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According to the National Sleep Foundation, the importance of sleep goes way beyond combatting your groggy early morning commute. As humans, we rely on good sleep to help us maintain happy and healthy lifestyles. While we do our best to get to bed on time, many of us struggle to fall or stay asleep.
A little less time spent resting may not seem like a big deal, but sleep scientists and experts report that the amount we sleep has a huge impact on everything from our mood and concentration to the strength of our immune systems. Lack of sleep can even cause weight gain. But our personal health is not the only thing at stake.
A recent study found that drowsy drivers account for more than 6,400 annual deaths on U.S. roads while another found that sleepy employees are 70% more likely to be involved in a workplace accident.* However, the good news is that the majority of us will experience much lesser symptoms.
Many of us will find it hard to concentrate. Decision making goes from challenging to feeling nearly impossible. Aside from feeling drowsy, not getting a full night of sleep can even make you irritable or grouchy. But not to worry, with just a few simple steps you can counteract the damage done by a lack of quality sleep.
To fully understand our sleep cycle, first we need to understand the link between our sleep habits and something called our circadian rhythm, which acts like a biological clock within our bodies. Several outside factors can impact the way your body keeps time.
For example, when and how much you eat can change the production of hormones and proteins inside your body. This process is better known as digestion. The simple action of digesting food can interrupt your circadian rhythm, which may make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Experts recommend that you finish eating about two hours before you plan on heading to bed.
One of the best ways to regulate your circadian rhythm is with the use of light–specifically sunlight. The National Sleep Foundation recommends exposure to natural light for one hour after you wake up, which can help you feel more alert and refreshed in the morning. The opposite is true for bedtime. To promote healthy relaxation, stay away from natural light for two hours before you go to bed.
High quality window treatments such as Graber Blackout Cellular Shades are perfect for blocking out natural light. They can also help insulate your sleeping environment by preventing temperature changes and by blocking out excess noise. Graber Blackout Naturals are designed to fit your style, while still providing the same benefits to your sleep cycle. Graber Roller Shades feature clean lines, modern style, and a large variety of colors to match any space.
If you’re looking to take advantage of natural light but can’t seem to get yourself out of bed in the morning, Graber’s motorized lift options were made to make your mornings much easier. At the touch of a button, you can decide how much natural light enters your space–an ideal way to help balance your circadian rhythm from the comfort of your bed. Motorized controls also allow you to create and manage a schedule that automatically adjusts your shades throughout the day.
Looking for even more light control at night?
Graber Drapes can be layered on top of other window treatments – adding the ultimate light control and a touch of flair with the wide range of colors and fabrics.
If you’re ready to start getting better sleep, Graber dealers can help you create the perfect light control for your sleeping environment. Get started by ordering product swatches or contacting a local dealer for more details!
*All research provided by the National Sleep Foundation.
