Common questions about sleep comfort in apartments.
Most people sleep best around 65-68°F (18-20°C)—cooler than typical daytime comfort temperature. Your body naturally cools during sleep, and a cool room supports this process. Personal preferences vary, so experiment to find what works for you. See our temperature control guide.
Yes. Light is one of the strongest signals to your body about whether it should be awake or asleep. Even small amounts of light—from LEDs, streetlights, or electronics—can affect sleep quality. Darkening your bedroom is one of the most impactful changes you can make. See our light reduction guide.
White noise can be helpful if you're dealing with inconsistent noises (neighbors, traffic). It works by masking variable sounds with consistent background sound that your brain can ignore. It's not necessary for everyone—if your environment is quiet, you may not need it. See our white noise guide for pros and cons.
Consider these factors: away from noisy shared walls, not directly under drafty windows, positioned so you can see the door (feels more secure), and with room to access both sides if sharing. In small rooms, space constraints may override ideal placement. See our bedroom layouts guide.
Ideally, no. TVs can interfere with the bedroom's association with sleep, and watching before bed exposes you to stimulating light and content. If you do keep a TV in the bedroom, use a sleep timer and avoid stimulating shows close to bedtime.
Create as much separation as possible between sleep area and living area—using curtains, screens, furniture placement, or rugs to define zones. Behavioral rules also help: don't work or eat in bed. See our studio apartment guide.
Options include: a polite conversation (many people don't realize how much sound travels), reporting persistent issues to management, adding soft furnishings that absorb sound, positioning furniture against shared walls, and using white noise to mask variable sounds. See our noise reduction guide.
Focus on personal temperature control: use fans for cooling, adjust bedding weight for warmth/coolness, use breathable or insulating materials as needed. Window management (blocking sun in summer, retaining heat in winter) helps when thermostat control is limited. See our temperature guide.
Blackout curtains are the most effective solution—choose ones that extend beyond the window frame and reach the floor to minimize light gaps. You can also combine shades with curtains, use window film, or use a sleep mask for personal darkness. See our light reduction guide.
While recommendations often suggest 1-2 hours, even 30 minutes without screens before bed can help. More important: dim screen brightness, use night mode, and avoid stimulating content. The goal is reducing light exposure and mental activation as you approach bedtime.
Consistency helps your body maintain regular rhythms. Large variations (staying up and sleeping much later on weekends) can create a kind of "jet lag." Staying within an hour or so of your weekday schedule supports better overall sleep comfort.