You've probably heard the statistic that we spend about a third of our life asleep. This may seem like a waste: how could we squander away all that precious time? It's not a waste though. We live busy lives: long hours at the office, a family waiting at home, combined with the other burdens of daily living: bills, cooking dinner, grocery shopping. So sleep is essential. However, recently, people have been breaking this age-old cycle by only getting a few hours of sleep a night, and this sleep deprivation hurts you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many people skimp on sleep due to some form of insomnia, and though this may seem like a medical condition, it is often environmental as well. Which means your bedroom design may have something to do with your lack of zzz's.

Make the Old New
Sometimes your bedroom decorating simply needs a change of atmosphere to make it more comfortable. If the room looks a bit unfamiliar it may help to create a get-away sensation: a vacation in your own home. And the easiest way to achieve this feeling is with a quick paint job. Often cool colors are a great way to produce a relaxing feel to the room, such as soft pinks or light blues and greens. You don't even have to re-paint the entire room to make it look different. Create an accent wall by painting one wall a different shade from the other three. Or simply paint the trim around the doors or the molding around the ceiling an alternate color. Little changes can make a big difference.

Make the New Old
Maybe you have a bedroom design that is immaculate, modern, and beautiful. But is it comfortable? It's important that a room still feel like home, and an easy way to achieve this is by adding some creature comforts. Some personal bedroom decorations add individual character to a space and make it more relaxing. Add some comfy pillows to the bed not only to create an interesting texture but also to add a relaxing impression to your subconscious as you go to sleep. Put up a few shelves for personal artifacts and knick-knacks. Throw some artwork or photographps on the walls. Install a mirror. Add anything to make the room feel more complete and personal, and therefore more peaceful as well.

For Bedroom Design, It's the Bed, Stupid
When it comes to politics, it's the economy. When it comes to the bedroom and getting a good night's sleep, it's the bed. You need to take your time and do your research for various options. Don't buy into every new fad that you see, but don't be afraid to make a change, either. Take, for example, the box springs. Many people still use box springs for their beds, even though today's high-quality mattresses don't really need them, anymore. Instead, you can install a platform bed and storage bed frame that can almost single-handedly modernize your bedroom, increase your storage capacity or allow you to get rid of that bulky dresser, and get a better night's sleep. Not bad for a piece of furniture.

Bedroom Feng Shui
When you hear this term, you probably think of some intimidating new-age hocus pocus that shouldn't be taken seriously. But really, at its essence, the philosophy behind bedroom feng shui is to rearrange and un-clutter a space so you can get the R-n-R you deserve. The belief is that the look of a living space reflects the life of the inhabitant. Although this form of bedroom design is a science (often involving chi and energy levels) that can take years to understand, here are some quick basics that serve as good general ideas for bedroom decorating and design:

Bedroom Design Ideas

• Remove Technology: Get the television, the computer, and the treadmill out of the room. Not only is this inappropriate bedroom decorating (what is the room: a place to sleep or an office?), but it can also distract you. It can remind you of work, daily chores, or other to-do lists when this area should be associated with sleep.

• Remove Clutter: If you have a messy room, you probably have a messy life. And how can you relax in bed if everything is out of order. Instead, organize the room as best you can and remove all disorder and confusion from the space.

• Soft Light: How are you supposed to fall asleep under an interrogation lamp? Not only are soft colors relaxing, but by adding a soft lamplight or candlelight, your room's light source will feel less harsh and more like a sunset.

• Close Openings: In order to shut out all distractions, it may be a good idea to close your bathroom and closet doors at night. Also, shut your windows and center your bed against the wall. All these components may be more psychological than physical, but the more mentally focused and centered you feel, the better rest you'll get at night.