Frequent nightmares are distressing for children and their parents alike, and if bad dreams are a regular occurrence for your little one, experts have revealed how the decor in their bedroom could be affecting their sleep.
Bed and sleep specialists at Happy Beds teamed up with Po-Chang Hsu, Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Interior designer and feng shui expert Deepika Adhikari to eliminate unpleasant dreams by making simple changes.
The experts revealed that décor changes, such as swapping for a loft bed or furniture with rounded edges, could help eradicate these monsters.
Up to three-quarters of children between the age of two and ten are scared of the dark, seemingly innocuous bedroom featurs such as bedside tables, heavy wardrobes, and badly-positioned mirrors, can intensify the problem.
Here are the six ‘sacry spots’ that could be creating a tense atmosphere in your child’s bedroom and how to change them for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Bed and sleep specialists at Happy Beds teamed up with Po-Chang Hsu, Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Interior designer and feng shui expert Deepika Adhikari to eliminate bedtime nightmares by making simple changes, including avoiding space under the bed, large wardrobes and mirrors at the end of the bed
The experts revealed that décor changes, such as swapping for a loft bed or furniture with rounded edges, using blinds instead of curtains and using calm wallpaper and artwork could eradicate these monsters
1. Scary spot: Under the bed
Tip: Choose a loft bed
The most common childhood fear is monsters under the bed. However, did you know that creating more space under the bed could help?
Doctor Po-Chang Hsu explained that a loft or cabin bed could be just the thing to battle nightmares.
He said: ‘The height of a loft bed can make a child feel protected and away from danger.
‘A cabin bed is recommendable if the child is not yet old enough to climb a high bed on their own. Its playful aspect creates a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for driving away bad dreams.’
2. Scary spot: The wardrobe
Tip: Switch to a half-size wardrobe
Wardrobes are a common source of worry for children due to the fear of what could be lurking within.
Moreover, interior designer and feng shui expert Deepika Adhikari explained they can also contribute to negative energy in a child’s bedroom.
He said: ‘Large furniture and tall armoires bring down the positive energy in small children.
‘Replacing them with a smaller wardrobe, about half the size of an adult version, is ideal for promoting positive energy in a kid’s room.’
3. Scary spot: Mirrors
Tip: Position mirrors carefully
Kids have overactive imaginations, so having a mirror in eye-line of their bed can increase the chance of them feeling like they’ve caught a glimpse of something scary.
If there are mirrors in a child’s room, position them so they aren’t visible from the bed to allow their imagination to rest easy while they’re trying to drift off.
4. Scary spot: Curtains
Tip: Opt for blinds instead of curtains
Parents report that curtains are often a source of fear in their children’s rooms. Tall curtains allow little imaginations to run wild, conjuring up images of someone, or something, hiding behind them. Switching to shorter, half-size curtains can help, or better yet, get rid of the curtain fear altogether by replacing them with nonthreatening blinds.
In feng shui, sharp corners are called ‘poison arrows’, and give off negative energy, which can contribute to fear and nightmares in children, for example, a bedside table with softer, curved lines can feel much less aggressive, leading to a more restful and relaxed night’s sleep
5. Scary spot: Bedside table
Tip: Avoid ‘poison arrows’
In feng shui, sharp corners are called ‘poison arrows’, and give off negative energy, which can contribute to fear and nightmares in children.
For positive energy, ensure no sharp corners are pointing in the direction of the bed.
For example, a bedside table with softer, curved lines can feel much less aggressive, leading to a more restful and relaxed night’s sleep.
6. Scary spot: Wallpaper or décor
Tip: Avoid aggressive artwork
Your little one may adore superheroes, but did you know action-themed wallpaper, décor or artwork could actually be giving them bad dreams?
Avoid anything with violent or hostile imagery showing weapons, fight scenes or aggressive action, such as superheroes battling, ninjas, or sharks.
Calm artwork, family photos, or children’s own framed drawings are all much more tranquil options that will help children settle down to sleep peacefully.