Managing Natural Light While Creating Healthier Routines

The human body’s circadian rhythm is a natural, internal time clock that primarily controls the sleep-wake cycle. Deeply rooted in our evolution, it is set to the rise and fall of the sun, prompting the production of hormones that energize and enhance our moods with the first light and others that relax and put us to sleep as night falls.  

This cycle, however, has become unbalanced due to our 24/7, indoor lifestyles. In response, more people than ever are experiencing widespread circadian disruption, leading to sleepless nights and reduced daytime energy. This cyclical imbalance is also associated with anxiety, an increased stress response, diabetes, and weight gain. 

While modern lifestyles have contributed to this disorder, technology is also helping to address it. One of these solutions is motorized shades. 

Here, we’ll explore how automated shading systems contribute to improved sleep hygiene, reduced stress, and increased productivity.

SEE ALSO: Why Homeowners Should Work with an Integrator for Motorized Shades

Greeting the Sun & Relaxing with the Night

Automated shades align natural light exposure with your body’s circadian rhythm. By aligning these window coverings with astronomical timing, the shades rise and lower based on the sunrise and sunset, rather than a fixed time that doesn’t match the changing days and seasons. 

As the sun breaks the horizon, the shades slowly open. When natural light enters your eyes, it signals your brain to produce serotonin, the “happy” hormone that promotes wakefulness. After the sun sets, the shades lower, keeping any artificial light from entering your home. 

When integrated with Ketra’s Natural Light Show, your interior lights also adjust, dimming to a soft amber glow that tells your body it’s time to rest at night. The result is greater energy and productivity during the day and a more restful sleep at night. 

Supporting a Healthier Lifestyle

Motorized shades can also help you maintain or renew your home gym routine. Depending on your preference, you can set the shades to lower during your scheduled workouts to reduce the temperature and exposure to harsh UV rays. Those who prefer sunshine and heat during their workouts, a requirement of hot yoga, can schedule the shades to rise at set times. This automated scheduling helps you stay on track and supports a healthier lifestyle over time.

Just two weeks of regular workouts can improve your circulation and help you feel more energized. After about two months, you’re on your way to a healthy, long-term habit. 

Integrated with Home Automation 

When integrated with a home automation system, you can create scenes that set the ideal workout environment. When you head to your home gym in the morning, you’ll find the shades open, the climate perfect, and an exercise video on the TV. In the evening, pressing “Wind Down” lowers the shades, dims the lights, and turns on the evening yoga and meditation video.

For those seeking complete privacy during workouts, blackout shades can be scheduled to close on front-facing windows. This automated approach to managing natural light in your gym supports a regular routine. It also blocks out intense sunlight, helps maintain an optimal temperature, and automatically adjusts to changes in natural light. 

Motorized shades integrate with sensors that detect when direct sunlight enters a window. In response, they lower to protect your home from harsh and damaging UV rays. This response also protects your gym equipment by automatically adjusting throughout the day to prevent electronic degradation and the fading of flooring over time. 

Are you ready for a healthier, more active lifestyle and elevated energy? To learn more about how motorized shades support healthier routines and balanced circadian rhythms, contact Vineyard Sound Integration.