Sleep is as important as food, without it we cannot survive. Researchers are still learning what sleep provides us. What is confirmed, is that when sleeping, we restore and rejuvenate, grow muscle, repair tissue and synthesize hormones. Sleep will affect our metabolism and has a role in memory and learning.  It also plays a part in the function of our brain by forming new pathways and processing information.

HOW MUCH SLEEP DO WE NEED?

Research has shown that we should budget 8 to 8 1/2 hours in bed per night. In summer, in Canada, we are not experiencing 8 ½ hours of darkness per night.  Sleep scientist Dr. David Gartenburg of Penn State University writes that a good sleeper will spend 90% of their time in bed asleep. The amount of sleep needed is individual and you know by how you feel if you are getting your personal requirement. The following article provides information on our sleep stages:

https://sonicsleepcoach.com/2017/06/09/hack-your-sleep-understanding-your-sleep-stages/

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE GET LESS SLEEP THAN WE NEED?

Beyond not feeling our best, studies show that sleep that is of short duration or poor quality has been linked to several significant serious health conditions, including, but not limited to: depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Insufficient sleep increases the stress hormone cortisol.

HOW DO ROOM DARKENING DRAPES, CURTAINS OR SHADES HELP?

A dark sleeping room is one way to improve your nightly rest. As urban dwellers, often it is electric light that is causing us sleep issues. Some of us must work shifts that require sleeping during the day. Blackout drapes or shades, when well matched to the window style and are well fitted, can provide protection from sleep disturbing light, solar heat gain (keeping the bedroom at a cooler temperature conducive to sleep) and can help muffle noise. Managing light in the bedroom is fundamental to creating a healthy sleep environment. For more detailed information: “Darkness Matters – How Light Affects Sleep” http://sleep.mysplus.com/library/category2/article1.html

WHICH OTHER ROOMS WOULD BENEFIT FROM ROOM DARKENING?

Media rooms are another area in the home that we want room darkening.  Being able to fully immerse in a movie or video game can offer a much-needed antidote to the stress of daily life. Just remember to allow a buffer time from the blue light emitted by screens before bedtime.