How many times have you risen in the morning with sever grogginess and fatigue, feeling tired from the night before? You're not alone - the CDC classifies sleep deprivation as an actual disease, with a recent article that suggests this to be a public health problem, with an estimated 50-70 million US adults having sleep or wakefulness disorder. The National Sleep Foundation even has a set of tips to improve your sleeping habits and overall sleep health. Imagine what you could do if you woke up everyday rested and brimming with energy.
The first step toward avoiding sleep deprivation is to control the amount of light within your bedroom. This concept is rather simple, yet you may not be taking into consideration all of the different light sources. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, "so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading." This is critical as your body needs time to wind down and lower your heart rate. While it might seem hard to relax under the weight of hectic schedules, you’ll find that it’s even harder to fall asleep and stay asleep if you just hop into bed after a demanding day. Start with easy sleep solutions that will help your whole household unwind and bed-down for a night of much needed sleep. For those who typically go to bed in front of the TV, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that, "using an electronic device such as a laptop can make it hard to fall asleep, because the particular type of light emanating from the screens of these devices is activating to the brain." Some suggest that technology is actually changing the way sleep. Most importantly, make sure bedrooms are quiet and the right sleeping temperature. Noises and temperature (too hot or too cold) interferes with sleep. Energy-efficient window coverings and shades with sound-absorption features would make stylish additions to your home’s bedrooms while creating a perfect sleeping atmosphere.
Another aspect of a quality sleeping environment is darkness. Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime to turn off the TV. Shut down your devices, and find a calming routine. Little lights on computers, tablets, and phones can impair sleep. The solution is to cover them up, or keep them out of your bedroom altogether. Outside ambient light is yet another consideration. Don’t let the headlights of passing cars or the glow of streetlights interfere with your sleep cycle. Consider window shades that include blackout shade functionality with room-darkening fabrics. Blackout shades create a cavelike environment. A consistently dark environment helps to train your body and regulate your circadian rhythm. Eliminating other triggers like alcohol, cigarettes and large meals before bed also helps to maintain your body's natural rhythms. Sound sleep can be more than just a dream for you and your family with the sleep solutions that light control and window coverings offer.
When it comes to blackout shades look no further than the intuitive technology of Hunter Douglas PowerView window shades. Create and save the right positions for your home’s window coverings throughout the day, and then schedule them to occur automatically. PowerRise Automation takes it from there. Your shades will rise in the morning and move with the sun throughout the day, then lower at bedtime – all without you having to lift a finger. As part of your sleep solution, Hunter Douglas PowerView help you rest easy. Amid the chaos of life, let the incredible benefits of window coverings transform your home into a place where you can let go of the day and enjoy some glorious slumber. Contact our team at Horizon Window Fashions for your free, in-home consultation today. Start sleeping and living better today