There’s no better feeling than finally getting into bed after a long day. And, for some, there’s no worse feeling than when the morning alarm rings and bursts your bubble of restful bliss.
Waking up early in the morning can be tricky, especially if your sleep the night before doesn’t leave you feeling particularly refreshed. This explains why so many of us just can’t resist the urge to press ‘snooze’ one too many times.
In fact, a recent study found that, based on a global sample, people snooze their alarms for around 11 minutes on average each morning before waking.
Does this sound like you? Don’t fret. Even if you’re a natural night owl, there is one simple bedroom design trick to become a morning person that experts recommend if you find yourself sleeping in too late each morning.
The expert-approved design trick
When it comes to bedroom ideas, we’re often told to pick colour palettes that soothe the mind and create a relaxing environment for when we unwind in the evening. While this advice still stands for the four walls, it can be beneficial to paint your ceiling – or fifth wall – in a brighter colour for a mood-boosting wake-up call.
Painting your ceiling a different colour from your walls is not a new design idea. In fact, it has quickly become a popular design feature popping up in rooms across the home, thanks to recent trends like colour drenching and dopamine decor. But, more than just an eye-catching design feature, this simple trick can also make it easier to get up each morning.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
‘The brightness of colour palettes and the associations we have with certain colours can significantly influence our sleep quality,’ says Dave Gibson, founder of The Sleep Site. ‘Technically, a ceiling that you regard as bright and energising can help wake you up, especially when it reflects the bright sunlight which we need to stimulate us in the morning,’ he adds.
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‘Painting the ceiling is a clever design trick that’s gaining more and more attention,’ agrees Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘Using calming colours on the walls helps ease the transition into sleep, while a ceiling painted in a lighter, more energising tone can subtly stimulate the senses in the morning.’
This design trick makes sense – after all, the ceiling is, more often than not, the first thing we lay eyes on after stirring from sleep. ‘Most of us spend the majority of our time in the bedroom looking at the walls. We’re mostly only aware of our ceiling colours when lying in bed, looking up. So it’s useful for a stimulating morning wake-up while not disturbing sleep,’ says Sammy Margo, sleep expert at Dreams.
Which colours should I pick?
The key to nailing this trick and mastering the art of the early morning wake-up lies in choosing the right shade for your ceiling.
‘The colour you pick should be energising but not so bold they become visually overwhelming when you’re lying in bed,’ says Sammy. And, it should also complement your existing bedroom colour scheme for an effortless finish. Unsure where to start? We asked the experts which colours work best.
Pink
‘To boost energy levels in the morning, opt for soft but uplifting shades that emulate early morning light,’ suggests Marianne. ‘Pale corals or a warm blush can gently stimulate wakefulness without being overpowering.
This pink ceiling is in a hallway, but the same look can work in a bedroom
(Image credit: Future PLC)
‘These colours bring a sense of warmth and optimism that eases you into the day with positivity and brightness,’ she adds. Try shades like Blush Pink from Dulux to get the look.
Green
According to colour psychology, green is a calming colour that also possesses rejuvenating properties, making it the perfect shade for your ceiling.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
What’s more – it works perfectly as a playful pop in a kids room, or can be included in a more luxe adult scheme. Either way, it’s a great shade to help you start the day.
Yellow
‘Brighter yellow, associated with sunlight, would be my favourite choice for stimulation, followed by tangerine orange,’ says Dave. These warm hues can mimic the feel of a sunrise and help us spring into action each morning.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
However, no matter which colour you pick, it’s important to consider the logistics of your room before committing. ‘Factors such as the amount of natural light and room size can also affect how colours appear and influence energy levels and mood,’ he adds.
Become a morning person
Don’t fancy taking a brush to your ceiling? The Ideal Home team swear by these products to make the morning feel a little easier.
Lumie
Lumie Bodyclock Spark 100 Wake Up to Daylight Table Lamp
A Lumie alarm clock slowly wakes you up with light that mimics a gentle sunrise.
Breville
Breville Bijou Espresso Machine
An at home espresso machine will always make mornings that little bit easier.
John Lewis ANYDAY
John Lewis Eyelet Voile Panel, White
If you prefer to be woken up by natural light then these voile curtains will allow sun to filter through.
They say travel expands the mind, widening our horizons and offering new perspectives on life, from experiencing different cultures to discovering new practical solutions to problems.
