Why Darkness Helps You Sleep and Your Brain Learn Better
Backed by science
A fascinating study featured on Dr. Michael Mosley's Secrets of the Superaged reveals a simple shift with powerful effects: sleeping in complete darkness significantly boosts memory, alertness, and overall brain performance.
What the Study Found Researchers at Cardiff University ran two experiments with 120+ healthy adults (ages 18–35):
Experiment 1:
- Participants slept one week wearing a light-blocking eye mask, and another week with a mask that let light through.
- On days 6–7 of each week, they took cognitive tests.
- Result: with the blackout mask, they performed better on memory tasks and had quicker reaction times.
Experiment 2:
- A smaller group repeated the tests while researchers used EEG to track their sleep stages.
- Again, those in complete darkness did better on memory tests.
- These improvements were linked to more time spent in slow-wave (deep) sleep.
Why Deep Sleep Matters Slow-wave sleep is like your brain's "save" button. It locks in what you learned that day boosting recall, alertness, and even emotional balance.
Who Benefits Most?
Kids:
- Growing brains thrive on deep sleep.
- Darkness helps with focus, learning, and emotional regulation.
- Blackout blinds make bedtime easier—even during long summer evenings.
Older Adults:
- Sleep tends to get lighter and more broken with age.
- Total darkness helps restore deeper sleep cycles, improving memory and sharpness.
Eye Masks vs. Blackout Blinds While eye masks were used in the study, they’re not for everyone. My wife gave up after two sweaty nights: "It's like strapping a mini radiator to my face."
That’s why blackout blinds are such a smart alternative:
- Keep rooms cool and dark all night
- No slipping, no discomfort
- Block early sunlight effortlessly
- Create a consistent sleep environment every night
Benefits at a Glance
Benefit |
Kids |
Adults |
Older Adults |
Better memory & learning |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Sharper focus & alertness |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Improved mood regulation |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Cooler, more comfy sleep |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Try It for a Week Replace the eye mask with blackout blinds for just 7 nights and watch what happens:
- Kids fall asleep faster
- Adults wake up sharper
- Older family members may feel more alert, balanced, and confident
No face gear, no fuss, just better sleep and brighter minds.
FAQs Do blackout blinds have to be black? Nope! Blackout fabric works regardless of colour, choose one that fits your decor.
Are blackout blinds child safe? Most are cordless, which means no chains or loops. Just peace of mind.
What's the difference between blackout fabric and true blackout blinds? Blackout fabric blocks light through the material, but many standard blinds let light seep through gaps at the sides. True blackout blinds fit inside a frame that blocks those gaps too.
In Summary Blocking out light during sleep boosts deep sleep, which helps memory, focus, and mood.
Blackout blinds offer a simple, comfortable way to create that darkness—without the hassle of an eye mask. Give them a week. Your brain (and your family) will thank you.
