Sleep Better, Feel Better: The Wellness Benefits of Blackout Curtains

By Mesha Williams | id Designs & Co. -Tampa, FL

Have you ever felt super tired in the morning even after going to bed early? Believe it or not, outside lights could be the reason. Join me as we discuss how blackout curtains can help you not only sleep better but feel better too.

First, let’s dive into how light can affect our sleeping patterns, how our circadian rhythm in the body works, and a few décor tips on how to incorporate biophilic design elements to improve our wellness at home.

How Light Affects Your Sleep

Light does more than just help us see. It plays a big role in how our bodies function. During the day, natural light that gradually changes, like moving shadows in a room, helps our brain understand what time it is. This keeps us feeling alert and focused. Sunlight naturally changes color throughout the day, starting with a warm yellow in the morning, turning bluish around midday, and becoming reddish in the late afternoon and evening.

At night, however, too much light (especially bright or harsh lighting) can confuse the brain into thinking it’s still daytime. When that happens, our body doesn’t produce enough melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. Without enough melatonin, it’s harder to fall asleep or stay asleep even affecting mood, energy levels, and influence the risk for health issues like depression. All of this can throw off the internal body clock, also known as our circadian rhythm (we’ll dive deeper into this next), further messing with our sleep cycle.

Did You Know: Direct and indirect exposure to nature through greenery, shapes, or nature inspired art/décor can help reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation. Try adding this as an additional aid to better sleep.

What Is Your Circadian Rhythm?

Our circadian rhythm is like a body’s natural clock. It tells it when to wake up, when to feel sleepy, and even when to eat. This clock is set by light especially sunlight. When it’s bright, our brain says, “Time to be awake!” And when it gets dark, your brain helps you wind down for rest.

But here’s the thing: even small amounts of light, like streetlights coming through windows, or cellphone lights, can keep the brain more alert than it should be at night.

Pro Tip: Try lighting layering in your home by using color adjustable temperature lighting, or dimmable lighting. In the evening adjust lights like pendant lights, wall sconces, and table lamps to soft, warm lighting to help signal your body to wind down.

Wellness Tip from Our Design Studio: Blackout Curtains

Lack of sleep is a common pain point of some of our busy client. Many are bustling families, business owners, or superhero moms, that are looking for simple solutions. That’s when we offer the solutions to high quality window treatments and highly suggest blackout curtains. These curtains are made with thick, heavyweight fabric that block out most, if not all, outside light. When we use blackout curtains in bedrooms, it creates a darker, more peaceful space that helps our body to sleep.

Here are some additional benefits:

 • Fall asleep faster

 • Stay asleep longer

 • Wake up feeling more rested

 • Helps reduce the risk of heart disease and anxiety 

 • Deeper sleep allowing the body to heal and recharge

Wellness Tip: If you’re thinking of a bedroom makeover, use paint colors in warm calming hues, like sage, warm sand, or soft clay. Try adding accent pillows or throws in nature inspired colors.

If you’re ready to sleep better, try adding these tips, along with blackout curtains to your bedroom. We love recommending them to clients who want to feel more rested, focused, and relaxed at home.

Here are two of our favorite curtain styles that balance wellness and beauty:

• Saba Absolute Blackout Thermal Curtain with Foam Coated Pleated: Soft, textured, and timeless. These give your room a cozy, quiet luxury feel.

• Lila Blackout Drape Pleated:  Has thermal and moisture resistant properties. Helping to keep regulate hot and cold temperatures, while blocking humidity in humid environment.

For some, picking out window treatments can seem like a daunting task. From picking out the right fabric, to knowing the difference between a pinch pleat and a grommet, this can be overwhelming doing it on your own. But you have help! As an interior designer, I welcome questions to help you choose the perfect fit for your home.

Final Thought

Sleep is a key part of wellness, and your bedroom should help you rest not stress. By using blackout curtains and these tips, you’re not just decorating a space, you’re caring for your mind and body. Ultimately, when you sleep better, you truly feel better!

Need help transforming your bedroom into a wellness retreat? Feel Free to contact us at id Designs & Co. and let’s talk about how to bring peace and style to your space.

*All photographs credit: Mesha Williams

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