12 Important Things to Put on Your Nightstand

Nightstands are indispensable pieces of bedroom furniture that provide convenient storage and access to essential personal items near the bedside. As you drift off to sleep or wake up in the morning, having necessities within arm's reach helps maintain comfort and productivity.

When organizing your nightstand, carefully consider which objects bring purpose and value to your daily rest and rise routine. Avoid cluttering the limited space by only keeping items you regularly use close at hand.

Lamp

A bedside lamp enables control over lighting when getting situated in bed, reading before falling asleep, or waking up to start the day. Table lamps work well for directing light right where you need it without excessively bright overhead lighting. Gooseneck designs allow adjusting the direction of illumination.

Look for lamps offering multiple brightness settings and bulb types optimized for evening eyes. Dimming capability lets you adjust from a daylight-matching intensity to gentle glow. Amber or yellow tints limit blue light exposure that can disrupt natural melatonin production and sleep cycles.

Bedside Lighting Tips

• Position the lamp close enough to illuminate books or devices without straining your eyes or casting shadows.
• Choose a height that makes operating the switch easy when lying down.
• Opt for an adjustable neck for directing the beam where needed.
• Include a tray base for holding personal items within the glow.
• Install dimmer switches for greater control over ambiance.

Lamp Design and Placement

Table lamps rest atop the nightstand surface while floor lamps stand beside the furniture. Freestanding models occupy less area on crowded bedside tables. For safety, route cords out of walkways to prevent tripping hazards.

When selecting lamp styles, consider brighter task models for reading and more ambient mood lights for relaxation. Match finishes to existing decor for continuity. Finally, scale proportions fitting the nightstand size and position lamps symmetrically between sides of the bed for even lighting distribution.

Alarm Clock

An alarm clock enables reliably waking up on time through loud audio alerts or gentle vibrations. When your phone fails to rouse you, a dedicated device designed to forcefully interrupt sleep offers backup reassurance.

Battery-powered analog clocks continue working during power failures while some maintain atomic time accuracy. Digital interfaces may integrate nature sounds, mood lights, and phone charging capabilities. Models with battery backups maintain alarm functionality when electricity goes out.

Wake-Up Reliability Factors

• Choose between buzzing, radio, beeps, or vibrating alarms.
• Look for dimming displays and snooze durations to prevent oversleeping.
• Consider models with battery backups in case of electricity loss.
• Buy a quality product with excellent reviews and durability.
• Place clock within reach to quickly silence alarms.
• Set multiple alarms spaced minutes apart if you snooze excessively.

Alarm Placement Guidelines

If limited on nightstand space, wall mount clocks above the headboard positioned for convenient waking viewing without sitting up. Phones also substitute for alarm clocks but separate units reduce distractions from apps and calls.

Try the clock in different spots nearby and see whether sound projection creates problems. Adjust direction to broadcast towards your ear or utilize vibrant alarms forcing awareness.

Water Bottle

Having water readily available encourages proper nighttime hydration and first-thing-in-the-morning consumption critical for revitalizing your mind and body. Drinking adequate water ultimately contributes to feeling more refreshed even after just a few hours of sleep.

Avoid needing to stumble to the sink in darkness for a drink by keeping a vessel handy. Insulated designs maintain cool temperatures while covered models prevent spills. Infusers add lemon, fruits, and herbs for flavor.

Water Access Themes

• Glass, plastic, or stainless steel bottles have pros and cons.
• Add lemon, fruit infusions, or electrolytes if plain water gets boring.
• Choose larger capacities to limit refills.
• Include straws or sports spouts for easy sipping access while lying down.

Hydration Helpers

Track your daily water consumption goals by placing a marking bottle on your nightstand. When the liquid level drops to each sticker or engraving, you have reached the right intake amount up to that time. Keep going until bedtime for proper hydration.

Infuse your water to entice enjoyable drinking with sliced fruit combinations. Citrus, berries, melon, cucumber, apple, and mint all add palate-pleasing flavors so every sip satisfies.

Tissues

Sinus congestion, runny noses, and other annoying cold, flu, and allergy symptoms often worsen at night. Having a tissue box on your nightstand saves stumbling for relief while feeling miserable. Also, catch irritating drips immediately without soiling sheets, clothing, or furniture.

Square cubby designs fit tight spaces better than traditional upright boxes. For decoration, covering plain boxes with patterned scrapbook paper, fabrics, or painted designs coordinates any aesthetic. Combine boxes with wastebins to contain used tissues.

Allergy and Cold Prep Tips

• Stock multiple boxes and refill as soon as you open the last.
• Buy lotion-infused brands that prevent skin irritation around tender noses.
• Keep extra piles under the bed for quick replacement.
• Always toss used tissues into the trash instead of leaving them lying around.
• Add cough drops, nasal sprays, allergy meds, and lip balm to your tissue cache.

Preventing Germ Spread

To avoid contaminated tissues spreading sickness, empty bins frequently and sanitize surfaces. Wash hands thoroughly after nose blowing and before touching anything else. Sneeze or cough into inner elbows reducing particle spread through the air.

If you or family members have weakened immune systems, use extra precautions. Sanitize hands immediately after tissue use and ask sick individuals to wear medical masks around susceptible people.

Reading Material

Reading helps calm minds for falling asleep while passing time reading upon waking is preferable to screen usage. Have choices available according to your mood.

Installing a ledge above eye level when reclining provides angled support. Bookmarks keep your spot instead of placing facedown and cracking spines. Switching positions keeps lighting aimed right. Library-style bookends corrall selections. A soft pillow supports head and neck comfortably when sitting up.

Late and Early Reading Suggestions

• Avoid thriller novels that stimulate minds preventing drowsiness.
• Try spiritual, self-help or educational reads for growth.
• Catch up on newsworthy events, trends or inspiring stories.
• Sort reading stacks by category based on benefit or subject.
• Listen to calm audiobooks through a small speaker.
• Browse magazines covering hobbies and personal growth.

Establishing Reading Nooks

Creating dedicated cozy spots encourages picking up books more often. Arrange lighting for clear visibility without glare whether upright or lying down. To avoid neck cramping, use back support aids. If space allows, oversized cushioned chairs provide lounging comfort.

Let your interests inspire decorative touches. Gardeners might display flower pots while cooks incorporate shelf ledges for propping recipes. Affix pictures related to favorite topics for further inspiration. The right accessories make beckoning hideaways.

Taking prescription drugs consistently is vital and bedside proximity enables sticking to schedules. Avoid missing doses even when having trouble falling asleep. Set alarms reminding when next consumption is due. Bottles also keep pills secure and properly labeled by contents and patient.