Should you sleep with your blinds open or closed?

Sleep is a special and relaxing time because it allows our bodies to recover from the day's activities. When we sleep, our muscles relax and our breathing slows down. This gives our bodies a chance to repair any damage that has been done during the day. Sleep also helps to regulate our moods and emotions. It’s during sleep that our brains process information and consolidate memories. Without enough sleep, we can feel cranky, irritable, and foggy-headed. 

To get the most out of our sleep, it’s important to have a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment. This means finding a mattress that suits your individual needs, as well as making sure your pillow provides the right amount of neck support. It’s also important to keep your bedroom cool, as too much heat can disrupt our sleep cycles. Noise can also be a major factor in preventing us from getting a good night's rest, so it is important to find a way to minimise any unwanted noise in your bedroom. 

Most people would also think that they should keep their room as dark as they can to maximise their quality of sleep, but is this true?

Sleeping with curtains closed

Most of us are guilty of not closing our curtains at night, but there are actually a few good reasons why we should make the effort to do so. For one, closing your curtains at night can help you get a better night’s sleep and get you to sleep faster.

The human body is routinely affected by light and darkness which signals to us when it’s time to wake and rest. Our house is now brightly lit at all hours of the night now thanks to modern living. The excessive light in the bedroom can cause sleep quality issues, disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm. Sleeping in darkness helps our bodies to create melatonin. Any amount of light that penetrates through the curtains can interfere with hormone production, causing a reduction in melatonin levels.

It is also a great way to help keep your home more energy-efficient. Heavy curtains can act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep heat in during winter and out during summer. This can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

In addition, closing your curtains at night can help you get a better night’s sleep. Light exposure is known to disrupt our natural sleep cycle, so by keeping the bedroom dark we’re more likely to drift off easily and stay asleep for longer. If you have trouble sleeping, closing the curtains may be worth a try!

Finally, closing your curtains at night can help you feel more secure in your home. If would-be burglars can’t see inside, they’re less likely to target your property. So, not only can closing your curtains save you money and help you sleep better – but it can also give you peace of mind.

Are there benefits of sleeping with curtains open?

There are several benefits to sleeping with curtains open. The most obvious benefit is that you'll be able to enjoy the natural light in the morning. This can help you wake up more naturally and help you start your day on a positive note.

Some people find that sleeping with their curtains open can actually help improve their sleep quality. They find that exposure to natural light helps regulate their circadian rhythms, which can lead to better sleep at night. 

Finally, sleeping with your curtains open can also help boost your mood during the day. Exposure to natural light can increase levels of serotonin, which is a feel-good chemical in the brain. So if you're feeling down, a little extra light exposure during the night could help lift your spirits during the day.

So, should we be sleeping with curtains open, or closed?

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to sleeping with the curtains open or closed. It really depends on your personal preference and what makes you feel most comfortable. Some people like to sleep in complete darkness, while others find that a little bit of light helps them relax. 

Sleeping in darkness helps our bodies to produce melatonin, which should provide a better quality of sleep. Whereas sleeping with the blinds open allows for the sun to come in the morning and gives you a more ‘natural’ feeling of waking up compared to your phone’s alarm clock.

If you're not sure what will work best for you, experiment until you find the perfect solution. There's no need to worry about what other people think - just do what feels right for you!

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.