Designing a calming environment

Do you hate getting up in the morning? Whether you suffer from insomnia, or just consider yourself to be a night owl, hitting the snooze button day after day is no fun. You might have tried to improve things with a change of diet or routine, but did you know that the type of curtains you have can make a huge difference to the quality of your sleep and the ease of getting up?

Too much light is now recognised as a potential cause of many sleep and health problems, including depression. You might be shocked to discover how much a new set of curtains can affect your wellbeing. Follow these tips, and soon you'll look forward to leaping out of bed and into the day.

Block out all light at night

It's absolutely essential that you sleep in complete darkness, especially if you struggle with getting into a good bedtime routine. This can be a challenge if you live in an area with lots of artificial street light. Luckily, there are a few options for achieving darkness in a well-lit area, and you won't need to compromise on the appearance of your bedroom.

If you've already got curtains you love and aren't willing to take down, then a blackout blind can be installed behind these. Blackout blinds aren't only available in black--you can choose from a variety of colors to match the rest of the room. If you're looking to purchase new curtains altogether, then pick a set that are heavy and dark colored or have a thick lining.

Close the curtains or blind before you actually go to bed, and spend some time on a relaxing activity. Use a gentle, dim light during this time and avoid looking at any electronic devices. Bright screens can trick your brain into thinking it's time to be awake. Once you're ready to drift off, simply switch off the lights and enjoy your perfectly dark bedroom. A good night's sleep will ensure you're full of energy and ready to get up the next day.

Choose thinner curtains for the morning

Light is your body's cue to wake up, so getting as much as possible immediately after waking will make you feel much more energized. Think about which room you normally start your day in - chances are it's the kitchen or bathroom. Choosing thinner curtains or blinds in these rooms will let in plenty of light, without compromising your privacy. Curtains that are easy to open and close are good for rooms where the light can be too direct, as they can be adjusted according to the sun's position.

For street-facing windows, net curtains will let in maximum light without allowing nosy passers-by to see into your house. In the bathroom, adjustable blinds are a great option. These can be rotated to a closed position for complete darkness at night time, and opened up again during the day.