Why is it dangerous to sleep without curtains: expert opinion

People increasingly began to refuse to use curtains on windows, just as they once refused to iron towels and bed linen, believing that this was completely impractical and inappropriate. And if the windows on the first floors are still covered with curtains, then the last floors, as a rule, are already accustomed to living without curtains, and they no longer install curtain rods. Although in the first case, curtains are hung only to prevent strangers from looking into the windows and discussing the lives of the people living there. That is, the curtains are already a protection from onlookers who are so interested in other people’s lives.

According to many owners of apartments and houses, the view from the window is the best addition to the interior, and it’s high time to consign textile dust collectors to the past. However, there is some truth in this - if you are not used to washing curtains more often, then dust very quickly accumulates on them, which you then have to breathe.

But there is a completely different opinion - sleeping without curtains is even dangerous for your health, and here’s why.

Unhealthy and shallow sleep

In complete darkness, a person produces melatonin, and it, in turn, is responsible for many processes in the body, preventing aging and cell mutation.

Another reason why you should hang thick curtains on the windows is that for proper rest you need a complete absence of light, since the human brain has a special section responsible for biorhythms - the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Cells react to darkness, light, give signals when you need to sleep and, in fact, wake up.

The production of the necessary hormones is influenced by even minor lighting sources such as gadgets and televisions, not to mention lanterns and neighboring windows, as well as moonlight.

In addition, it is in the dark that other important hormones are produced:

• somatotropin - growth hormone - is responsible for tissue regeneration, accelerates wound healing, forms bone tissue, improves physical condition, slows down the aging process;
• testosterone - a sex hormone - the normal functioning of the reproductive system of men and women;
• cortisol - a stress hormone - regulates blood glucose levels, supports the nervous system, activates brain activity, controls blood pressure, protects against infections.

Unfortunately, disruption of hormone production not only leads to poor sleep, but also to more dangerous consequences. A 10-year study showed that sleeping in light increases the risk of cancer.

Moreover, it is worth adding that not only the light pouring from the window, but also any indicators that work in the room can affect health: light bulbs from gadgets, TV, a lantern in the window, light from neighbors and even moonlight.

What to do?

To briefly summarize all of the above, the result is:

• curtains should still be hung, and the thicker they are, the better;
• curtain the windows every time before going to bed;
• At night, turn off all gadgets and any night lights - they only interfere with healthy sleep.

According to psychologist Eldar Osipov, healthy sleep plays a key role in restoring many of the body’s resources: this applies to metabolism, the muscular system, and brain functions.

Thus, curtained windows only help us to be healthy and happy.If you have long abandoned window decor, then it’s time to think about putting the curtains back in place and not following fashion trends by leaving the windows completely open. Yes, it's stylish, but, as it turns out, it's not entirely useful.

Well, don’t forget that curtains also play the role of a decorative element in the room - they add coziness, make the room warmer, and sometimes they become accent curtains when bright and/or unusual curtains are used that add a special zest to the interior.