Helping to Erase Multiple Sclerosis

     
     

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 Living with MS

  The Bedroom

Make one side of the bed first.
To minimize the amount of walking involved, make one side of a bed completely, and then finish the other side. Use a 2-foot stick or a dowel with a cup hook attached to one end to help you arrange the blanket and sheet when you get in or out of bed. The hook allows you to arrange the bed coverings easily. However, you can't use the stick with an open-weave or thermal blanket because the hook snags the threads.

Choose comfortable bedding.
You will be more comfortable in bed if you choose the right bedding and equipment for your needs. Always look for bed covers that provide warmth without weight. Woven knit sheets are easy to put on the mattress because the corners stretch easily, but if turning over in bed is difficult, woven satin sheets will help you slide more easily (especially if you wear nylon or silk pajamas).

Make turning in bed easier.
If turning over or changing sleeping positions in bed is difficult, consider pushing the side of the bed up against the bedroom wall and installing a railing or grab bar on the wall. Anchor the railing to a stud and install it at the height that makes turning easier.

Keep a flashlight handy in the bedroom.
Keep a flashlight on your dresser by the entrance to your bedroom. Use it at night when you have turned off the light and need to illuminate the path to your bed. Then keep the flashlight on your nightstand so it will be handy if you need to get out of bed in the middle of the night.

Reorganize bedroom closets.
Organize bedroom closets for easy access by making top shelves and clothing rods low enough to reach without straining. Store items in transparent plastic containers to cut down on your search time. If you keep your shoes in shoeboxes, write a brief description of the shoe (e.g., "brown flats") in large letters on the cover to make locating the shoes easier.