Indeed, simply composing a \u201cto-do” list at bedtime was found to be a sleep aid in a 2017 study conducted at Baylor University’s Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory. Researchers using polysomnography to monitor participants’ electrical brain activity discovered that those who jotted down upcoming tasks fell asleep readily<\/a>\u2014even faster than those who wrote about completed chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clearly then, the comfy confines of your bed are great for doing diary duty. Here’s how to make the most of it\u2014with ideas for d\u00e9cor, supplies and, of course, content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Support is essential to writing in bed. \u201cPropping up is easy if you have an\u00a0adjustable bed<\/a>, but you can easily prep a flat bed for writing and reading,” says interior designer Cynthia Espy, president of Amenities Home Design in Chicago. She recommends a tall\u00a0upholstered headboard<\/a>\u00a0(the top a minimum of 65 inches off the ground) and arranging an assortment of pillows, including two 24- to 27-inch Euro squares, thusly: Lie sleeping pillows flat, prop one Euro square on top of them, and then angle a second square in front of the first. Finally, prop an accent or boudoir pillow on top of the lower square. \u201cThis configuration makes for the most comfortable support when sitting up in bed,” Espy explains. In this position, you can draw up your knees and plant your journal on your lap or stretch out your legs to write on a classic breakfast-in-bed tray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything you need to journal in bed<\/p>\n \n With weightless, Zero Gravity support, the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus allows you to set your ideal position for sleeping\u2014and living\u2014with one touch of the remote.<\/p>\n\n\n \n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n A laid-back bed frame, with deep tufts accented with buttons in a diamond pattern. Optional side panels can be added for a dramatic look. Available in natural linen and taupe and graphite vintage velvet.<\/p>\n\n\n \n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n A core of shredded natural latex, wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover. Plush and responsive for the perfect head and neck support.<\/p>\n\n\n \n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n If you prefer to journal at a desk, and your bedroom is spacious enough to accommodate one, Espy suggests a long, narrow writing desk with legs instead of file drawers, which look too office-y. Also skip the typical office chair on wheels, going for an attractive seat that coordinates with bedroom furniture. Use a narrow buffet lamp (a.k.a. a candlestick lamp) on the desk, and aside from a pretty pencil holder, keep the desktop clutter-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2015 Center for Journal Therapy study found no discernible difference in outcomes between typing on a keyboard and writing pen-to-paper. However, if journaling before going to sleep, opt for the old school method to avoid the blue light electronics emit, which has been proven to hamper the pineal gland from releasing melatonin<\/a>, so likely to keep you awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: <\/strong>5 reasons you should pick up a book before bed<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When the muse calls, you’ll want to be ready, so ensure that supplies are within reach. In addition to her favorite pens, Adams has an assortment of accoutrements, including highlighters, colored pencils, and bright, repositionable washi tape<\/a> (a popular Japanese crafting tape made from natural fibers) to mark and divide pages (Post-Its work too). She also keeps a deck of angel cards nearby, inscribing them with words like ‘balance’ or ‘integrity’ to help set an intention for the day. Other accessories may include a dictionary, thesaurus, book of inspirational quotes, headphones (if music won’t distract you), and scented candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicate a night table drawer to supplies, or consider a pocket pouch in a coordinating fabric that tucks in between the mattress and box spring<\/a> and hangs over the bed skirt. \u201cIt’s perfect for your journal, pens, glasses, and other small musts,” Espy says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/strong>Illuminate your writing surface properly. \u201cI like the flexibility of a swing arm lamp, which won’t take up valuable nightstand space,” Espy says. \u201cMount it at the right height\u2014the height of your head when sitting on the bed.” Opt for a dimmer or three-way bulbs, and, if your partner wants to sleep while you write, try a book light that clips atop your journal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA common misconception about journaling is that one must be a ‘good’ writer to even begin, but the only thing that matters is getting results you find useful,” says Adams. \u201cQuality journaling can be a quick snapshot of an idea, experience, or emotion. It’s OK to write in phrases or bullet points, and it doesn’t matter if you spell well or put commas in the right places.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t let feeling rushed in the morning or bushed at night deter you. \u201cEffective journaling can be accomplished in a short time,” Adams assures. \u201cHow much and how often to write is an entirely personal decision. Some people write in short dashes\u2014a three-item list, a five-minute sprint\u2014while others like leisurely sessions.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2014 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationship<\/em>s showed that when subjects wrote about positive outcomes in negative situations, they reported a decrease in emotional distress<\/a>\u2014a finding that doesn’t surprise Adams. \u201cThe content of bedtime writing should be calming rather than stimulating to prepare you for sleep,” she says. \u201cJournal about your achievements or successes, capture moments of the day’s ‘best things,’ or compose a prayer or blessing.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSpending 10 minutes planning your day before you get out of bed is a productivity turbocharger,” Adams says. \u201cYou can organize and prioritize tasks, structuring your list to tackle highest value work first, and you’ll power up your outcomes, day after day.” Also, if keeping a dream journal, Adam suggests that you record them while still in bed, without changing your waking position too much. Dream retention evaporates quickly upon waking, so get them down before you get up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrep your bed for propping up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"saatva](\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/adjustable-base-plus-1024x515.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n \n Adjustable Base Plus<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n
![\"marbella](\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/marbella-bed-frame-1024x515.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n \n Marbella Bed Frame<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n
![\"saatva](\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow-1024x515.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n \n Latex Pillow<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n
Decide about a desk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose between digital vs. handwritten<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Set up supplies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don’t forget light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Banish notions of “good” and “bad”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spend as much (or as little) time as you’d like<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At night, write to soothe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the morning, write to ignite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n