15 Tips To Make Your Bedroom Darker For Better Sleep
Do you have trouble falling asleep at night because of the light that comes in through your door?Does the streetlight shining through your window make it difficult to sleep?You’re not the only one.Light pollution is affecting more and more people, from night shift workers to children with late bedtimes.
There is good news.There are simple ways to darken your bedroom so that you can sleep well at night and during the day.
Dark rooms are more valuable than most people think.A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that “exposure to light at night (LAN), increases depression risk among the elderly”.According to previous studies, sleepers who are constantly exposed to 5 lux (a 1 lux candle emits light) have a greater risk of depression.
There are many ways to darken a room. The obvious way is to close the blinds or pull a curtain across. But there are also other methods to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
How To Make a Darker Room
1) Turn the bed around if the bed is facing the window.
If the sunlight through your window wakes you up, shift the bed to another part of the room that is darker.It is much harder to fall asleep when you are facing a bright light.The more light that you are exposed to, the closer your bed is located to a window.
It may be hard to notice, but a light meter will reveal the truth.Place your bed in the corner that is the darkest.
2) Use darkening window film.
Darkening window films is a permanent solution.This is a great investment if you need your bedroom to always be completely dark.This is a cost-effective solution that also provides UV protection.The black-out film is able to block up to 99% of light transmission.Whiteout film transmits only 9% of light if you don’t like your windows to be dark.
3) You can hang bed sheets or thick blankets on the window.
Painter’s tape can be used to hang a thick blanket or bedsheet as a blackout curtain.This will not be as attractive as the other options but will work in a pinch.Make sure the fabric is dense and choose a dark-colored material that will absorb light.
4) Buy blackout curtains of high quality.
Blackout curtains of high quality are more dense than regular curtains and allow in less light.Be sure to buy the right size curtains for your windows so that you can cover any light leakage areas.Ensure that your curtain rod can handle the additional weight of blackout drapes.
Consider hanging your curtain rod higher than the window frame, and purchasing longer curtains to block any light that may be coming through the window above or below.Use magnets or magnetic tape to attach the curtains in the middle. This will create a complete blackout.
5) Install Shades.
Roller shades are another option if you don’t want to use curtains.They can be used to block out more light precisely because they are designed to fit into the window frame.Cellular, roller and Roman shades are great for darkening your room.Each has its advantages.Consider your lifestyle and budget to decide which is best for you.
6) DIY route: Stick aluminium foil, plastic bags, cardboard boxes or plywood to the window.
Empty Bedroom in The Night
This is a temporary solution that can help you get some shut-eye.Be sure to choose a material that is thick enough so as to block out the light.Some garbage bags, for example, can be too thin.This is an inexpensive way to block out light while providing a high level of darkness.Painter’s tape will help you to avoid damaging the paint around your windows.
For a sleeker look, you could build a window insert out of plywood and fabric.If done correctly, this could fit perfectly into your window frame.
Many people choose aluminium foil as the most affordable option for window darkness.It is easy to use and apply.
7) Fill the gaps at the bottom of your doors.
It is easy to overlook the bottom of doors as a place where light can sneak in.Install a draft stopper on the door to also stop the light.You can also use an old blanket or T-shirt to cover the door.Install weather stripping along the edges of your door to ensure total darkness.Check your door if you haven’t been able to stop light from entering the room after fixing the window.
8) Add furniture to the area near the windows.
You can move the chair in front of your window to cover it or partially cover it if you do not want to disturb it.Put a large, green plant in front and let it absorb all the sun’s rays.The more items you place around the window the less light that will reach the room.
9) Consider painting your room darker.
White rooms are brighter than ones painted in grey or tan tones.It all comes down to how light reflects.Your room will be darker if it is painted black.You can change the light interaction in your room by choosing an off-white or greyer shade.
10) Remove all mirrors.
Mirrors are great for amplifying and reflecting light.Consider placing your mirror outside if you have one in your bedroom. It will likely intensify the light.Mirrors not only boost the light in a room but also violate laws that promote good feng shui.Mirrors are believed to cause sleeplessness and deplete energy because they can bounce energy.If you can’t move the mirror, you can drape a piece of fabric or scarf over it to sleep.
11) Use magnetic strips where curtains overlap to block light.
There is always a tiny bit of light that gets through the curtains.Magnetic strips can help.You can use magnetic adhesive strips to attach to the top and bottom of each curtain.With your curtains, you’ll get an excellent seal as well as a greater return on your investment.
12) Do not use electronic devices.
Most people’s bedrooms are never completely dark, because a computer or tv is always on.Do not allow the blue light from these devices to disturb you.Turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed. This will allow your brain to produce the correct amount of melatonin.Even if the room is dark, an electronic device’s glow will still illuminate it. This can cause disruptions.Digital clocks, charger power indicators, computers and other electronic devices are all affected.Remove the plug or put it in a place where light cannot escape.
13) Add an area rug.
Shiny floors can easily reflect light, particularly light brown hardwood.Darker rugs will absorb the light and darken your space.A carpet can make a space feel cozier, and it adds to its aesthetics.
14) Get a curtain liner.
Install a curtain lining if your drapes and curtains don’t block light well enough.The lining can be attached to the curtain with hooks or Velcro.If you don’t need them, curtain liners are easily removable.
Make Your Bedroom Darker For Better Sleep
15) Turn off all electronic devices that emit light, including digital alarm clocks and phones.
Switch off all electronics that emit light in your bedroom.Included in this are your phone, alarm clock, nightlight, and any other device with a bright display.Unplug or cover devices with a dark cloth if you cannot turn them off.It’s also not a great idea to watch TV or use a computer in bed. The light can make it difficult to fall asleep.
16) If all else fails, invest in an eye-mask.
Consider investing in an optical mask if none of the above options works.An eye mask is a great way to block out light. It may take a little getting used to, but it works.Choose an eye mask with padding on the nose and edges to prevent any gaps.
Final thoughts
Hope you found these tips useful and that they helped to darken your bedroom.A dark room is essential for a good night’s sleep. It makes sense to make your bedroom a more sleep-friendly place.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions, or if you would like to share some of your tips!
