 16 and 20 degrees.”

4.) Quality Feel
A: “Your body is in near-constant contact with the sheets. Provide high-quality, soft and breathable sheets to keep guests cool.”

5.) Sound
S: “Make the room as sound-proof as possible. Double glazed windows are a necessity if you’re near a busy road. Also think about fitting a good quality door to reduce noise from other guests.”
A: “Eliminating noise is important. Guests are in unfamiliar surroundings, so rooms need to be quiet and peaceful. Invest in double glazed windows and lined curtains.”

6.) Colour
A: “Use colour to ensure the decor is calm and neutral so that guests aren’t distracted.”
S: “Avoid bright colours, such as reds, which are stimulating and less conducive to a good night's sleep. Use muted and pastel colours which are more calming.”

7.) Furnishings
S: “Keep the room clutter free and minimally furnished. Cluttered and untidy bedrooms won’t help a good night's sleep.”

8.) Smells
A: “This is one of our most powerful senses, with links to memory, mood and energy levels. Some studies have shown that lavender lowers blood pressure and heart rate, which induces a calming effect. This is why some of our customers use lavender scents in their rooms.”
S: “Some smells can make you feel more relaxed and calmer. Use diffusers or sprinkle potpourri with essential oils like lavender or geranium.”

9.) Décor
S: “Put artwork, plants or flowers in the bedroom to help guests feel more relaxed.”

10.) Invest in the right bed
S: “Offer a good quality, comfortable and supportive bed with decent pillows. The bigger the better too, for less partner disturbance. Spend as much as you can afford on your bed; It’s where your guests will spend most of their stay.”
A: “Invest in the highest quality mattress you can afford, as well as mattress protectors which help to keep the bed as clean and hygienic as possible.”

Keep an eye out for LBNBs August issue for a feature on ‘How to pick the Best Bed’.