Many people do not get the recommended eight hours of sleep for a variety of reasons and the bedroom may be part of the issue. Sleep is vital for our bodies and there are several steps to take to ensure a bedroom is maximized for sleep. Use the following tips to update your apartment home bedroom or change your bedtime habits to enhance more restful sleep.

Don’t do work, watch TV, or eat a meal in bed. The bed should only be used for sleep and although a cozy bed can sound inviting, separating the way we think about our beds can help change our attitude toward sleep. If we only think of our bed as a vessel for sleep, we are more likely to feel relaxed around bedtime. Live in a studio apartment? Try breaking up your space so the bed doesn’t become the focal point of both the living and sleeping area. This way, daytime activities can be separated from nighttime.

Clean up clutter. The bedroom should be an organized haven from the chaos of life. Simple décor and proper storage can ensure a bedroom is a clean as possible and therefore more relaxing.

Save the electronics for the living room. The brightness of a screen is very stimulating and will keep people awake for much longer. This includes TVs and even alarm clocks. Though alarm clocks are helpful, the brightness can be distracting. If necessary, simply face the alarm clock away from the bed to avoid glancing at the time throughout the night.

Keep the bedroom dark. Blackout curtains are an easy fix and will keep out light from streetlamps and the rising sun in the morning. If curtains are too difficult, try using a sleep mask.

Keep the bedroom cool. Studies show sleeping in a cool room leads to better sleep. Try adjusting the thermostat to below 70 degrees or wear light pajamas.

Keep the bedroom quiet. Don’t fall asleep to TV or music because it adds the risk of being woken by an unsuspecting sound. Try setting a timer on the device so it doesn’t continue all night. If sound comes from neighbors or outside noises, try a sound machine or fan. The consistent sound is lulling and can drown out distracting sound.

By making simple adjustments to your apartment home bedroom, you can maximize your sleep for the better. We hope these tips can help lead to sound sleep and relaxation in your apartment home.

The post Tips for Maximizing Your Apartment Bedroom for Sleep appeared first on Rosemont Vinings Ridge Blog.

Trick or Treat! Halloween is a few days away and we know most people are in a panic to create a last-minute costume. No matter your level of creativity, we’ve made a list of a few easy costume ideas for all ages and even a few suggestions for pets. Read below for some creative (and easy) Halloween costume suggestions!

Costume: Gumball Machine

What you’ll need:

Multicolor pom poms

A black/white top

Red skirt/pants (the gumball machine)

Black felt (the 25-cent coin slot)

Glue gun and sticks

Steps: Hot glue the pom poms to the shirt to create the “gumball” portion. Use the felt to cut out and create the 25-cent slot. Glue the “money slot” on the red skirt/pants to create the “machine/stand” portion.

Costume: Harry Potter

What you’ll need:

Red and gold striped scarf

Black, round, glasses

Red face paint

Black robe

Steps: Draw a lightening bolt shaped scar on forehead. Throw on the robes, scarf, and glasses, and poof! You’re a Hogwarts legend.

Costume: Holy Guacamole

What you’ll need:

Green t-shirt

Printed photos of avocados

Angel wings

Halo

Steps: Glue printed photos of avocados to a green shirt. Add angel attire and now you’re the puniest person at the party.

Costume: Bunch of Grapes

What you’ll need:

Black t-shirt

Black pants

A pack of purple balloons

Tape or hot glue

Steps: Tape or glue inflated purple balloons to your neutral under clothes. For an added detail, wear a green beanie to create a grape stem.

The anti-costume: Error 404

Steps: Find a local t-shirt screen printer or draw on a t-shirt “Error 404 Costume Not Found.” This is a snarky and minimal effort costume for even the most last minute of decisions.

Owner/Pet costume: Vendor and Hotdog

What you’ll need:

Red apron

White shirt

Chef hat

Doggie hotdog costume

Owner/Pet costume: Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf

What you’ll need:

Red fabric/hood

A basket of goodies

If your pup’s ears aren’t ferocious enough, add large black fluffy ears to mimic a wolf.

We hope our suggestions sparked your imagination and that you can pull together an easy and creative Halloween costume. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!

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