Across the Netherlands, there’s a habit that might surprise many people in the UK: it’s incredibly rare to see fully closed curtains or blinds.
Even in the winter, many Dutch people leave their window coverings wide open and sometimes even crack them for fresh air despite the cold. While it might seem unusual, experts say this simple habit could actually help improve sleep and well-being.
This Sleep Month, we spoke to a sleep expert and psychologist to find out whether the so-called “Dutch Method” could help us enjoy a better night’s sleep. According to Maryanne Taylor, Sleep Consultant at The Sleep Works, natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our internal body clock.
“Natural light is one of the most powerful ways to regulate our body clock, which influences sleep timing, mood, and daytime energy” says Taylor.
“If your blinds and curtains are open in the morning as you wake, this can have a positive impact on sleep, as morning light exposure strengthens the circadian rhythm and signals to the brain that it’s time to be alert.”
Maximising your light intake can also support the way you wind down at night, Maryanne explains. “In the day you should keep the environment bright and airy where possible to support energy, mood, and focus.
“Sunlight strengthens the body clock and helps us feel alert. It builds a strong sleep drive by evening – which helps us fall, and critically stay, asleep.”
The Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Open Curtains
It’s not just your sleep that will benefit from more natural light.
Rachel Wood, PhD researcher in Design Psychology and member of the British Psychological Society, says adopting the Dutch approach could also help improve well-being and social connection.
“Open curtains let in more daylight, which can boost mood, improve sleep and enhance cognitive function,” she explains.
“They can also help people feel more connected to their neighbourhoods. In the UK, where loneliness is a growing concern, small changes like this could make a difference.”
Simply being able to see the sky, greenery, or activity outside can help reduce stress and improve focus.
“People who have a view outside from their home or workplace tend to feel better and think more clearly,” Rachel adds.
Why We Still Need Blackout Blinds
While letting in daylight has its benefits, many homeowners still rely on blackout blinds, particularly during the lighter months.
Our sales of blackout blinds really rise as the mornings get brighter. Google Trends data also indicates that searches are around 70% higher between May and June than in December.
However, sleep experts say the key isn’t blocking out light entirely – it’s using it at the right time. Learn more about how blackout blinds and blackout curtains improve sleep.
How to Use the “Dutch Method” at Home
Maryanne suggests taking inspiration from Dutch habits while adapting them to suit your routine.
“In the morning, I’d suggest opening your curtains and blinds as soon as possible,” she explains.
“Even stepping outside briefly can help. Morning light resets the body clock, reducing melatonin production and naturally increasing cortisol – often called the body’s ‘get up and go’ hormone.”
But balance is essential, particularly as the seasons change.
“When the clocks go forward, mornings can feel earlier to the body while evenings stay lighter,” Maryanne says. “This can temporarily disrupt sleep.”
To help counter this, she recommends dimming indoor lighting around 60 minutes before bed so the brain recognises that the day is coming to an end and melatonin can begin to rise.
Simple Ways to Get More Daylight
Rachel suggests a few easy ways to maximise the benefits of natural light:
- Open curtains or blinds as soon as you wake up to help regulate your body clock
- Choose lighter window treatments to maximise daylight during the day
- Make adjustments based on comfort and privacy, closing window coverings when needed
“The goal is to increase daylight exposure without compromising your sense of wellbeing,” she says.
A ‘Smart’ Way to Balance Light and Sleep
If you want the benefits of natural daylight without losing sleep, our electric blinds might be the solution.
You can programme them to close in the evening to reduce light before bedtime, and open in the morning so you wake up to natural daylight.
“While we might not leave our windows open all night like many homes in the Netherlands, there’s definitely something we can learn from the way they embrace natural light” Rachel adds.
You can explore our extensive range of made to measure blinds and curtains, including designer collaborations with Liberty, our new Netflix’s Bridgerton portfolio, and Disney Home, alongside our innovative collections such as Click2Go and outdoor blinds. Happy sleeping!
