If you’re like most adults, you suffer — or have suffered — from insomnia or some form of sleep disorder. Sadly, it’s a far more common problem than you might think.

In fact, a 2016 survey conducted by Consumer Reports indicated that 68% of Americans struggle getting to sleep or staying asleep at least once per week, while 27% said they experienced those issues the majority of nights each week.

Other studies reveal that 48% of Americans use sleeping aids and dietary supplements — both over the counter and prescription — several nights each week, and 41% consistently use them for more than a year. By the year 2020, it is estimated that Americans will spend more than $52 billion per year on sleep-related medications, supplements and other aids.

Just as there are a variety of causes and factors that can contribute to insomnia and other sleeping disorders, there are also plenty of remedies for the condition. One of the many steps you can take to help get a better night’s sleep is creating a calm, soothing and relaxing bedroom environment that helps put the body and mind to rest and, ultimately, encourages and induces sleep.

Incorporating proper feng shui into your bedroom is not all that complicated, but there are several things to consider when changing your home interior design.

They key to creating energy in your bedroom that generates tranquility and that is conducive to sleeping is balance, alignment and flow. This means ensuring all furniture, especially your bed, is perfectly positioned within the room and appropriately aligned (or not aligned).

Our designers at Brown are well versed in feng shui, and are experts in bringing this ancient art into modern decor and home interior design.

Truly creating feng shui in a room is an all encompassing endeavor, meaning there are several elements that must be addressed and implemented. For those skilled in the art, as well as the art of design, it is a relatively simple process that, when done correctly, instills great peace, happiness and harmony into your home interior design.

The first, and most important, step to improving sleep quality and habits through feng shui is ensuring the bed is placed properly in regards to the door. Anybody who has attempted a do-it-yourself-style bedroom feng shui project can attest that this can be much more complicated that it might seem. In fact, the stress of this home interior design task alone just might be enough to trigger insomnia.

Bed placement

Traditional Chinese lore suggests that lying in bed with your feet facing the door is poor form. The line of thinking here is that when your feet are pointing toward the door — keep in mind this can be any door — the entry to the bedroom, a closet, a balcony or patio, or a bathroom.

Therein lies the challenge. More than likely, your bedroom has at least two of these types of doors, probably three or possibly all four. This certainly makes finding the ideal placement of your bed quite a daunting undertaking.

So, lie in your bed and see if your feet are pointing toward a door. If they are, there is work to be done. Again, a professional designer can ensure creative ways to overcome this obstacle and ensure feng shui. However, there are some simple steps you can take at home as well.

Doors are deemed to be gateways for energy in the home interior design. When it comes to feng shui philosophy, energy travels from one room to the next using, of course, doors. Therefore, when your feet are facing a door, you are losing your energy and it is being transitioned to other parts of the house.

If you do not have the luxury of positioning your bed however you’d like without it facing a door, don’t stress…you can still create the sanctuary you need for a good night’s sleep through other changes in your home interior design.

The easiest fix, if possible, is to simply slide the bed in one direction or the other so that your body is not in direct alignment with the door while sleeping. If that cannot be done, or if it still leaves you facing the door, another option is blocking the negative flow of energy.

This can be accomplished by placing a large piece of furniture between the bed and door. You must be sure the furniture is solid and tall enough to shield both the bed and your body (when lying down) from direct view of any doorways.

While moving furniture does not require a professional and trained designer, achieving feng shui without compromising or sacrificing home interior design styling often does.

Remember, when you’re sleeping your body is not only resting but also replenishing energy that it lost throughout the previous day. If your body is actually losing energy, it is problematic and certainly not helping to establish and home interior design environment designed to help with sleeping difficulties.

The body is also believed to lose energy if a mirror is facing the bed or if it is positioned under a ceiling fan. So, to achieve feng shui, move the mirror to a different location or cover it prior to going to bed. If you prefer to have a fan in your bedroom, whether it be for decorative or comfort reasons, try moving your bed so you can still enjoy the cooling benefits but without being directly beneath it.

While many people intentionally place their beds by windows because they believe it invites beauty and calm, those who teach and practice feng shui advise against such a layout. This, too, is believed to drain the body of much needed energy while sleeping.

So, again, if possible, avoid placing your bed below a window. If it must be there or if you are not interested in moving your bed, a large headboard can be added to help block the adverse flow of energy.

This is only a quick overview of the many considerations that go into achieving restful feng shui in your bedroom. A designer can help you achieve the desired home interior design results, while also giving you a fabulous and functional space that you truly love.

Hopefully you are one of the few who do not suffer from insomnia or other sleep-related issues. However, if you are part of the 68% of Americans who do, sleep experts will tell you that having a space and home interior design that promotes balance and positive energy is one key aspect to restoring proper sleep habits.

This is not a health or medical blog by any means, but if you do suffer from regular or prolonged sleep issues, it would be wise to consult your physician.