Outfit Your Bedroom for a Better Night's Sleep

Ceiling fans act like a lullaby, whispering white noise while creating a gentle breeze to keep your body cool. And, since they're cheaper to operate than an air conditioner, you won't lie awake fretting over your electric bills. Allergy sufferers should look for a model whose blades are coated with nanoparticles to prevent dust buildup, such as those from The Hunter Fan Company. From $119 Get step-by-step instructions at How to Install a Ceiling Fan. READ: 27 Ways to Build Your Own Bedroom Furniture (This Old House)

Tuscan yellow may be the perfect hue to brighten a dark entryway, but it's not ideal for a restful night’s sleep. A better choice? A calming shade in a cool-color family like blue, green, or purple. To prevent that fresh-paint scent from keeping you alert, choose a low- or zero-VOC paint, such as Benjamin Moore's Natura, Sherwin-Williams's Harmony, and The Freshaire Choice. From $35 per gallon. READ: Best Bedroom Before and Afters 2013 (This Old House)

Does your partner prefer to read in order to fall asleep, while you'd rather kill the lights and turn in immediately? Look for a lamp with a telescoping neck, like Levenger's Midnight Reader, that will shine the light directly on your bedmate's book rather than in your eyes. $359 (This Old House)

Waking up rested isn't just about the number of hours your head meets the pillow — it's also about how you're awakened. An alarm clock that smoothes the transition from slumber to wakefulness, rather than jarring you awake, will help you start the day feeling fresh. The best bet is something that will ease you into the day, like Hammacher Schlemmer’s Peaceful Progression Wake Up Clock, which ever so gradually increases light, aromatherapy scents, and one of six nature sounds. Waking up for work never felt so good. $70 (This Old House)

Dust, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic reactions that cause sinus and asthma problems and disrupt a good night's sleep. Among the many air purifiers available, Honeywell’s HFD-120Q uses HEPAQuiet technology to capture those common airborne allergens, and it comes with an easy-clean permanent filter. $140 (This Old House)