How to Make your Room Dark?
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A dark room, soothing music, and a rainy day are perfect accompaniments for a sound sleep. Humans tend to sleep better in a dark room because our circadian rhythm responds to exposure to light. As a result, our body sleeps peacefully in darkness, as melatonin (the sleep-inducing hormone) production is fuelled by darkness. But, light exposure hinders melatonin production causing sleep disturbances. Wondering how to make your room dark especially if you are a night-shift worker sleeping during the day? Let us find that out.
Black Out Your Windows
Light coming from the sun, moon, or even numerous street lights pointing at your window will lead to sleep disruption. Blacking out your windows can be a valuable way to make your room pitch dark, helping you sleep.
1. Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are tightly woven, double-lined fabric (mainly polyester or a mix of cotton and polyester) specially curated for blocking lights completely. This is why, you might also find blackout curtains in nurseries and home theatres. Just ensure to keep your windows properly closed, precluding any possible gaps.
2. Magic Blackout Blind
Need an easy way to block light in the bedroom? Opt for magic blackout blinds. These sheets can be trimmed according to the size of your window. The best part is that these are reusable products with good durability.
3. Blackout Window Film
Blackout window films resemble opaque window films that are attached to the window glasses with the help of an adhesive. This product can also be trimmed based on the size of your window.
Shades
The structure and composition of shades are different from curtains or drapes. Shades are fabrics wrapped around a horizontal rod. These are pulled down to the bottom of a window sill to prevent light exposure. For absolute darkness, opt for solid shades rather than slatted blinds for complete darkness to avoid gaps. Below are three types of shades to make your bedroom go pitch black.
1. Cellular Shade
Cellular shades will be able to make your room go pitch dark with their single and double layers.
2. Roller Shades
Roller shades are more elegant in design since they are made of better quality, resisting wear and tear.
3. Roman Shades
These soft fabric window shades fall flat against the window and roll up neatly. These are valuable and practical options.
Blackout EZ
A blackout EZ window treatment includes attaching the blackout fabric with the help of Velcro over the edges of your window. It is easy, practical, and doesn’t let you spend unnecessary money.
Curtain Liner
Some might find it troublesome to install an extra rod for fixing a blackout curtain or have drapes hanging. If this is the case, the blackout panel can be fixed with hooks or Velcro behind the drapes. These are detachable options and practical for people who travel frequently. Get a thick curtain liner powerful enough to block out different light sources and offer you a pitch dark room.
Unplug Electronics
When your room is completely dark, you will notice how a speck of light from the charging point, TV, laptop, or power indicators hinders the darkness. Therefore, keep all the electronics switched off before you sleep.
Switch Out Digital Clocks
The lights coming from digital clocks might interfere with your sleep. Therefore, replace it with a regular clock offering traditional alarm sound, cover your digital clock, or just place it in another room.
Secure the Door
Place a thick towel or blanket covering the gap to prevent light from coming from your door gap. Or else, investing in a door draft stopper might also be a worthwhile decision.
Wear an Eye Mask
One very effortless way to make your room pitch dark is by wearing an eye mask. Just ensure that you opt for thick padding around the edges of your nose to prevent excess light from intruding.
Paint the Walls a Darker Color
The last way is to paint your walls dark-coloured, in case they are white or light-coloured. A dark-coloured room will prevent the reflection of lights, and keep it dim. Darker colour lights like charcoal grey, earthy brown, are some of the shades that absorb brightness.
Conclusion
Most of us look forward to sleeping comfortably after a hard day at work. But if that is hampered by light exposure, it ought to make you grumpy. The aforementioned approaches might help make your room dark as you enjoy continuous sound sleeps.
FAQs
How can I darken a room cheaply?
Blackout blinds, wearing an eye mask, and shades are all inexpensive methods of darkening your room.
Does window Tinting darken a room?
Reflective window film is an effective way of room darkening while reducing energy costs. In addition, these films reduce the glass reflectivity and create more natural nighttime views.
How can I make my room darker without curtains?
Turning off extra lights, blackout films, putting on an eye mask, and painting the walls dark are ways to make the room darker.
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