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In the bedroom

A few simple processes and assistive products will help you get the rest you need in your bedroom. You can see some suggestions to help you below.

Questions to consider:

  • Do you have a personal emergency response alarm? Do you have a plan if you feel unwell during the night?
  • Do you sit on the side of the bed, stretch and move your legs to wake up your body and mind before standing to start your day?
  • Do you have a bedside lamp that is touch or voice activated? Do you have enough light to see your way around?
  • Do you use clips or cord organisers on your bedside table to make cords and switches easy to access?

Plan

Set up your bedroom so that you have a stable bedside table where you can keep a torch that’s easy to access. Make sure the journey between your bed and the door is clutter free and easy to navigate. 

Prepare

Doonas or duvets are lighter than blankets and can make changing the bedding easier. Some bedding now comes with labels to help you see where the top and bottom are. Having handy loops on sheets helps them stay in place. 

Pace

To help you wake up and feel fresh, enjoy some sunlight early in the morning and throughout the day. Exercising early in the morning and outside also improves your sleep at night.

Posture

Your mattress height is best for you when the top of it is just below your knees. You should be able to put your feet flat on the floor with your knees bent at 90 degrees to easily get in and out of bed. 

Simple solutions

Elevate your bed

If your bed is too low to the floor (below knee height), try raising it up using bed raisers, longer legs or castors to make it easier to change the linen. If your bed is on casters, use your knee to move the bed out from the wall. You can also permanently position the bed away from the wall if it doesn’t have castors. 

Changing bed linen

Fold your sheets so they can be unfolded across the bed. A bench at the end of the bed means blankets can be rolled up the bed. Instead of lifting the mattress, kneel beside the bed and slide your forearm underneath to tuck sheets in. Only tuck a flat sheet at the bottom of the bed to make it easier to get into bed.

Seeing at night

Plug in a sensor night light to guide you on your way to and from the toilet. Leave the bathroom light on to help you see. 

Sleeping

Try not to use ‘blue light’ devices like smart phones, tablets, or computers 1-2 hours before bed. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to support your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Limit daytime naps to 20 minutes. The best time for a nap is 1-1:30 pm if you’re an early riser or 2:30-3pm if you’re a late riser.

Assistive products for the bedroom

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  • Click Nightguard Mini Rechargeable Nightlight

    This night light automatically activates for 20 seconds when movement is sensed to help...

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  • Eve Energy Wireless Power Sensor & Switch with Thread

    The Eve Energy Wireless Power Sensor & Switch Turn lights and appliances on and off...

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  • Move It 3 / 8" Thread Black Bed Leg

    Making or moving your bed is made easy with these wheeled bed legs. The bed legs are made ...

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