Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Tiny Home

Many people are choosing to live in smaller houses, known as ‘tiny homes’. Some reasons include; going off the grid, getting closer to nature, reducing waste, and keeping costs down. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your life or sleep when you choose a tiny home. We have some suggestions for you to get a great night’s sleep in your tiny space.

Get Comfortable

Nothing makes your bed more cozy than a great set of bedding, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on sheets, blankets, and pillows. Look for online retailers with sales or overstock sites for great deals on quality bedding.

You can reduce stress by making small changes to your bedroom decor. Choosing a calming wall colour, like pale blue, can soothe you to sleep. Bringing nature into your room through potted plants, nature-themed art, and natural light will also decrease anxiety and make sleeping easier. You can even use your now very comfy bed for breathing or meditation exercises.

Curtains, A Multi-Purpose Tool

Other than colour and style, you probably give little thought to what kind of curtains you have. But curtains do much more than add to your stylish decor. First off, they are a super affordable way to block light. If your tiny home or cabin has lots of windows or skylights, you’ll need velvet or blackout curtains to ensure the mood is set for bed.

West Elm explains that blackout lining is available for all fabrics, so you do not have to sacrifice style. Curtains are also somewhat effective at dampening noise. Plus, if you hang your curtains internally from the ceiling, they will give you a bit of privacy when you have guests.

Can I Afford Soundproof Windows?

Soundproof windows can be expensive, and there are better ways to block sounds that the curtains can’t filter. Seal any gaps around the windows and make sure that your siding is insulated, which not only helps with energy conservation but can also reduce outside noises. If you have an in-home clothes dryer, check to see that the vent hole is sealed.

If these solutions aren’t enough, consider a sound or white noise machine to drown out any remaining noises at night.

More Sleep Tips

No matter where you live, how you behave in the hours before settling in can make or break your ability to get some much-needed zzzzs. Try these suggestions, which are essentially free!

Not watching TV. Your brain is not wired for nighttime screen use, large or small. The blue light emitted from your television set – or smartphone or tablet – is similar to light given off by the sun. What your body was made for, however, is following day and night patterns. In other words, watching TV at night makes your brain think it’s daytime.

Separate work and home. Establishing a healthy work/life balance is hard, but it’s even harder if you work from home. Doing it in a tiny house can be an even bigger challenge because your work space may literally be in your sleeping space. In this case, creating a schedule with clear work/home boundaries can help. And if it’s possible to create a little space between your desk and your bed, do it.

Eating light before bed. Choose a sleep-friendly food if you’re hungry. A quick turkey and cheese sandwich or handful of almonds can keep your stomach full so it doesn’t growl you into wakefulness by midnight. But, avoid large, heavy or sugary meals after dark for the best sleep possible.

Exercising during the day. You don’t have to invest in a costly fitness centre membership to tire your body out. Enjoy a hike before sunset or a bike ride in the morning. Physical activity can help alleviate excess energy, making you less likely to toss and turn throughout the night.

Sleep isn’t always easy in a tiny home, but it does not have to cost a month’s mortgage to outfit your area so that you – and your guests – can get some rest. Try the above tips today, and enjoy a sound sleep tonight.

Please note: This article is not to be used as medical advice. If you have any questions about your sleep health, speak to your doctor.