Sleeping well is crucial for many people, and blackout curtains have high expectations. Known for aiding sleep, they are a popular choice. But did you know that their long-term effects may not always be positive? Today, we’ll discuss the hidden dangers of blackout curtains.
Pros and Cons of Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains completely block out external light. This makes them popular among those suffering from insomnia or wanting to sleep in. However, long-term use of blackout curtains can disrupt your sleep rhythm. With complete light blockage, waking up in the morning becomes difficult, potentially disrupting your daily rhythm.
- Pros of Light Blocking: Improved sleep quality at night due to no light intrusion.
- Disruption of Sleep Rhythm: Lack of morning light can disrupt your daily rhythm.
Importance of Morning Sunlight
Morning sunlight plays a very important role in our bodies. Exposure to morning sunlight normalizes melatonin secretion, aiding in better sleep. Therefore, if you have blackout curtains, it’s better to keep them slightly open in the morning. Alternatively, using lace curtains that allow some light to pass through is also an option.
Avoiding Light Before Bed Is More Important
More important than blackout curtains is avoiding light before bed. Especially, using smartphones greatly interferes with sleep. Using smartphones before bed suppresses melatonin secretion due to blue light, making it harder to fall asleep. Activating blue light filter or completely avoiding smartphones is advisable.
- Blue Light Filter: Activating blue light filter on smartphones makes it easier to fall asleep.
- Using Indirect Lighting: Using small or indirect lights at night is better.
- Avoiding Naps: Avoiding naps helps in having deep sleep at night.
Conclusion
Blackout curtains may be a tool for better sleep in the short term but can disrupt your daily rhythm in the long term. It’s crucial to get enough morning sunlight and avoid using smartphones before bed to maintain natural sleep habits. The use of blackout curtains should be decided cautiously.