Rest Well With Blackout Shades
Outside noise, stress from the day, temperature of the room and even what we ate before bed can all play a part in how well we sleep at night. The amount of light that comes in from outside can also stop us from getting the best sleep possible, whether it’s from a streetlight or the sun coming up a little earlier than you need to be awake. Blackout shades are a great way to block out unwanted light and noise, and they’re also a conservative way to reduce energy costs.
Block Unwanted Light
If hung properly, blackout shades can block or filter almost all natural and unnatural light. They’re also thicker than typical shades or curtains, which allows them to block some of the noise from outside as well. Most people are capable of sleeping with varying degrees of light, but from a physiological standpoint, having as little light interference as possible results in a notably restful night.
Increase Rest Time
Exposure to light can decrease your melatonin levels. Melatonin naturally increases as the sun goes down, making you less alert and more able to fall asleep. Sunlight and artificial lighting can prevent the release of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep and less likely that you’ll awake well-rested. Using blackout shades, in addition to ensuring all inside light sources are turned off, can keep melatonin at healthy levels throughout the night and into the morning until you’re ready to wake up.
Save Money
Not only will a reduction in light and noise help you sleep better at night, but using blackout shades can save you money as well. During the hot summer months, we put our air conditioners into overdrive to keep our homes nice and cool. The sun beating in through the windows works against the air conditioner and keeps rooms heated, which in turn keeps the air conditioner running longer and makes your power bill more expensive.
A similar thing happens in the winter, but with the opposite effect; during the coldest months, heat escaping through windows can account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating bill. Blackout shades will block the sun from entering the room in the summer, while also protecting the heat from seeping out cold windows in the winter. By using blackout shades, many people see a 15 to 25 percent decrease in their energy bills.
If you’ve been suffering from insomnia, not waking up feeling completely rested or just want to cut down on energy costs, installing blackout shades could be worth a shot. They’re also great for people with atypical work schedules. With all the options out there, it’s easier than ever to find nice blackout shades that are effective and also look great in any space. They are also a great option if you aren’t interested in hanging thick curtains around your house, and they’re equally as effective.