SLEEP BEAUTIFULLY

 

Just like the right vitamins and adequate exercise, the right amount of light is proving to be an essential element for optimal health. Not surprisingly, natural sunlight delivers the entire spectrum of light needed to cue your body’s circadian rhythms, which control your sleep/wake cycles. The first rays of dawn, the bright indoor light of your local coffee shop, the direct task lighting at your desk—these are all cues to your eyes and brain that it’s time to wake and work. Conversely, dim light, soft shadows and complete darkness help signal our bodies that it’s time to rest.

 

dim light, soft shadows and complete darkness help signal our bodies that it’s time to rest.

 

Unfortunately, the trappings of modern-day living serve up quite a few disruptions to this perfectly natural rhythm. Smart phones, tablets, TVs, street lights and even artificial indoor light can run on a 24/7 schedule throwing off our body, particularly sleep hormones. (By the way, Thomas Edison, the father of artificial light, claimed he slept no more than four hours a day, and he apparently enforced the same vigilance among his employees.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. Don’t think <yawn> that’s concerning? Think again, Mr. Edison. Sleep deficiency and untreated sleep disorders are associated with a growing number of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers.

So, getting serious about your sleep is seriously healthy. Here are five ways you can maximize your shut-eye time.

The darker, the better.
Dr. James Andry, founder and medical director of the Sleep Therapy & Research Center in San Antonio, Texas, says, “Even low-level lights can shut off melatonin, a hormone that helps us prepare to fall asleep.” Create a dark sanctuary with fully closed window coverings and turn off all sources of artificial light. Speaking of window coverings, installing room-darkening or blackout shades is a smart investment. Whether it’s a blackout liner behind a traditional shade or an integrated solution offering natural light and room darkening, these window coverings make it easy to bring darkness to your bedroom and invite more deep sleep.

Avoid the blues.
A Nobel Prize confirms mounting evidence about blue light. A trio of scientists won the award in October 2017 for discerning the molecular mechanisms controlling our circadian clock—including light’s central role. Too much blue light (yes, from tablets and cell phones) at night can cause your internal clock to slip off beat, setting off a cascade of potential consequence with poor sleep just the tip of the iceberg.

Soak up the sun.
Daylight also regulates daily sleep patterns. Try to get outside in natural sunlight for at least 30 minutes each day. If possible, wake up with the sun or use very bright lights in the morning. Sleep experts recommend that, if you have problems falling asleep, you should get an hour of exposure to morning sunlight and turn down the lights before bedtime.

Stick to the routine.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even if it’s different from your partner’s. (Try earplugs, an eye mask or a vibrating alarm clock.)

Keep it cozy.
Make your bedroom neat and cozy. Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep, such as the TV, bright lights, an uncomfortable bed, or warm temperatures. You sleep better if the temperature in the room is kept on the cool side. If you have insomnia and tend to watch the clock, turn the clock’s face out of view so you don’t worry about the time.

 

Hi it’s Sarah. Sharing the latest technology advancements from Hunter Douglass. Pretty Cool!!!

As always, I’ve got you covered………………

 

Duette Fabric: Elan^® Color: Black Onyx

Hunter Douglas Launches Revolutionary Blackout Technology with Duette^® LightLock™ System

PEARL RIVER, NY (November 7, 2018)—Hunter Douglas, the world’s leading manufacturer of custom window treatments, announced today the launch of a revolutionary blackout technology, the Duette^® LightLock™ system, carefully engineered to prevent light leakage at the window and create a blissful, 100% room blackout effect for consumers.

Duette Honeycomb Shades with LightLock use unique U-shaped side channels that overlap the front and back of the shades. The secret to the total room darkening lies within the patent-pending side channel design, which features rows of specially shaped micro-ridges, optimized to absorb or deflect all incoming light while preventing the light from seeping into the room.

The LightLock channels are available in three sleek finishes—Aspen White, Gardenia White and Bronze—which allow them to perfectly blend into the window frame, coordinating with any design aesthetic. The LightLock system is available in all ¾” Duette fabrics with a wide selection of fabric colors. The system is compatible with Hunter Douglas PowerView^®Motorization for easy control of shades via the PowerView App or with voice-activation through Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.

Duette with LightLock provides homeowners with 100% total darkness for improved sleep, the perfect movie-watching environment, as well as insulation at the window to control heat and save on energy bills.

For more information. don’t hesitate to give me a call at 508-255-6221

The One Behind the Shades

Sarah

         Sarah Blackwell Window Treatments Offers:

                                – Blinds                      – Shades

                                – Cornices                  – Shutters

                                – Draperies                – Swags

                                – Jabots                      – Valances

Why Pay 20% More?  

I am able to bring the show room directly to you without additional in-home design fees, installation charges or inflated shipping and handling charges often tacked on by on-line dealers. These hidden costs can add up to 20% or more than shopping locally.

 About me

_____________

I am a Hunter Douglas Master Installer with more than 30 years experience in the custom window treatment industry. My customer service, exact fittings and attention to detail have established my reputation on Cape Cod.

I am a member of the Nauset Rotary Club, a 30-year member of the Eastham Chamber of Commerce, a long term Nauset School Board member and product/service donator to Habitat for Humanity. 

The One Behind The Shades,

Sarah

 

 

                              Broken and Damaged Blinds

 

 

Having enjoyed all the Summer fun here on Cape Cod, before you know it, we will be closing our homes for the Winter. Whether your home is rented during the season or you live here for the season, there are a few quick items to check that will make your Spring time house opening go smoothly.

 

After a long Summer of renters, visitors, family and friends your home may have experienced some wear and tear. A quick and easy item to add to your checklist are your window treatments. So many of us close our homes only to discover broken or worn window treatments when we open in the Spring causing an emergency call to a professional, only to remember, it’s the busy season and getting an appointment to repair/replace your shades, blinds and curtains is difficult. This causes stress because oh yea, renters, visitors, family and friends are arriving this weekend!!!! Help!!

 

Reduce this stress by taking a few minutes to check all your window treatments. If in fact you are in need of repair or replacements, you can schedule an appointment well before you return to all the Summer fun!!

 

Thank you for your support over these past 30 plus years! Enjoy this wonderful end to the Summer and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

 

Certified and Trained Professional Installer

 

The one behind the Shades,

 

Sarah

                5 Tips for Window Treatment Care

 

Window treatments can highlight the beauty home or have the opposite effect. Today I will provide 5 tips for caring for your shades and drapes.

 

Tip 1

Proper Installation

• Follow ALL the instructions (no extra parts)
• Proper fit; choose the right product for your specific window
• Consult with a certified and trained window treatment professional

 

Tip 2

Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t allow other service people to remove blinds (painters, cleaners, carpenters, etc.,)
• Don’t buy via the Internet. No service, no returns, no warranties.
• Do purchase from a local certified and trained professional

 

Tip 3

Cleaning

• According to Steve Lam, owner of The Furies Cleaning Service thefuriesonline.com “the single biggest aspect of cleaning window treatments is to be careful”. He also states, “Don’t pull on the cords or apply too much pressure on the treatments for fear they will be pulled off the wall. As well, make sure the cleaning materials won’t damage your treatments”
• Consult with a local cleaning professional

 

Tip 4

Repair and Warranties

• Internet service will not repair your treatment
• Read the fine print on all products
• Understand who will do the work. Manufacturer? Installation professional? Contractor?

 

 

 

Tip 5

Replacement

• If your selling your house, new window treatments can take your homes appearance to the next level
• When buying a new home, factor window treatments into the overall cost.
• Keep your home up to date by replacing window treatments every five years