Lara's Bedside Tips for Home, Bedroom and Garden

Tips for a Comfy Night In


peaceful bedtime meditations and musings

Have you ever laid in bed at night, not quite tired enough to fall asleep?

You find yourself swiping left to read all those random blogs on your mobile phone. Killing time with a little info binge to offset unwelcome bouts of insomnia.

Or maybe you like to do a search or two of your own to answer a question you had earlier in the week while you’re relaxing and settling in for a good night’s rest.

I’m here to help you let go of that frantic, nearly automatic behavior. It’s time to put all your digital devices on vibrate or “do not disturb” and tuck yourself deep into the relaxation of your subconscious mind.

It is often in this state that our best ideas come to us and deep healing for past traumas can occur seemingly on their own.

Let’s beign.

Settling in for the Night

The Importance of Rest

Lying cozily here in my bed at night, I embrace my little late-night Google searches that take me on a virtual trip around the world, without letting them or social media notifications rule my attention span.

And its’ true: I like to share what I find or inquire about with others.

But I don’t want to keep you any longer than your mind and body needs. I want you to get peaceful, rejuvenating slumber, but only when you’re ready.

And you’ll know when that exact moment hits.

I hope you find this site interesting and useful, or even just a good diversion on those late nights or in the early delicate morning hours when you’re still up, lying awake in bed.

What Makes My Bed So Special

When I think about the unrivaled solace, there’s many reasons I enjoy a breezy evening on my posh pillowtop:

  • My bed is my happy place.
  • My bed is where dreams come forth.
  • My bed is my second home.
  • My bed is my sanctuary.
  • My bed is my escape from reality.
  • My bed is where I can be myself.
  • My bed is where I can relax and unwind.
  • My bed is where I can recharge my batteries.
  • My bed is where I get healing and restorative sleep.
  • My bed is where I can forget about my troubles.
  • My bed is where I can dream of a better tomorrow.
  • My bed doesn’t judge me.

I hope these phrases make you smile and feel cozy too!

If you need some ideas to decorate or design your dream bedroom, check out this article on bedroom aesthetics, accents, and accessories.

If you need a little help with getting to sleep, learn about the importance of choosing the best sleep position.

Why I Love Our Bedside Chats

Learning new information right before we go to sleep can help us remember it better. This is because sleep helps to consolidate memories, or strengthen them so that they are more easily recalled. When we learn something new, our brains create new neural pathways. These pathways are strengthened during sleep, which helps us to remember the information better.

In addition, sleep can help us to make sense of new information. When we are awake, our brains are constantly bombarded with new information. This can make it difficult to focus and process information effectively. However, when we sleep, our brains have a chance to slow down and process information more thoroughly. This can help us to make sense of new information and to remember it better.

If you are trying to learn something new, try studying it right before you go to sleep. You may be surprised at how well you remember it the next day!

Additional tips for learning new information before bed:

  • Set a timer: Set a timer for 20-30 minutes so that you don’t overdo it and end up feeling too stimulated to fall asleep.
  • Choose a relaxing activity: Choose an activity that is relaxing and enjoyable, such as reading, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath.
  • Avoid screens: Avoid using electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
  • Get comfortable: Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed before you start learning. This may mean taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
  • Take breaks: If you find yourself getting restless or sleepy, take a short break. Get up and move around, or do something else that will help you relax.
  • Get enough sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep so that your brain can consolidate the new information you have learned. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

By following these tips, you can learn new information before bed without disrupting your sleep.

So good night, sleep tight, and…

Good Night, Sleep Tight- and Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

No one thinks they’ll ever get bed bugs. I know I sure didn’t. But for many people, bed bugs have become more than just a temporary nuisance, they’ve established themselves as a consistent urban reality, especially with residences and living situations that have shared walls.

We hope the bed bugs never bite you, but if they do, here’s what you can do about it:

The Importance of a Good Night’s Rest

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. When we don’t get enough sleep, we can experience a variety of problems, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

So, make sure to take some time for yourself each day to learn and to sleep. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

So, make sure your bed is comfortable, starting with choosing a proper bed and mattress to suit you personally.

