Quality sleep is the foundation of good health. Prolonged sleep loss can lead to everything from weight gain and heart disease to depression and fatigue-related auto accidents, but getting enough sleep is sometimes easier said than done. Your ability to maintain a stable sleep-wake cycle is referred to as sleep hygiene, and your window blinds and shades have more to do with it than you may think. Here is what you need to know about sleep hygiene and the impact your window treatments in Chicago can have on it.
What is sleep hygiene?
Sleep hygiene refers to the habits you follow to prepare for sleep. Good sleep hygiene helps you to maintain a steady routine of sleep and wakefulness so that you feel rested. Poor sleep hygiene, on the other hand, can interfere with your sleep and lead to insomnia and the related daytime fatigue that follows. If you see your doctor to address ongoing problems with disrupted sleep, one of the first things he or she will do is review your sleep hygiene habits to see if there are any practices that you could adopt that would help you get more rest.
What are some examples of poor sleep hygiene?
Poor sleep hygiene habits include things like not getting an adequate amount of exercise, eating heavy foods before bedtime, drinking caffeine close to bedtime, failing to follow a bedtime routine that includes disengaging from electronic devices, and taking excessive daytime naps. Your sleeping environment is another huge part of your sleep hygiene. For the best sleep, your room should be cool, quiet, and dark.
How can blackout shades help?
Blackout shades completely block exterior light from entering your bedroom, which makes your room as dark as possible. With these shades, streetlights, passing car lights, and outdoor signage will no longer disrupt your sleep. The complete darkness of your room can dramatically improve your ability to sleep restfully. By choosing automated or motorized shades, you can also open your blackout window treatments to let in light when it’s time to wake up. Slowly introducing light can make it easier for you to wake up fully and feel energized when you get out of bed.
