Block out the light!!!!

[ksc0723]

Hey all you night RN's. Me and the hub are now officially on night shift together (yay) and I need some window advice.

Here is the deal. We have a loft and our bedroom is in the loft. There are two rectangular sized windows (vertically rectangular so longer height wise than width) that are on a slanted A frame type ceiling. The windows are not flush to the ceiling, but like sky lights so very high. (we can't reach the crap blinds that block out nothing without a long pole thing to open and close the blinds).

So, long story short, how do we block out the light? I have been sleeping on the couch for the last few months because it is darker in our living room. I would like to sleep in my bed with my husband now that we are on the same shift but absolutely cannot sleep up there because it is so bright. I've tried eye masks and it is so irritating. What and how can we cover these skylight windows with?

Thanks for the input

[Perpetual Student]

Cardboard & tape?

[ksc0723]

LOL

Not a bad idea. I guess I was thinking something more aesthetically pleasing?!?!

[Perpetual Student]

You could cover it with colored paper or something.

[SnowShoeRN]

I'm not sure if you're saying your windows are on a slant or not. If not, I would seriously just get a ladder (or even rent scaffolding if you need it) and either order or make curtains that specify "black-out (/light-blocking) fabric." You could probably even pay someone to set up the curtains if you want. If the curtains are heavy and thick enough they should block out almost all light.

If the windows are on a slant, I bet you could rig up a system where there is a track on the bottom too. Like curtain rods for both the top and bottom. That way, if they are taut enough and anchored to both the top and the bottom, they should block out a decent amount of light. Does that make any sense?

You can also try eye masks. I have some black-out curtains in my bedroom, but sometimes in the winter I actually like the sun on me as I sleep so I leave my curtains open and just put on the mask.

(I've been working night shift on and off for 5 years now so if it seems like I've put a lot of thought into this, I have! Haha)

Goodluck! :)

[Aurora77]

One of my coworkers said she used the black, heavy duty trash bags to line the inside of the window. Not necessarily the prettiest, but she says it's dark.

The colored paper idea is neat; you could come up with a stained glass type design that would look nice, but with thick paper, would block out the light.

[Emergency RN]

...You can also try eye masks. I have some black-out curtains in my bedroom, but sometimes in the winter I actually like the sun on me as I sleep so I leave my curtains open and just put on the mask. (I've been working night shift on and off for 5 years now so if it seems like I've put a lot of thought into this, I have! Haha) Goodluck! :)

I agree with SnowShoeRN, it's much easier to just block your eyes over having to do major reconstruction to your window treatment.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Is there any way to use the spring loaded curtain rods, and instead of putting them on the top and bottom, put them on the sides? You could also use double-faced tape and fabric that matches your room... wouldn't even have to sew. :)

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Perhaps hang curtains around your bed? Like the mosquito netting, but with dark and/or black out fabric?

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Get some black cardboard and putty (called blu-tac over here). Cut cardboard into the size you need & fit into the window. Stick on with the putty. This worked for me. Eye masks are good to.

[StrwbryblndRN]

Good idea to use rods for top and bottom. Side to side may cause a sag on the fabric. Top to bottom will have the help of gravity to keep it looking taught. I have not done this but sounds like it may happen that way.

Just get simple but sturdy rode in order to hold heavier fabric. You should be able to find black out fabric in white. Assuming your celing is white. Also get rods in white to keep color consistent.

If you or any one you know can sew a straight stitch then it is easy to make a pocket for the rods. By doing this you could slide the curtain open when sunlight is desired.

If heavy fabric is not doable, use any fabric and then line the widow with an opaque material.

[StrwbryblndRN]

If you really want to get fancy. I noticed online there is a remote control black out shade you can install. If that is too much just a regular black out shade could be installed.