61–70 of 113 posts
I can't tell you whether this makes me more or less likely to be depressed (I think it pales in comparison to other things in my life), however I do always keep a low light on -- without this, it would be very difficult to find my bearings when I wake up.
Also, it is extremely difficult to wake up when it's completely pitch-black.
In prehistoric times, before shelter was common, would a half or full moon cause the same effect? I just wonder about how actually natural a pitch black sleep is.
"Pitch black" is another thing entirely, but the moon is much dimmer than the light levels this study reports as causing depression (5 lux). And it's pretty dim (equivalent to stray light from a streetlamp).
>The intensity of moonlight varies greatly depending on its phase, but even the full Moon typically provides only about 0.05–0.1 lux illumination
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Skimming the original study, it talks about subjects opening and closing their eyes, so I would very much assume that it's entirely related to seeing light (and not about absorbing light through the face or body). If you get a sleep mask, be sure to look for one designed to not put pressure on your eyes, which are not hard to find if you seek it out. The cheap ones you get at pharmacies and dollar stores put direct p…
Any brands you'd suggest?
I started using these when I was a traveling consultant, and now use it only for travel, when taking an afternoon nap, or sleeping in (usually due to illness).
It's very comfortable. The nose bridge is padded. There are two straps, from the top and bottom of the sides, so you don't have a strap routing over the ear. I find it lets in the least amount of light of the masks I've tried precisely because of the comfort features. I don't have to try to arrange the mask in some contorted way to get comfort, so it can sit as intended and block light.
Sort of OT, but this reminds me of a question I've not been able to find an answer for on blue light and sleep. (OT because the article says nothing about blue light). One way light affects sleep is via the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These are a third kind of photoreceptor in our retinas, distinct from the more well known rods and cones. These are most sensitive to blue light. They…
I added a real blackout curtain to my room and really noticed a difference in the quality of my sleep and my general mood. It was designed to really black out all light... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZJ88DY/
Earlier quoted context omitted.
We got "blackout curtains". Relatively easy to install and is 95% darker than blinds.
European shutters are pretty nice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KePLmie7lE
The title of the video is wrong, by the way. It is not Rouladen, which would be a dish of filled rolled meat, but Rollladen. Rollladen is literally rolling shutter and it is really written with three l in a row.
I added a real blackout curtain to my room and really noticed a difference in the quality of my sleep and my general mood. It was designed to really black out all light... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZJ88DY/
Ikea also has a great assortment of easy to install blackout shades, http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70349252/
One thing I miss from Italy are real shutters: https://blog.therealitaly.com/2007/08/09/window-technology/
They are fairly common throughout most of Central Europe. I stayed in apartment a few years ago that had electric shutters; it felt like I was living on a space ship.
[1] https://stuffdutchpeoplelike.com/2010/11/24/no-8-not-owning-...
I added a real blackout curtain to my room and really noticed a difference in the quality of my sleep and my general mood. It was designed to really black out all light... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZJ88DY/
I can attest to these blackout covers making daytime sleep not hell. I don't even need zolpidem to fall asleep anymore.