Here are some additional tips for enjoying the benefits of learning and getting a good night’s sleep:

  • Find a learning style that works for you. Some people learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening or doing. Experiment with different methods until you find one that helps you to learn most effectively.
  • Find a quiet place to study where you won’t be interrupted.
  • Set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to learn too much at once.
  • Take breaks when you need them. Don’t try to study for hours on end without taking a break.
  • Get comfortable. Make sure you have a comfortable chair or bed to study in.
  • Create a positive learning environment. Play some calming music or light a scented candle to help you relax and focus. Envision the type of relaxing ambiance you’ll create and what you’ll be doing when coming up with bedroom design ideas to make a space that’s truly special.
  • Reward yourself for your efforts. When you reach a goal, give yourself a small reward. This will help you to stay motivated.
  • Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before bed. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as these can interfere with sleep.
  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
  • If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you feel tired.

Are you still having trouble falling and staying asleep at night? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Other Trouble Sleeping at Night

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Insomnia can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health, and can lead to problems at work, school, and in relationships.

Can’t Sleep? Insomnia Affects Millions of Americans Everyday, and so Does Snoring

According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 30% of adults in the United States experience insomnia at some point in their lives. About 10% of adults have chronic insomnia, which means that they have insomnia for at least three nights per week for at least three months.

There are many causes of insomnia:

  • Stress: Stress is one of the most common reasons why people have trouble sleeping. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
  • Anxiety: Anxiety is another common reason for sleep problems. Anxiety can cause racing thoughts, worry, and fear, all of which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Depression: Depression can also cause sleep problems. People with depression often have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting enough restful sleep.
  • Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can cause sleep problems. These conditions include sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and chronic pain. If you find yourself sleeping 7-10 hours/night but still feeling tired, or waking up several times at night for no reason, you might have sleep apnea.
  • Pain: Pain can also make it difficult to sleep. If you’re in pain, you may find it hard to relax and fall asleep.
  • Medications: Some medications can interfere with sleep. If you’re taking any medications, talk to your doctor about whether they could be affecting your sleep.
  • Bad habits: Bad habits can also contribute to sleep problems. These habits include drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed, napping during the day, and using electronic devices in bed.
  • Environment: Your environment can also affect your sleep. If your bedroom is too hot, too cold, or too noisy, it can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

With a little mindfulness and focused effort, you can turn the moments where you fall asleep each night into healing and restorative times of relaxation, peace and personal growth.

Want to learn more? Read our blog!

Okay Babe. Time to Go to Blissful, Dreamy Sleep.

Are you still here?

That’s quite alright with me.

But I want to invite you to bookmark my site. It’ll always be here for you.

Then turn off your phone or laptop, and close your eyes.

Because it’s time to enjoy a little “you” time.

Do me a favor: breathe with me, would you?

We’re going to take four beautifully long, deep and satisfying breaths.

(Inhale deeply, exhale slowly)

Close your eyes. Feel the cool air against your cheek, the gentle weight of the covers. This moment, right here, is yours. No emails demanding replies, no deadlines looming, just the soft hum of your own exhale.

Remember, you’ve carried the weight of the day, held your ground at work, juggled responsibilities like a seasoned circus act. You, a single woman in this whirlwind world, are a wonder. Acknowledge your strength, wear it like a crown tonight.

Now, let the thoughts that chase each other like frantic squirrels in your mind slow down. Every worry, every to-do, gently place it on a shelf outside your bedroom door. They can wait for sunrise. This space is for serenity.

Focus on the rhythm of your breath, a slow, soothing tide washing over your anxieties. Imagine each exhale carrying a burden away, leaving you lighter, freer. The tension in your shoulders eases, your jaw softens. You are a feather settling gently in the moonlight.

Think of a place that whispers peace to your soul. Perhaps a sun-drenched beach, the roar of the ocean lulling you. Or maybe a quiet forest path, dappled sunlight dancing on ferns. Feel the warmth of the sand beneath your toes, the scent of pine needles in the air. This is your refuge, tonight.

And finally, a whisper of gratitude. Thank your body for carrying you through another day. Thank your heart for its unwavering courage. Thank the universe for this breath, this moment, this haven of sleep.

Breathe deep, feel your eyelids grow heavy, let the whispers of the world fade. You are safe, you are strong, you are loved. Drift, dear one, into the gentle embrace of slumber. Tomorrow is a new dawn, but tonight, rest. Dream well.

(Now, with a peaceful smile, allow sleep to claim you. You deserve it.)