Get Better Sleep

Many modern apartments and homes feature dark or blackout curtains that help block out the light. They help block out the visual noise of the sun, streetlights, advertising signs, and other types of artificial lighting. Room-darkening blinds are another great way to help people sleep better. They work by letting in light during the day or when you need it and functioning as blackout curtains when you need them. But how exactly do room-darkening blinds help you sleep? 

Light exposure affects your sleep cycles

Light exposure can affect our sleep cycles in two important ways. First, light can directly impact our circadian rhythm, the process that manages our natural 24-hour body clock. Light is one of the strongest external signals that can impact this rhythm, and studies have shown that even dim lighting can negatively impact sleep patterns. Secondly, light exposure can impact the amount of time it takes for your brain to produce melatonin, the hormone that signals your body’s natural sleep cycle. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland when the body senses that there is less light in the environment. It’s the chemical that makes us feel sleepy when it’s dark out. Light can impact how quickly the brain produces melatonin and how much it produces. Exposure to bright light in the evenings can actually delay melatonin production, thus making it harder to fall asleep.

Room-darkening blinds block out natural light

One of the easiest ways to help people sleep better is to maintain darkness. It’s especially important to avoid light in the blue spectrum. While the sun helps us wake up in the morning, blue light has been shown to interrupt sleep patterns because it tricks the brain into thinking that it’s daytime. Room-darkening blinds can help maintain darkness by blocking out light coming through the windows, including blue light. These blinds are typically lined with a black or dark fabric that filters out this light. This way, they can help maintain darkness and keep the sleep cycles of the room’s occupants regular.

Room-darkening blinds block out artificial light

As well as blocking out sunlight, room-darkening blinds can also help block out artificial light. Light pollution from artificial sources can also disrupt sleep patterns, and these light sources can seem even more intense when they are inside the home. Darkening blinds can help block out artificial light sources, including streetlights, signage, and any interior lights that may be too bright. This way, they can reduce visual noise and help you sleep better.

Choose the right blinds

Room-darkening blinds come in many different types, fabrics, and prices. You need to keep in mind that you want room-darkening blinds instead of blackout blinds. Blackout blinds are designed to block all light, including the light from the sun. Room-darkening blinds, on the other hand, allow light in during the day but block light at night. Paired with the right windows, like Renewal by Andersen windows, you'll be able to improve energy efficiency as well.

Consider room darkening blinds

As we’ve seen, room-darkening blinds can help you sleep better by filtering out light that might otherwise disrupt your sleep cycle. Room-darkening blinds can also create a more calming environment, and they can help you save money on your energy bills. If you want to sleep better, reduce stress and anxiety, and protect your health, you should invest in room-darkening blinds.

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