Did our far ancestors use blackout curtains? How did they deal with the sun waking them up everyday? My guess is that it's the optimal way to wake up actually.

The forgotten medieval habit of 'two sleeps' -- https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220107-the-lost-medieva... and the HN post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29886907

And Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biphasic_and_polyphasic_sleep

Personally, I have a simple electrical timer set to turn on a bright sunlight bulb at 6:30am, and I open the curtains during the day.

You're right on the money about camping and how it affects the body, in my experience. Light obviously isn't the only factor in camping feeling good - but I've also been reading lately that light exposure (and possibly direct sun exposure?) during the day is quite good for you.

Because alcohol induces REM sleep?

https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/amh/if-amh-...

There are other ways to improve your sleep quality as well! Don't use any electronic devices 30 minutes before bed or while in bed. Meditation before bed with deep slow breathing. A nice warm bath or shower. Sleeping on your side if you can.

For me, none of these things helped when I was really struggling with sleep several years ago. It turns out I had severe sleep apnea! If you aren't sleeping well, talk to your doctor and see a sleep specialist. I swear by my CPAP. Both my waking and sleeping life is infinitely better with it treating my severe sleep apnea.

Don't suffer in silence. If you're feeling unwell physically or mentally, talk to a medical professional. So much harm can be minimized and sometimes your ailment can be totally cured!

I spent too many years thinking that was normal, along with daily migraines.

I use them as well.