It’s time to snuggle up in bed for a restful night’s sleep. Organic sheets, comforter, or duvet grace your bed. A natural rubber pillow cushions your head. An organic quilted innerspring or wool mattress gently supports your body

Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve bought earth-friendly products that are pesticide-free, and naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and dust mite resistant. By choosing an organic lifestyle, you’ve decreased allergens and toxins in your bedroom that could trigger allergies and chemical sensitivity.

You deserve a good night’s sleep filled with sweet dreams. But sometimes even the best organic bedding and a clear conscience aren’t enough to guarantee a soothing slumber. If you’re bothered by occasional insomnia, or would like to nod off a little easier, here are some ways to prepare your mind, body, and bedroom.

 Create A Bedroom Oasis

Turn your bedroom into an oasis of comfort and tranquility. You’ve made a great start with the eco-friendly bedding and mattress, now it’s time to complete the transformation.

• Too much light tricks your body into thinking it’s not time for sleep or that it’s time to wake up. Blackout curtains or eye shades create the necessary darkness.

• Excessive noise makes it more difficult to fall asleep or maintain an uninterrupted sleep cycle. Ear plugs or white noise can mask sounds.

• Your body needs to cool down a little before sleep. Help it by not overheating or over air conditioning your room. Organic cotton sleepwear lets your body breathe and regulates your temperature.

• If you pay bills, watch TV, or do crafts in your bedroom,your mind may remain focused on these activities and keep you awake. Move those activities to another room, screen them off, or hide them behind closed cabinet doors at night to free your mind from busyness.

• Declutter and paint your bedroom a soothing colour to create a calm, pleasant environment.

Develop Bedtime Routines

Your body loves routine. Devise a relaxing, personal bedtime ritual that cues your body it’s time to slow down. You’ll be relaxed and ready for sleep once you climb into bed.

• Get into the habit of going to bed at roughly the same time every night, so you’re working with your body’s internal clock.

• Take a warm, not hot, bath 90 minutes before bedtime or sip some herbal tea. The warmth will soothe your body but still give it time to cool down before bedtime.

• Forget trying to solve the day’s problems or schedule tomorrow’s agenda as you lie in bed. Instead, before you slip under the covers, write down your thoughts or make a to-do list. Once your thoughts are on paper, you’ll be free to relax, without worrying you forgot something.

• Meditate before bedtime to help calm your mind. Or, listen to soft music or a guided imagery program to help you unwind.

Decrease Electromagnetic Fields

You can’t see or hear them, but if you have electrical devices, you have electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While the evidence isn’t conclusive, some studies indicate EMFs cause anxiety, headaches, and may affect your circadian rhythm, making sleep more difficult.

• Move TVs, stereos, and computers out of the bedroom.

• If you can’t remove them, reduce their effect. Place electronic equipment away from the bed, preferably against outer walls to allow their energy to dissipate outside.

• Before you go to bed, unplug these devices or cover their lights so they don’t glow in the dark.

Now sink into that wonderful mattress, wrap those heavenly organic sheets around you, and close your eyes. Sweet dreams.

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Harriet Cooper is a freelance writer who specializes in health, nutrition, and environmental issues.