Sleep in darkness. Seems like a natural preference, an inevitability, a no-brainer, right? Except… I wasn’t sleeping in darkness. Far from it, actually. My problem was simple and probably common: there’s a streetlight right outside my bedroom window, and even with the blinds closed it leaves buttery stripes of artificial light across my bedspread and sleeping face.
Aside from a speck of irritation when I bunked down every night, I didn’t give it much thought. I’d heard Robb Wolf strenuously advocate sleeping in darkness on his podcasts, but viewed the recommendation like I still perceive taking vitamin D or fish oil (for better or worse): too much effort, too much of a commitment for what would probably be negligible benefit.
Then I got the solution to a problem I didn’t believe I had: a sleep mask. Suddenly, that vague restlessness and the effort it took to fall asleep disappeared, and insufficient sleep seemed taxing but not insurmountable. It became evident that sleeping in darkness could help maximize the benefit of short periods of rest, assist me in falling asleep immediately instead of tossing and turning, and intensify the deep regenerative effects of a long sleep. Now I can’t sleep any other way. Who knew? (Aside from Robb Wolf and the legions who take his advice.)
Does the mask stay in place all night? I’d think if I used one it would come off easily.
Yep, mine’s always a little askew when I wake up in the morning (I sleep face-down almost exclusively, which could be the issue). But I still benefit, however long it stays on.
hey send me an email and we can get this paleo pen pal swap going! brittanie36 (at) gmail
Great to hear from ya! Just sent.
I use a sock.
Another thought now that I have been sleeping outside with the mares on foal watch. Sleeping under the stars… or sleeping bathed in moonlight. My experience is that it is far more refreshing and invigorating than sleeping indoors. I sure love my bed and comforter and it is a lot of trouble to maintain a sleeping situation outdoors as any camper knows. However, it is a delightful break from the normal cocoon.
Another really awesome benefit to sleeping in darkness is that it helps regulate a woman’s cycle. Light affects the hormones and before electricity women would bleed with the new moon and ovulate on the full moon. So, many woman who have irregular cycles really benefit from sleeping in total darkness except for the 4 days approaching ovulation. It sounds like an old wive’s tale, but it really does help. I’ve even tried it myself.
Great blog by the way!
Wow, I had no idea about the regulation effect… there are so many reasons to get plenty of good sleep it’s almost overwhelming! I need a nap.