Can spring cleaning help you sleep better?

The sun is shining, the sky looks blue, the birds are singing and it’s time for spring cleaning!

We all love the fresh start of the spring time. But did you know that pulling out your duster and vacuum for spring cleaning can actually help you sleep better?

What is Spring Cleaning?

Spring cleaning often refers to a thorough cleaning of a house, room, or area - usually during the springtime. Some believe that spring cleaning came from the Iranian Nowruz - the Persian new year - which always fell on the first day of spring. An Iranian tradition of “khaneh tekani” - which means “Shaking the House” - would take place just before the new year. Some believe that it is related to the cleaning that took place in the Jewish religion before the springtime Passover festival. 

There are other origins that spring cleaning could have sprung from. One relates to the traditional way of heating a house before electric heating was a thing. The practise of burning wood or coal meant that houses were often covered in soot, dirt and ash. Once the weather turned and heating no longer needed, it would be possible to do a big clean and rid your home of these debris so you could enjoy the weather in the warmer seasons. 

Whatever the purpose or history of spring cleaning, it is a cathartic yearly activity for many people that symbolizes the end of the winter season and the beginning of the warmer weather.

Spring Cleaning and Sleep

There are few ways that spring cleaning can help you sleep better at night.

Reduced Clutter 

Over the cold winter months we can tend to collect things. When our homes are cluttered or feel messy, our brains can be over stimulated - whether or not you notice it. Clutter can trigger anxiety, reduce our ability to focus and leave us feeling uneasy in our own surroundings. 

This is especially true when it comes to your bedroom. If the place you’re meant to rest makes you anxious the quality of your sleep can be drastically impacted. By cleaning up your space - both in the bedroom and around your home - you can create a more relaxing and welcoming space for sleep. 

Refreshing the Bedroom

Never underestimate a clean and comfortable bedroom. A study by the National Sleep foundation found that those who washed their bedding and sheets regularly slept almost 20% better than those who didn’t. More than 75% in the same study found that fresh sheets that smelled and felt clean lead to a more comfortable night's sleep. 

Fresh air, a clean bed and a relaxing space all impact your sleep quality. Read on to find our Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist. 

Improved Air Quality

Easy breathing can impact your sleep quality. Many of us have had our windows shut tight for the past 5 months or so. Spring cleaning means throwing open windows, vacuuming up old dust particles and dusting your space. By freshen up your space and your air, your body can get all the refreshing oxygen it needs to rest peacefully. Plus, fresh air can improve brain function, improve your immune system and reduce blood pressure and heart rate. So fresh air in your entire house is incredibly important. 

Cleaning is a Great Workout

Spring cleaning is traditionally pretty physical and intense. Cleaning windows, banging out rugs, washing cupboards, organizing closets, mopping floors and dusting shelves involves a lot of movement. Since exercise is great for improving your sleep quality, the physical act of spring cleaning can help you sleep better. 

Spring Cleaning Bedroom Checklist

Not sure where to start when it comes to spring cleaning your bedroom? Here’s our top 10 things to clean in your bedroom to get a better night’s sleep. 

1. Wash your sheets

Sheets, pillowcases, bed covers and any other blankets you normally sleep with should all be cleaned. In fact, you should wash your sheets about once a week anyways. This spring is a great time to start this sleep habit. 

If you have different PJ’s or sleeping clothes for the spring or summer, now may be a great time to get those out and freshen those up, too. 

If weather allows it, consider drying your bed linens outside. The sunlight is a natural disinfectant and can help whiten your whites. The fresh air smell can also make a difference when you’re heading to bed later. 

2 . Remove anything that doesn’t belong

A bedroom is meant as a place to sleep. For many younger people or those working, it could also work as a workspace. However, the bedroom isn’t a closet or a kitchen. Anything such as dishes, storage boxes, any recycling or garbage should be removed and disposed of as needed. Your bed should absolutely remain a clutter-free zone. Any laptops, books or notes should be removed and stored where they belong. 

3. Declutter

If your bedroom is a bit of a collection space in your home, use this time to declutter. After removing anything that doesn’t belong, take stock of what you have and if you still need or want it. Tastes change so it’s important to keep your bedroom up to date with what makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.

4. Dust and air it out

If you’re cleaning on a warm-ish spring day, consider opening a window while you clean and dust. The fresh air will help to refresh the space. 

When dusting, try to get every space. Remove everything off bedside tables or dressers. Do the top of any ceiling fans or lights. Do all your pictures, knick-knacks or any books

A part of dusting that many people miss in the bedroom is under the bed. Dust bunnies can collect and live under your sleep space for a long time. Don’t be afraid to get under the bed and clear these guys out. The more dust you can remove from your space now, the cleaner you’ll notice the air feels after. 

5. Consider any upgrades

As you go through your cleaning process, you may notice that your blinds are cracking and letting in light, or your pillows are looking flat and are actually quite old. Use this cleaning time to take stock of what things may need to be updated or could be improved to help your quality of sleep. 

The Impact of Your Sleep Space on Your Sleep Quality

Spring cleaning can help you feel organized, relaxed and can help you sleep better. Having a clean bedroom is a great way to improve your sleep quality, so if you’re not a spring cleaner, consider spending time at least on your sleep space. 

A quick dust, clean sheets and fresh air can make a world of difference.