YOUR BODY NATURALLY knows that when it’s dark it’s time to sleep and when it’s light it’s time to wake up. That’s your body’s circadian biological clock at work. It comes as no surprise then that any light getting into your room when you’re trying to sleep has an adverse impact on the quality of your rest.

Whether it’s light from electronics, the sun, the room next door, or the streetlights outside, any light that annoys you while you’re trying to sleep is sending your brain messages to wake up. This, in turn, suppresses the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin in your body, making it more difficult to fall and to stay asleep. With this in mind, if you find yourself suffering from a lack of good quality sleep, it might be time to think about blackout curtains.

What are Blackout Curtains?

Blackout curtains are specifically designed to block out outdoor light and sun. Blackout curtains have backings made from tightly woven, thick fabric that doesn’t allow light to penetrate. Heavier than regular curtains, blackout curtains often last far longer. Even though they’re known as “blackout” curtains, they don’t necessarily need to be made entirely in black. They come in many different shades and fashionable patterns that add a touch of class to any room.

In addition to blocking out light, blackout curtains are also used to block noise and reduce energy costs. In fact, sunblocking curtains are often used to keep out heat throughout the summer months. They’re also useful for trapping heat within a room during the cold months of winter.

Who Typically Uses Blackout Curtains?

If you are a shift worker, have young kids who go to bed early, or if you live in an area of the country where the sun shines for many hours a day, a set of blackout curtains can be a very welcome addition to your bedroom. Hotels and people who travel often have blackout curtains to help with recovering from jet lag. Blackout curtains are also great for watching movies in home theaters.

Are Blackout Curtains Expensive?

Although blackout curtains typically cost more than their conventional counterparts, they often make the difference between tossing and turning all night and getting a good night’s sleep. For this reason, it’s worth paying that little bit extra to have the peace of mind that you’ll sleep well when it comes to bedtime.

Things to Keep in Mind

Remember to turn out neighboring room and hall lights before you go to bed. It’s also a good idea to seal out the light from other rooms by closing your bedroom door securely. Keep your blackout curtains closed tightly so no natural or unnatural light comes through.

Too much light when you’re trying to sleep can be very bothersome. But upon waking, take advantage of natural light by opening your blackout curtains wide. This provides you with a little boost to get you up and moving, and the immediate dose of sunlight helps to reset your body’s natural biological clock.