(ARA) - A romantic bedroom should please the senses. To enhance intimacy on Valentine's Day -- or any day -- the Better Sleep Council offers tips and advice on how to transform your bedroom into a love nest that appeals to each of your five senses.

1. Touch. The bed is the focus of any bedroom and the most romantic rooms make it as cozy as possible. Luxurious sheets and plush pillows are wonderful, but the real key is a comfortable mattress, so make sure to have one that feels heavenly and caresses both you and your partner.

2. Sight. Lighting should be soft and filtered; bright lights can detract from the ambience. Use lower wattage light bulbs or those with a soft pink hue. And, for special evenings, nothing adds romance like the warm glow of candles (be sure that lit candles are never left unattended).

3. Smell. Gently wiping your light bulbs with a thin coat of perfumed oil can send calming or sensual scents throughout the bedroom. In addition, sprinkling dusting powder on your sheets can make them fragrant and silky. Scented sachets of lavender and rosemary also add to the air of romance.

4. Sound. Keep your favorite CDs at your fingertips; soft music is one of the easiest ways to elevate your mood. If it's noisy outside your bedroom window, hang thick curtains to muffle the sound. A peaceful bedroom retreat is the place to focus on each other, so keep distractions such as the television in another room.

5. Taste. For a late-night indulgence, place strawberries and whipped cream on a small tray next to the bed. Champagne and champagne glasses also are ideal at the start of a romantic evening at home.

"Evaluate your bedroom, starting with the sense of touch, making sure your bed and mattress are as comfortable as possible. Then, consider the rest of the senses. Because a romantic bedroom can set the mood for the evening, don't risk having an uncomfortable bed or a noisy bedroom destroy the moment," says Andrea Herman, director of the Better Sleep Council.

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Author: For more information on buying a new mattress or on getting a good night's sleep, visit the Better Sleep Council's Web site at http://www.bettersleep.org. Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com