Such is the case with sleep habits. You might think that there’s nothing new to learn about going to bed, but as a heatwave hits the UK this week, sleep experts say there’s plenty we can learn from hotter countries about how to stay cool in bed when the mercury soars.
From the German ‘doppelbett’ sleep method to Scandi sleep hacks, there’s a lot we can learn from other countries about sleeping differently. In particular, an Australian sleep hack that helps those ‘down under’ sleep better in the summer heat.
Namely, this Aussie sleep hack involves swapping out the traditional British duvet and sleeping under a flat top sheet instead. As temperatures in parts of the UK are predicted to soar to over 30°C this week, I asked a variety of sleep experts for their advice on why this sleeping method is one that Brits should adopt.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Why the ‘Aussie sleep hack’ works
‘Along with light, temperature is a key cue for regulating our sleep-wake cycle,’ explains sleep expert and founder of The Sleep Site, Dave Gibson. ‘Our internal core body temperature is designed to drop at night, aligning with the decreasing environmental temperature as the sun sets. However, if our bedroom or bedding is too hot, we stop this process from happening.’
‘Our core body temperature needs to drop a couple of degrees for us to get access to the good quality sleep we need,’ agrees Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, ‘if this doesn’t happen we will likely stay in a lighter form of sleep and wake up frequently throughout the night.’
‘Sometimes even the lowest of duvet togs might be too much in the heat of the summer,’ explains Hannah, and therefore using the Aussie sleep hack of swapping out the duvet for a top sheet is ideal. ‘Using just a sheet on the hottest nights allows your core body to drop to the temperature it needs, providing you with a good night’s sleep.’
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So, sleep experts agree the Aussie sleep hack is one to adopt, but what about bedding experts? Do they think forgoing the classic duvet for a top sheet is the way to go?
(Image credit: Piglet in Bed)
‘Absolutely, yes, yes,’ says Molly Freshwater, co-founder of Secret Linen Store. ‘It’s such a simple way to stay cool at night and still feel tucked in. A soft cotton or linen top sheet is lovely when a duvet is too much, but you still want a little layer. I often do this at home on the hottest nights.’
‘Sleeping under just a top sheet in summer can be a great way to stay cool and comfortable,’ agrees Jessica Hanley, founder & CEO of Piglet in Bed. ‘It provides a light layer without trapping heat, especially if it’s made from breathable materials like linen or cotton. If you’re someone who likes a bit of coverage without the weight of a duvet, a top sheet is a perfect seasonal swap.’
If you don’t already have a flat sheet lurking in your bedding cupboard, then here are three of our experts’ suggestions for ensuring that top layer has as much breathability as possible. However, you don’t nevessarily need to invest in any new bedding, you could also try removing your duvet and simply sleeping under the duvet cover instead.
Dunelm
Pure Cotton Flat Sheet
If you’re after a budget option, Dunelm’s Pure Cotton Flat Sheet is £15 for a single or £18 for a double. Its 180 threadcount weave will also ensure breathability.
Piglet in Bed
Mellow Green Slumber Stripe Cotton Flat Sheet
Prewashed for extra softness, this 100% cotton 200-threadcount flat sheet is a slightly more indulgent choice with a relaxed, laid-back feel.
Secret Linen Store
100% Linen Flat Sheet
Or for something a little heavierweight, ‘linen is a dream for hot sleepers,’ says Molly from Secret Linen Store. ‘It’s made from flax, a hollow fibre, so it naturally wicks away heat and moisture.’
Of course, there are some differences between British and Australian nights to bear in mind, and that’s the unpredictability of British weather – summertime or not!
So, if you opt for sleeping under a top sheet during the current heatwave, Molly Freshwater has one last piece of advice: ‘have a throw beside the bed if you wake up and feel a bit chilly,’ she says. After all, we all know that in Britain the sunshine can disappear as fast as it appears!
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If you’re striving to be more eco-friendly in your everyday life, a natural place to start is in the home. Aside from more obvious changes like using eco-friendly cleaning supplies and being more mindful of waste, another step is to buy organic bedding. Since we spend so much time in our beds, it makes sense to seek out products that are free of chemicals and potentially harmful substances — but it’s not enough to just buy sheets (or any fabric) simply labeled “organic.” While the FDA regulates organic labeling on food, there are currently only voluntary certifications when it comes to textiles. There is, however, a global certification you can look for. GOTS, or Global Organic Textile Standard, not only certifies manufacturers are using eco-friendly, sustainable techniques but also fair labor practices. Another is the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which grades textiles on their exposure to harmful chemicals. While this also means that organic bedding tends to be more expensive, we know you’ll find the trade-off is certainly worth it. Below, we rounded up 15 of the best bedding organic sources that feel just as good as their positive impact.
