Some people think that getting a good night’s sleep depends solely about the mattress you sleep on.  Now I think a mattress is definitely a big part of that equation.  But in no way do I think it’s the only thing.  Unless you’re a prisoner, many choices are available to enhance your sleeping experience – and I don’t even just mean about how you decorate your bed and your bedroom environment; although this is also hugely important.

Bedroom spaces are so important, in fact, that I collaborated this week with a top interior designer I am introducing to you.  Valentina Cirasola brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the way people live to create intimate spaces reflective of their style.  She shares amazing ideas for transforming your bedroom into a wonderful retreat within your home.

Part of enjoying this wonderful retreat is what you wear when you’re in there.  I chuckle as I write this because there will be some who read this who feel that the best retreats are the ones that require no clothes.  To you, I say enjoy being au natural!  And for the rest of you, this isn’t necessarily about being modest; it’s about enhancing your experience in other ways.

Fabrics for your body really enhance how you experience enjoying your inner sanctum.  I am always on the lookout for especially soft fabrics because they feel cozy and comfortable at any time of year.  Men who’ve enjoyed snuggling with their female significant others in Modal® nightshirts are now discovering the fabric for themselves, for instance.  Hanro, a Swiss maker known for their use of the finest cottons and silk is now using this material.  Mercerized cotton, popular on the golf course, is wonderfully soft and breathable, and will also help keep you cool on a hot night.  People are always drawn to plush fabrics, especially when it comes to robes.  American Essentials is a popular maker of upscale men’s robes and also loungewear for the more modern man.

Besides buying the best you can afford to enjoy – after all you spend a third of your life sleeping – I like to suggest enhancing the whole experience with a bit of aromatherapy.  Nothing could be better than having wonderful smelling sheets and freshly scented nightwear.  I recently discovered French laundry powder by La Bouquetière while visiting a cute shop called Soiled Dove in Carmel, CA.  Or a spray of a Jo Malone scent can make you feel like every evening is a night in a resort, taking you far away from the worries of work, even though you’re right at home.

A good night’s sleep affects your personal image in many ways equating to aspects of power, money, and sex.  For example, a better night’s sleep will help you experience better exercise results.  If you need to work out and shed some pounds, a good night’s sleep will help in the process.  A second example is that not getting enough sleep adversely affects the quality and accuracy of work, clear thinking or judgment, and memory of important details.  If you are usually known as someone who’s sharp and accurate, but lately you’re off your game and you’re not getting the sleep you used to get – it’s time to rethink your sleeping habits.  Third, if you have a sleeping partner, it’s really important to have a healthy communication about your sleeping styles so your relationship is happy and harmonious.  When there are issues between partners in bed, it’s not easy to be close and intimate in the most intimate spot of your home.

Now that you know how to make the most of your sleeping environment and enhance your image by getting enough sleep, just don’t use this as an excuse to get sleepy on the job!

Designing and managing your image is the secret science to your success.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men, women, and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.