The first night after the move: can’t sleep in your new apartment?

The key points

• Many people sleep differently or more restlessly during their first night in a new environment. This phenomenon is known as the “First Night Effect”.

• Changes in sleep can be related to an unfamiliar environment: different light and room conditions, new noises and the stress of moving can all affect your night's rest.

• Relaxing bedtime rituals, a familiar arrangement of furniture and a pleasant sleeping environment can help you adjust to your new bedroom more quickly.

“The First Night Effect”: What is behind it?

Scientists refer to changes in sleep in a new environment as the “First Night Effect”. The brain can respond differently to an unfamiliar sleeping environment than to the familiar surroundings at home. New noises, lighting conditions or smells may be perceived more strongly and can cause you to wake up more frequently or consciously during the night.

This effect can be unpleasant and may contribute to tiredness and exhaustion the following day. How strongly it occurs varies from person to person. The body often becomes accustomed to its new surroundings over time. You can support this process by making your new bedroom feel as familiar and comfortable as possible.

Making the first night in your new home more comfortable

Even small changes can help reduce sleep difficulties during your first night in your new home. Try to set up your bedroom as early as possible – ideally before moving day. Also, avoid turning your bedroom into a storage space for moving boxes and other items; clarity, a reduced interior and functionality can help create a pleasant atmosphere.

In addition to keeping your bedroom tidy and functional, you can use a sleep mask, earplugs and blackout curtains to reduce light and noise. You should also wear comfortable nightwear that feels good to you. A soft CALIDA pyjama made from TENCEL™ or Supima® cotton can provide a pleasant feel while wearing it. Depending on the material and construction, these textiles can also offer breathable and temperature-balancing properties.

How to feel more comfortable in your new bedroom over time

Once you have made it through the first night in your new home, it may still take some time to fully settle in. This is not unusual, as our sleep patterns and sleep habits are strongly shaped by routines. Give yourself the time you need to adjust. The following five tips can help make the transition easier:

Tip 1: Arrange your furniture similarly to your old home

People often rely on familiar routines and surroundings. So, try setting up your new bedroom in a way that reminds you of your previous home. You could place your bed and wardrobe in similar positions, use the same bed linen and add familiar objects such as lamps, books or a picture on your bedside table. Familiar elements can help you orient yourself more quickly and create a recognisable atmosphere. Once you have become accustomed to your new surroundings, you can gradually remove, replace or rearrange old furniture and decorative elements.

Tip 2: Less can be more

Especially during the first few weeks in a new home, a reduced interior can be helpful. Avoid overcrowded shelves or too many new furnishings. A calm and uncluttered design can help your bedroom feel less unfamiliar.

Tip 3: Create a pleasant sleeping environment

A room temperature between 16°C and 18°C can feel comfortable in the bedroom. Regular ventilation can also contribute to a pleasant room climate. Dimmable or indirect light sources can help you adjust the lighting in the evening. Taking some time away from screens before going to bed can also become part of your personal evening routine.

Tip 4: Create relaxing bedtime rituals

Establish an evening routine that helps you relax. It does not matter whether you take a warm bath, drink a cup of tea or read in bed for 10 minutes. The key is consistency: when you repeat these rituals regularly, they can become a familiar part of your evening routine and help you prepare for bedtime.

Tip 5: Choose the right mattress, bed linen & pyjamas

If you are sleeping less well after moving, one possible factor could be an unsuitable mattress that does not feel comfortable for you. Materials that are not suited to the season or simply feel scratchy and uncomfortable can also affect your personal sleep comfort.

CALIDA nightwear includes styles made from soft and breathable materials such as TENCEL™ or cotton. Depending on the material, they can provide a pleasant feel and temperature-balancing properties – even in a new environment that you are still getting used to.

Conclusion

Sleeping poorly during your first night in your new home or still feeling unrested after a few days is not unusual. Sleep difficulties can occur temporarily while you adjust to your new surroundings. A calm and uncluttered sleeping environment, familiar routines and comfortable nightwear can help make the transition more pleasant. Step by step, you can turn your new bedroom into a personal place of comfort.