Do you have an organic bedding source you love that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
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Note: All prices listed are for Queen size.
This Northern California company focuses solely on organic cotton bedding. Coyuchi follows standards set by USDA Organic, GOTS, Textile Exchange, Fair Trade USA, and the International Labour Organization to ensure that every part of their process, including shipping and packaging, is sustainable. They also use low-impact dyes. Reliable favorites include their Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets and Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets.
Boll & Branch’s bedding is not only 100 percent certified organic, but their goods, made in India, are certified by Fair Trade to ensure the makers are paid and treated well. Additionally, a portion of every purchase is used to fight human trafficking. AT editors have used Boll & Branch products in the past, and can confirm they’re great quality and feel amazing. Interested in trying yourself? Top sellers include their Classic Hemmed Sheet Set and Flannel Sheet Set.
SOL, which stands for Sustained Organic Living, donates $7.50 to one of four charities with every bedsheet purchased. Their bedding is certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX, and they only work with Fair Trade partners. Not only are their sheets free from harmful chemicals and dyes, but even the cotton used to make their sheets is grown without using any pesticides or fertilizers. Even better? Their prices are lower than the average for organic bedding. Current offerings include Percale Organic Sheets and Classic Sateen Organic Sheets.
Originally launched because the founder couldn’t find soft, sustainable, and affordable bedding, Ettitude sells sheets and comforters made of CleanBamboo, a new kind of bedding fabric that uses resource-efficient bamboo to create breathable sheets. All of the bamboo is sourced from FSC-certified forests, and products are shipped in reusable packaging to help eliminate waste. Plus, for every purchase, Ettitude donates 1 percent of revenue to environmental organizations. Some of our favorite sheets include the classic Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set and the slightly heavier Bamboo Twill Sheet Set.
Some, but not all, of West Elm’s cotton sheets, duvet covers, and blankets are organic, with most in that category labeled as GOTS-certified and Fair Trade Certified. Certain bedding items are also non-dyed or made with environmentally-safe dyes that contain no harmful metals. Some of our favorites from West Elm include their Organic Washed Cotton sheet set and Organic Sateen sheet set.
Buffy’s one goal is to make your life more comfortable without making the planet uncomfortable. They do that in all sorts of ways, like using eucalyptus instead of cotton, recycling plastic bottles into polyester sheets, or using only plant-based dyes on their materials. (Every product description tells you how many plastic bottles, geese, or gallons of water you’re saving.) Those different methods and materials don’t equal less comfort, though. Try out the hypoallergenic 100-percent eucalyptus sheets, but also give the Cloud Comforter — what Buffy’s best known for — a go.
With a range of inexpensive bedding and bath textiles (plus rugs!), Under the Canopy is a great place to stock up on organic basics. Their products have a range of certifications — aside from GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade, they’re also cruelty-free and certified by the FSC and Weltrack. Bestsellers include the Organic Sateen Sheet Set and the Down Alternative Comforter.
Plover’s colorful textiles are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and dyeing methods that conform to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and the company is audited by the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). Plover is a small company committed to making limited-run and distinctively different products — right now our favorites include this Teal Zigzag Sheet Set and this Gray Lattice Quilt.
Anna Sova is dedicated to making “the finest organic linens in the world” for all parts of your home. All textiles are made of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton, silk, or linen, and the bedding is made in carefully selected Italian mills. Their bedding section is on the pricey end, but if you’re going to invest, might as well go for the oh-so-soft Organic Cotton Velvet Collection or the Luxury Champagne Collection.
For a totally different type of organic bedding, check out Cariloha, whose specialty is bamboo. The company makes bamboo bedding, plus clothing and even mattresses. Breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally sustainable, bamboo sheets are one route to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Plus, their products are also available on Amazon: Check out their Classic Bamboo Sheet Set and enjoy that Prime shipping.
Laura Fenton is the author of The Little Book of Living Small. She writes about home design and sustainability, and is a regular contributor to Apartment Therapy. Her work has been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Eater, New York Magazine, and Real Simple.
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