Being afraid of the dark feels like such a childish fear, but many adults find themselves feeling more nervous or anxious at night, even in their own homes. Whether you live alone, have experienced a break-in in the past, or simply have a tendency to lie awake and listen to every bump in the night, these feelings of nighttime anxiety are much more common than you might think. But what can you do about it? Here are a few upgrades you can make to your home to help yourself sleep a little more peacefully.
Self-Monitored Alarm System
A full-scale alarm system monitored by a third party can be expensive (especially for that ongoing service fee). But developments in smart home technology have made it possible for you to set up and monitor your own alarm system. You can build these systems a few items at a time, adding sensors to doors and windows whenever you have the budget to do so. You can even add motion sensors to your system.
If you hear a strange noise or are feeling generally anxious as you’re trying to go to sleep, you can pull up your alarm system on your phone. These apps allow you to check the current status of each point in your alarm system, as well as the history (e.g., the last time that door was opened or the last time the motion sensor detected movement). This can help you ease your fears and fall asleep, knowing your system is armed and nothing is amiss.
Smart Lights
Another smart home upgrade you might want to consider is smart lights. These can even attach to your alarm system and be programmed to all turn on at once if your alarm is ever triggered. Even if you’re not installing an entire self-monitored alarm system, a few smart lights can go a long way towards giving you peace of mind. Most burglars will turn tail and run if the lights turn on in a home they’re entering. If you hear a strange noise at night, a few taps on your phone can turn all the lights on.
Lighted Outlet Cover
When a child is afraid of the dark, their parents get them a nightlight; but a nightlight doesn’t just have to be for kids. If total darkness in your home makes you uneasy, there’s no reason you can’t add some soft, subtle illumination throughout your home. Night light outlet covers provide this illumination so you can see more easily at night and feel a little more comfortable.
