Picture this: A comfortable, soft mattress, pleasant wall colours, gentle scintillating music, candles that fill the bedroom with mood enhancing aromas, blinds that block any form of light from outside the bedroom, shutters closed that prevent the slightest noise, and a climate that is neither cold nor warm. Isn’t this the most ideal environment for a sound sleep? Well, in this article, we will walk you through all those nuances of each of those factors that contribute to quality sleep and how consumer preferences have evolved to satisfy their desire for quality sleep. Opinions and deliberations were gathered by experts who were panelists at the 15th HGH India trade show, the first World of Sleep Conference that was held on 03rd July 2024. The panel discussion was moderated by Soniya Potdar, Director, Studio Purple Interior Design. Potdar posed the right questions to the panelists and aided the outcome of a highly engaging and informative discussion.
Mattress
This is the foremost aspect to consider in a bedroom for that desire of a blissful sleep. Sleep is regarded as a complicated science and understanding how sleep works has to be unravelled completely in order to customize products.
Sharing some insightful thoughts on this, Uttam Malani, Executive Director, Centuary Fibres Plates Limited, said “Mattresses form the core of a good sleep. Mattress is a personal choice and one has to judiciously select it based on 3 parameters. The 1st being the support (for neck, back, spine and legs) it provides. The 2nd is comfort (extent of hardness) of the mattress and the 3rd is the surface texture (providing good air flow, temperature suitable to the body, etc.). Essentially a mattress that strikes a fine balance in this trilogy will be suitable to render a good sleep. But one cannot deny that mattress need to be tried out at a retail outlet before it is purchased”
Malani also stressed on the fact that mattress is the most important investment for a sleep product that requires a change every 6 to 7 years, mandatorily. It is a family investment and it has to be selected carefully to avoid sleep deficit syndrome. Hence, consumers these days are aware of this and are extremely choosy about the quality and durability of mattresses.
Ambience
There are several theories that say that connecting with nature, even indoors, can boost overall well-being, leading to better sleep. Sleep researchers say that nature-inspired environments can promote relaxation, leading to physiological changes that support sleep. Consumers therefore want to mimic such environments in their bedroom to boost their sleep quality.
Ritesh Nagpal, Associate General Manager – Furnishings, Asian Paints Ltd., in his opinion said, “In the last couple of years, market leaders like Asian Paints have observed that the choice of colours is moving towards more earth colours or cooler, pastel shades. Consumers prefer using soothing colours like blues, greens, or neutral tones for walls and decor. Exposure to natural colours and textures is known to have a calming effect, lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone)”
According to Nagpal, keeping the bedroom clutter-free and minimalistic to create a calm and peaceful environment is a lot in preference for that sound sleep. Bedroom spaces are seeing the reverse of inside-outside, where more nature-based elements like florals, foliage, prints, and hues are finding its place. Natural materials like wood, cotton, and linen are preferred for their tactile appeal and sustainability. “Even live plants are becoming essential accessories, improving the air quality and aesthetics of a bedroom, which ultimately have a positive effect on sleep” says Nagpal.
“Achieving a blissful sleep is an intricate blend of various elements, from the right mattress to a calming ambience. Modern consumers are increasingly aware of how factors like support, comfort, aromatherapy, and smart lighting contribute to restful nights.”
Panelists at World of Sleep conference held on July 3rd at 15th HGH India, Mumbai
Aromatic oils and fragrances
Bringing in some evolutionary facts on trends related to usage of aromatic oils, Amit Sarda, Managing Director, Soulflower Co. Ltd., said, “Sleep is the outcome of the state of happiness. A good sleep can be induced by adding the right smell or aroma in the sleep space. Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits, can significantly enhance sleep quality and promote relaxation. The use of these products has seen an upward trend in the post-Covid era.”
Sarda shared that fragrance oils can contribute to the mood to a large extent. Use of calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus through diffusers or sprays to promote relaxation has seen an uptick in the recent years. Different diffusers to disseminate the fragrance in different spaces are being explored and one for the bedroom for quality sleep is the most sought after these days. Sleep researchers have found that the aromatic oils, or essential oils, can influence the GABA system, a key neurotransmitter in the human body, which is involved in relaxation and stress reduction.
Lighting
Sleep deprivation can be extremely detrimental to the health of a person. People have taken cognizance of this and are doing anything and everything to give themselves that good sleep. And in this, lighting in a bedroom space has been taken into serious consideration. Use of soft, warm lights in the bedroom, dimmable lights, or bedside lamps are used to create a relaxing atmosphere that induces sleep.
“Blackout curtains or shades are being added to bedroom décor to block out external light and in many homes, the usage of sheer curtains to give allow dim lights to enter the room have been largely explored. The concept of sheer curtain, also, has slowly penetrated among sleep product consumers. The usage of double curtains where curtains can be used to block light based on the requirement is trending these days,” said Govind Shrikande, Retail Professional.
Automated lighting installations and fittings are also in a new trend, where at the snap of a finger or through voice-activated commands (Alexa/Siri) lights get turned on or off. Automated climate control with remote operated ceiling fans/tower fans, air coolers and air conditioners are also being used by consumers. Automatic climate cut off at preset times is now possible using sensor-controlled applications. Hence, for a good night’s sleep, consumers are investing in modern yet innovative solutions.
Furniture & Furnishing
The right furniture and furnishings can significantly enhance one’s sleep quality. Consumers these days prefer their bedding such as sheets, blankets, and comforters to be super soft, comfortable, breathable, and even hypoallergenic. Fabric type is being given a lot of importance as well.Cottons, linens with natural colours/dyes are being preferred but of late, consumers are also seen shopping for micro-modal, satins and Egyptian cottons of higher counts for a luxurious sleep experience. The colour palette is also carefully chosen bearing the age of the consumer and the generation they belong to. Gen Zs have a very modern taste over Millennials and boomers.
Revolution of sleep products
Creating an optimal sleep environment involves a careful consideration of furniture, furnishings and their impact on sleep quality. A comfortable mattress, supportive pillows, and breathable bedding form the foundation for restful sleep. These include calming colours, soft textiles, and sufficient storage that contributes to a serene atmosphere. Ergonomics also play a crucial role by ensuring that furniture supports proper posture.
By prioritizing these elements, individuals can significantly enhance their sleep experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate future trends in sleep products, such as advanced sleep tracking systems integrated into mattresses, personalized climate control for optimal sleep temperatures and even furniture designed to respond to sleep patterns. These innovations hold the promise of revolutionizing the way we approach sleep and well-being.