The bed is a place where strength is restored, clarity of thought returns, and a sense of security is born. It can be a territory of love and tenderness, rest, dreams, and the calmest conversations. But only if it is not turned into a storage space, office, and negotiation room. To ensure quality nighttime sleep and a refreshing morning, there are several taboos to remember. Psychologist Radmila Bakirova shared important nuances.
Working, Answering Emails, and Ruminating on Tasks
A laptop on the blanket, checking emails before bed, presentations in your head — this is a direct path to insomnia and burnout. "The brain stops distinguishing between where it rests and where there is an endless rush to meet deadlines. As a result, the body lies down while the nervous system continues its tense marathon. If work is necessary, it’s better to have a separate space at least in another part of the room; otherwise, the bed turns into an office," says the expert.
Eating in Bed (Even if It’s a Very Beautiful Breakfast on a Tray)
Crumbs, food smells, the risk of spilling coffee — all of this destroys the feeling of cleanliness and relaxation. Bed linens absorb odors, bacteria multiply on the fabric, and the stomach receives a load right before sleep, which worsens its functioning. Breakfast can be had anywhere, but the habit of setting up a table in bed over time makes it a much less cozy space.
Discussing Relationships and Conducting Emotional Interrogations
Loud conversations, clarifications, unspoken words, heavy questions — all of this reinforces negative associations with the place where one needs to recover. "Conflicts here are especially painful because the brain remembers the territory of threat, not love. If it’s important to discuss something difficult, it’s better to do it outside the bedroom, where there is neutral space and the option to take a break if necessary," explains the psychologist.
Sleeping with Your Phone, Scrolling Through News, and Falling Asleep to Social Media
Blue screens suppress melatonin production — the sleep hormone. The news feed increases anxiety, and endless videos create a state of excitement instead of relaxation. Having a phone nearby is also a temptation to check the world at night and first thing in the morning, nullifying the value of real rest. The best solution is to leave gadgets outside the bed, and the ideal option is outside the bedroom altogether.
Rarely Changing Bed Linens
The bed should be a place where you return for cleanliness and tranquility. Outdoor clothing, infrequent sheet changes, decorative pillows that are never washed create an invisible but palpable dirt felt by the skin and nervous system. Sleeping in such a space worsens sleep, the skin reacts with inflammation, and the feeling of coziness disappears. It is advisable to change bed linens every few days and air out the bed daily.
