How To Sleep Better With Blackout Blinds

By Amy Kilvington

Content Writer at Blinds Direct

Thu 29 Mar 2018

Last updated Tue 14 Apr 2020

When the clocks spring forward we’re reminded that the sunnier seasons are within reach. Winter here in the UK feels longer and colder every year, so when British Summer Time kicks in, it’s time to celebrate. But with the glorious weather comes a problem – the morning sun streaming through your windows well before it’s time to wake up!

Early morning sunshine can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and grouchy for the rest of the day. Fortunately, we can help you to solve your morning woes. Here at Blinds Direct we have a wide selection of blackout blinds, ranging from practical blackout roller blinds, to sturdy opaque wooden blinds, to luxurious curtains and Romans which are available with blackout lining.

Your recommended hours of sleep

Blackout window dressings are a key part of a good sleep routine, helping you and your family to get the rest you really need. So how much sleep is that? Well, according to experts, infants need between 12 and 17 hours of sleep per day, while toddlers generally require between 11 and 14. Young children are recommended between 10 and 13 hours of sleep, and teenagers can manage on around 8, but up to 10 is also fine. Once we hit adulthood, our recommended hours of sleep drop to 7-9 (though they do increase for pregnant women!) Our required rest continues to decline as we get older, with elderly people only needing between 6 and8 each night.

Lack of sleep

Along with early morning wake up calls, there are many other causes of too little sleep. These include conditions like chronic pain, insomnia and night sweats, or having an other half that snores loudly! Other aspects of your lifestyle will also influence the quality of your sleep, such as being too busy or worrying about money and family issues.

Many of us suffer from lack of sleep and it’s important to identify the problem quickly. That’s because continued poor sleep can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and even obesity. People who aren’t well rested will also be prone to mood swings and stress. It’s worth remembering that too little sleep will also affect concentration, memory and reaction times, which can have a negative impact on school and work.

Improving your sleep

Fortunately, there are a number of methods to improving your sleep. First and foremost, investing in a high quality blackout blind that will block out all light, along with a clean, comfortable bed and bedding. You should also clean and tidy your bedroom, removing clutter that distracts you. Another top tip is to make your bedroom a tech-free zone, which means switching off smartphones, TVs and tablets at least half an hour before bedtime. Finally, try to formulate a relaxing nighttime routine to help calm your mind and body. This might feature a warm bath followed by reading for half an hour. You could also try yoga, gentle music or burning a relaxing candle.

Food can also impact on your sleep. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in certain foods, which helps to produce serotonin, thus promoting good sleep. Tryptophan-rich foods include turkey, fish and eggs. On the flip side, alcohol, sugar and caffeine should all be avoided before bedtime as they are stimulants. Here are some more tips on getting a better night’s sleep.

The benefits of sleeping well

A good night’s rest doesn’t just give your more energy. When they sleep well, your kids will have a sharper memory and more attention to detail, making them perform better at school (and you’ll also see improvements in your day-to-day tasks!) Getting the right amount of sleep also makes us more creative, more willing to learn and more successful when completing complex tasks. In terms of health, those that sleep well will be more likely to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, as well as reducing stress. With a great night’s sleep, we can achieve more.

Our blackout roller blinds

Here at Blinds Direct, we have a wide range of different colours and prints available, perfect for both the grown-ups and the kids’ bedrooms. You could also layer these blackout rollers with curtains for a more luxurious feel, which works particularly well in the master bedroom.

Discover our full collection of high quality, made-to-measure window dressings. Are you looking for interior design inspiration for a bedroom in your home? You can take advantage of our FREE personal shopping service by contacting our experts directly: [email protected] or 01924 848739 (8:30-4:30 MON-FRI)