Strategies for Sleeping Well in a Live/Work Space

Here's a visually interesting representation of insomnia, created by an insomniac:

He rightfully addresses a topic insomniacs should be aware of: too much exposure to light, in the form of computer screens and desk lamps, can make it more difficult to fall asleep. (Because exposure to certain light rays can interrupt the body's melatonin production, and melatonin promotes sleep.)

I talk about light exposure quite a bit in Good Night. Designing your sleep environment to promote relaxation is very important.

In the case of college students, whose work and live spaces are one in the same, it's more difficult to make the psychological and physical separation between the two -- but there are still things you can do to promote sleep.

When going to bed, try and keep your room dark and noise to a minimum. Shut your computer down when you go to sleep -- the power-on lights on monitors, CPUs and laptops can contribute quite a bit of light to an otherwise dark room.

Likewise, the steady hum of the computer's fan can be distracting. Plus, shutting the computer all the way off makes turning it back on -- to IM friends, to Google people, to play games -- that much more of a hassle. You'll be less likely to jump to your desk if the computer's been shut down for the night.

Other tips for sleeping in small spaces:

• Separate your bed from your work space using a screen or divider.
• If you sleep on a futon or pull-out couch, pull the bed out 2-3 hours before you go to sleep, to set the mood for sleep.
• Dim your lights 2-3 hours before bed, again to help set the mood for sleep.

There's a longer list of "Cramped Quarters" suggestions and Bedroom Makeover techniques in Chapter 4 of my book.

Any other college or graduate students have words of advice to share about coping with a shared live/work space?

Comments

[Sailin]

Really a very good info, will try it out for sure. keep writing. God bless!

[kevin]

thanks for the tips about the melatonin stuff and how its related to light. however, i have problems with light itself..

i cannot sleep WITH THE LIGHTS ON because i fear the things that isnt proven to exist. you know what i mean.

i sleep every night[or should i say morning? :D ] with the lights on simply because of fear.

ever since this insomnia of mine started, i've been blogging about it. i thought i could have a little advice about what im doing. i could have a little help with it.

[Health Advocate]

This seems to be a very common problem. I cannot sleep at all with the lights on though I am not suffering from insomnia. Quite an interesting posting!