Summer Solstice: The Battle for Sleep

Summer Solstice: The Battle for Sleep

The summer solstice, marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the Earth’s tilt brings us maximum sunlight, resulting in bright mornings and lingering evenings. While these extended daylight hours are perfect for outdoor adventures, they can wreak havoc on your sleep routine.

 

Why Bright Evenings Disrupt Sleep
Our bodies run on a natural clock called the circadian rhythm, which is heavily influenced by light. As the sun sets, darkness signals the brain to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps us wind down and prepare for sleep. But when sunlight streams through your windows late into the evening, your body gets confused—it thinks it’s still time to be alert and awake. This makes it much harder to fall asleep, especially if you’re sensitive to light or already prone to sleep issues.

Even a sliver of light can disrupt your ability to drift off and stay asleep. The Sleep Foundation state that light is the most important factor affecting sleep their studies show that light exposure at night suppresses melatonin, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings. Many people find themselves tossing and turning or waking up far earlier than planned as the sun rises before their alarm.

 

The Science: Why Darkness Matters
Darkness is crucial for quality sleep. In pitch-black conditions, your body produces more melatonin, your core temperature drops, and you’re more likely to experience deep, restorative sleep. In contrast, exposure to light—even through closed eyelids—can fragment your sleep and leave you feeling less refreshed the next day.

 

The Solution: BlocOut Blackout Blinds
To truly conquer summer’s bright nights, you need more than ordinary curtains. Standard blinds often let light leak through, but a proper blackout solution like BlocOut blinds create a near-total dark environment, blocking sunlight and streetlights alike. In fact, 9 out of 10 BlocOut customers report better sleep with their blinds installed—a testament to the effectiveness of a truly dark bedroom.

 

Feel Better, Sleep Better
Sleeping in darkness isn’t just about feeling less tired. It’s linked to better mood, improved mental and physical health, and even a stronger immune system. If you want to wake up feeling genuinely refreshed, investing in a BlocOut blackout blind is one of the best steps you can take for your sleep and well-being.

So, as the solstice marks the start of summer make sure your bedroom stays blissfully dark against those long, golden evenings - your body and mind will thank you for it.

 

Shop summer fabric

BlocOut blackout blind in Canary

BlocOut blackout blind in Playful Bunting Bright

BlocOut blackout blind in Large Palms Light

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