Did you even know there was such a thing as World Sleep Day!! I love it! A celebration of sleep. Who wouldn’t want to cozy up and sleep for a full day.

Aw – but what are you sleeping in?? Whether you like to wrap up in a cozy quilt or warm afghan, snuggle with a soft pillow or lounge in those comfy PJ’s, Nana has a DIY that can make your sleep heavenly!

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Actually, World Sleep Day was founded to educate the world about the importance of sleep for achieving an optimal quality of life and improve global health. It is held the Friday before the Spring Vernal Equinox of each year (exact date changes annually, but always on a Friday).

The World Sleep Society recommends the following 10 steps to achieve healthy sleep

1. Fix a bedtime and an awakening time.
2. If you are in the habit of taking a nap, do not exceed 45 minutes of daytime sleep.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol ingestion 4 hours before bedtime and do not smoke.
4. Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. This includes coffee, tea and many sodas, as well as chocolate.
5. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 hours before bedtime. A light snack before bed is acceptable.
6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
7. Use comfortable bedding. – this is where we come in!!
8. Find a comfortable temperature setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated.
9. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate as much light as possible.
10. Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Don’t use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room.

So how can we celebrate?? By making our sleep more comfy. Here are some suggestions:

QUILTS

Depending on how cozy you want to get, you have the choice between heavier quilts that will keep you warm on chilly nights and more lightweight options that are great for summer. One of the more important elements to a good sleep is temperature. The best quilts are soft, cozy, and great for layering on your bed throughout the seasons.

If you are a quilter, like Nana, you know there are so many quilt patterns out there, just waiting to be made. Nana has shared a few of her creations, here on this site. Nana also shares FREE quilt patterns regularly on our sister site, Nana’s Favorites. Grab some inspiration and create that good sleep for a loved one!

RAG QUILTS

Sometimes a blanket or quilt can be depended upon for reassurance and comfort; a habitual source of pleasure or consolation. My kids LOVE rag quilts and many of my creations have become security blankets for kids and grandkids. In fact, my 40 year old daughter still sleeps with her childhood quilt because it provides her a sense of comfort.

I make all my rag quilts with flannel which results in a super soft, cozy quilt. And I show you tips and tricks for how to make one in this post!

WEIGHTED QUILTS

Weighted quilts were introduced with the idea is that the pressure from the blanket can increase serotonin, a chemical in your body that makes you feel happy and calm. They are a popular way for anxiety-suffers and insomniacs to get a good nights sleep.

The traditional and popular filling for weighted blankets are plastic poly pellets that look like small pebbles. Usually they are machine washable but make sure to check the labels before buying them. (Some people also use dried food such as pasta, rice or beans but I wonder how these would wash?)

AFGHANS

An afghan is a knitted or crocheted blanket created from yarn made with natural or man-made fibers. The size is often equivalent to a throw but there is no set measurement. You can use an afghan as a bedspread, or to curl up on the couch or chair. An afghan adds an important layer of warmth to any bed.

Because of the types of yarn, patterns and colors available, the possibilities of creating a suitable afghan are endless. If you need inspiration, Nana has some FREE pattern links that she found on our sister site. Want to join others and crochet together, try a crochet-along.

PILLOWS

“My pillow is my best friend. It’s there when I need something to hug and it holds the secrets to my tears. It’s always there for me and can never let me down.”

Resting your head on a pillow when you sleep serves two basic functions. A pillow provides support to the sleeper’s neck and upper back when they are resting and they provide a better level of comfort than can be had without a pillow.

Pillows come in all shapes and sizes! Bed pillows, body pillows, throw pillows – all of which help us have a better quality sleep. So grab some fabric, grab a pillow and create!! Pillows are also a great way to change your decor to celebrate a new season or holiday! Change the cover = change your look.

PYJAMAS, OF COURSE

Wearing the right things to bed can make a big difference in your quality of sleep and overall health.

Make yourself some breathable pajamas that fit loosely and allow you plenty of range of motion. Select a fabric that’s breathable and won’t make you overheat. Natural materials like cotton, fleece, silk, and linen can all be great choices for pajamas. Jersey knits are also great because their bounce and stretch make them cozy for a great night’s sleep.

Add a SLEEP MASK to keep out those distractions. Human sleep cycles correspond to the presence of natural light, causing us feel alert during the day and more tired at night. Sleep masks create artificial darkness that allows sleepers to feel more relaxed and ready for sleep while the sun is out. Sleep masks are useful for shift workers and other people who normally sleep during the day. They are also useful for travel to help people fall asleep while travelling and minimize jet lag.

A good sleep mask should be soft and breathable and fit your face to keep unwanted light out. Most sleep masks are made of fabrics like cotton and silk, or synthetic fibers like polyester. If you’re a fan of weighted blankets, you may also like a weighted sleep mask