
"If your blinds and curtains are open in the morning as you wake, this can have a positive impact on sleep. A study last year found that getting sunlight before 10am improved sleep quality. Light at night can stop you releasing melatonin, which tells your body it's bedtime. But we need sunlight in the daytime, especially in the morning. It helps our bodies set their biological clocks."
"It's often attributed to the Dutch adoption of Calvinism during the Reformation—the righteous have nothing to hide. When a Dutch YouTube channel asked local people why they kept the curtains open, lots said exactly that: I have nothing to hide. Any other reasons? Yes: I'm not big on privacy; We've grown up with it; I enjoy watching people; Staying connected with the world."
The Dutch method is a sleep strategy rooted in keeping curtains open, particularly in the morning. Exposure to sunlight before 10am helps regulate the body's biological clock and improves sleep quality by supporting proper melatonin production. This practice, possibly dating back 500 years to the Dutch Reformation, reflects both a sleep optimization technique and a cultural philosophy. The Dutch reputation for open curtains stems from Calvinist values emphasizing transparency and having nothing to hide. Beyond sleep benefits, open curtains promote connection with the outside world and community awareness. While ideal implementation involves programmable electric blinds or butler assistance, the core principle remains simple: morning sunlight exposure enhances sleep quality.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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