During the holiday season, you may be thrilled at the prospect of having your loved ones over. What's not to like about being under the same roof, sharing a meal and even bickering over the proper way to load the dishwasher?
If you're expecting out-of-town family to stay with you, plan to set up guest sleeping quarters that will make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. You can even add some sleep gifts to your guest space — because quality sleep is important, especially during the holidays.
Cousins and siblings may cram into sleeping bags on the floor and spend all night giggling and reminiscing in the movies, but in reality, those accommodations can lead to a lack of sleep and possible grumpiness the next day.
Here are some tried and tested ideas for creating a cozy guest refuge:
1. SLEEP LIKE YOUR GUESTS
Whether you have a dedicated guest room or need to move furniture to accommodate a folding cot, test out the bed and the sleeping space before guests arrive. Then you'll know if the den is too drafty for sleeping, if the shades in the living room don't close properly or if the ticking of the clock in the office will keep people awake — and fix it.
2. WORK OUT THE KINKS
Traveling — be it by plane, train or automobile — can be hard on the body, especially when there's limited leg room and heavy bags involved. A NIMBL mini massage gun in the guest room will be an appreciated extra touch for those who show up with tired muscles.
3. UPGRADE WHERE YOU CAN
Few folks can afford a bed designated specifically for guests in a separate room. But that doesn't mean guests have to suffer in the basement. Invest in a few niceties, such as True Temp™ pillows that adjust for temperature throughout the night and wick away moisture. These foam pillows are perfect for those allergic to feather pillows. All Sleep Number® pillows come in three different shapes, like ComfortFit™ pillows. Keep your eyes peeled for bedding deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday if your guests are arriving later in the season.
4. Stock up and stack up
Aunt Alice might not want to bother you if she needs an extra blanket, but she may feel even more awkward rifling through your linen closet. Make it easy by leaving an extra faux fur throw in the room where she's sleeping.
5. ADD MORE MIRRORS
If you have a full house, chances are you have full bathrooms, too. Alleviate some congestion with a mirror in the bedroom for tasks like applying makeup. That way someone can take a shower while someone else is blow-drying their hair.
6. Freshen up those sheets
Of course, you put away your extra sheets when they were clean. But if they've been packed in a linen closet since last year, rewash them before making the beds to ensure they aren't musty. If your bedding has been around for many holiday seasons, consider getting a Ultrasoft Knit sheet set; they'll keep your guests warm and comfortable.
7. Think ahead
If someone is sleeping in the living room or your home office, grab anything you might need from that room the night before to avoid interruptions. If you still have a landline, turn down the volume.
8. Wrap some sleep gifts
Want a thoughtful present for your guests to continue their comfy sleep hygiene when they are en route? How about a memory foam travel pillow perfect for the return trip?
And make sure you're getting the best quality sleep you can while being the host or hostess with the most. Sleepers who routinely use their Sleep Number® mattress technology can get 28 minutes more restful sleep per night — that's up to 170 hours per year!*
Like diet and exercise, quality sleep is essential for optimal wellbeing and performance. Because everyone's sleep needs are different, Sleep Number® mattresses sense your movements and automatically adjust firmness, comfort and support to keep you both sleeping comfortably. Find your Sleep Number® setting for your best possible night's sleep, and if you own a Sleep Number® bed, log in to your Sleep Number® Rewards account to see your exclusive offers, refer friends and more.
*Based on average SleepIQ® data from 8/1/21 - 2/28/22 of sleepers engaging with Sleep Number® setting, SleepIQ® data and FlexFit™ adjustable base vs. sleepers who have those features but didn't similarly engage with them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Nashville-based freelance journalist, Margaret Littman's work has appeared in Real Simple, USA Today, AARP magazine, AAA World, Conde Nast Traveler, and Preservation, among others.