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You Can't Sleep? Try Blackout Bedroom Curtains
Perhaps you're like me: for years and years I tossed and turned at night, and no matter what I tried to do, I couldn't seem to get a good nights sleep. I tried pills, I tried a new bed, I tried drinking warm milk -- I even tried psychological counseling -- all to no avail. Then a friend suggested, after visiting my bedroom, that perhaps the problem was that too much outdoor light was penetrating into my bedroom.
Perhaps you’re like me: for years and years I tossed and turned at night, and no matter what I tried to do, I couldn’t seem to get a good nights sleep. I tried pills, I tried a new bed, I tried drinking warm milk—I even tried psychological counseling—all to no avail. Then a friend suggested, after visiting my bedroom, that perhaps the problem was that too much outdoor light was penetrating into my bedroom.
First of all what are blackout bedroom curtains—do you know? Really, any curtain could be considered a blackout bedroom curtain if it a effectively blocks incoming light. Actually, blackout bedroom curtains will not only block light from outside of your room, but can also be used to keep light from escaping from your room as well (more on that in a moment).
In choosing blackout bedroom curtains, the main thing is to make sure that they are made from a fabric which is completely opaque—it should either be very heavy or very dark, or both. You can purchase these specially-lined curtains at most drapery stores. A lined curtain is actually double-sided. Typically they have the heavier, light blocking fabric positioned underneath, while a lighter and more cheerful fabric is positioned on the top side, where it is visible. A lined curtain makes an excellent blackout bedroom curtain.
Blackout bedroom curtains are, by definition, much heavier than typical curtains or drapes. For that reason you need to make sure that the mounting hardware is able to support this additional weight. You should inspect your existing mounting hardware, as well as the curtain rods. If they are lightweight, broken or bent, or the mountings have become insecure, then you should install a new set—if you don’t, the sheer weight of the blackout bedroom curtain could pull everything right out of your wall!
Even if you do not have problems with sleeping at night blackout bedroom curtains may still be necessary—for example if you work the night shift at your company, you can install these curtains in your bedroom in order to block out the daylight while you are trying to sleep. By blocking out the daylight you will find that you are less likely to be disturbed and consequently will awaken refreshed and ready for another days work.
Another great use for blackout bedroom curtains is in home theaters. If you have a den or family room where you watch a lot of movies, you can install these light blocking curtains in order to achieve a better viewing experience. Experienced moviegoers will tell you that extraneous ambient light can prove to be a distraction while watching films.
In addition, many home and apartment dwellers will install blackout bedroom curtains in order to ensure their privacy. This is particularly helpful in in cities or towns where neighbors live very near to each other. With blackout bedroom curtains you can ensure that no “prying eyes” will be able to see what transpires in your home. After all, why should nosey neighbors, or smart aleck kids—or just plain strangers passing by—be allowed to violate the sanctity of your home?
So whether you need a little help in tricking your body to go to sleep, or you need to clear up a long-standing sleep disturbance problem, or even if you just like a little more privacy—why don’t you look into the purchase of blackout bedroom curtains? I don’t think you’ll regret it!