When you were a baby, you didn’t know the difference between night and day. Which is why infants wake up at all hours and seem to be wide awake when they should be comfortably asleep. As we get older, however, we begin to develop sleep-wake cycles. Our bodies become used to sleeping at night and being awake and active in the day. During the winter months, the days are shorter and the nights are longer, which is why we tend to feel a bit more sluggish around this time of year. During the summer, however, the days become longer and this can lead to restless nights. Fortunately, by choosing the right blinds, Winnipeg homeowners can get the rest that they need.
Window Coverings
Natural light has a way of seeping through even the smallest of cracks. If you install regular blinds, you will still allow some light to filter through. This is great for rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms, where you can make the most of the filtered natural light without sacrificing your privacy. However, room darkening shades are what you need in your bedroom to transform it into a true sleep sanctuary. Darkened shades are the ideal solution because they are specifically designed to keep all light out. Remember, it’s not only a great idea if you want to sleep in, but also if you have a bright streetlamp or live in a high-traffic zone where such lights cause frequent disturbances that tend to wake you up at night. Even in the winter, the glare of lights on the snow is enough to illuminate a room at the best of times.
Custom Designs
For best results, it’s a good idea to opt for custom-made shades rather than simply purchasing the standard size. The reason for this is that custom designs are made to fit your window perfectly. Shades are fitted to the window frame, which means they cover the entire window and will not allow light to sneak in through any gaps. From a visual point of view, custom-made shades and blinds also give any room that perfect, seamless look.
Perfect for Night-Shift Workers
As previously mentioned, room darkening shades are excellent for keeping the rising sun at bay. However, they are also particularly beneficial for those who work at night. After working a night shift, you are bound to feel relatively awake on the way home, as the sunlight can make you feel more refreshed. If your bedroom is not dark enough, this can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep until you need to get up and get ready for your next shift. Once you get home from work, you should make sure that you begin a relaxing routine. Eat what would be your ‘dinner’ before enjoying a relaxing bath or shower. Then retire to your dark bedroom and possibly do some reading before you turn in. The darkened room will give your brain the impression that it is night and this will trigger the release of sleep hormones, which will help you enjoy a restful sleep. Remember, the body automatically produces these hormones when darkness is detected, but it stops producing them when the room becomes brighter.
Other Elements in Your Bedroom
It would be fairly naïve to think that your peaceful sleep depends only on your shades. Yes, they are a significant factor, but not the only one that needs to be addressed. For example, if your windows allow noise to filter through, you might need to invest in quality windows for your bedroom. Make sure that you change your windows first, and then order your shades. If you decide to go about things the other way around, your shades might not fit as perfectly as they should.
Another important thing to consider is removing electronics from your bedroom. Your TV should be the first to go. Leave the viewing for your living room. Falling asleep with the TV on might sound like a good idea, but the TV produces both noise and light which is very disruptive to your sleep patterns. Even a clock can cause serious sleep issues. While the amount of light produced by the clock may not seem like much during the day, it becomes more significant at night. Not to mention the fact that we always tend to check the time when we wake up in the middle of the night. This makes it even more difficult to fall asleep again!
So, to recap, if you want to enjoy a truly restful sleep, it’s important to keep the light out. Whether you work days or nights, it’s essential that you get enough sleep in order to perform well each day. Lack of sleep (or rather, quality sleep) can lead to exhaustion, increased stress, mood swings, and more. When installing blinds, Winnipeg property owners deserve the very best. At NorthShield Blinds and More, we supply our customers with the very best in blinds, shades, and other window coverings. Our expert team is always happy to offer professional advice and a free in-home estimate. Simply call (204) 800-0222 to schedule your free quote!
