12 Ways Your Home’s Lighting Is Sabotaging Your Sleep

This post may contain affiliate links.

Sleep affects your mood and productivity the next day, but did you know that the lighting in your home might be hindering your sleep without you knowing it? The best bedtime routine may involve the softest music, hot bath, and warm milk, but the wrong sort of light will keep you awake long after you want to be.

You may not be fully aware of how the lighting in your home influences your ability to sleep, but if you read on, you will find out.

Overhead Lighting That’s Too Bright

Photo Credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

This kind of light is perfect for productivity during the day, but when night comes around, your body will think it is still day time. This light can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep. These lights should be turned off at night or use softer bulbs to inform your mind and body that it is time to rest.

Blue Light from Screens

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Most phones, tablets and even some of the new TVs that you find on the market today emit blue light which interferes with the brain and reduces melatonin production. Staring at a phone screen or a computer screen before going to bed is just as bright as being under direct sunlight. If you cannot resist the screen time before going to bed, try using the blue light filter or buy the blue blocking glasses.

Nightlights in the Bedroom

Photo Credit: liyuhan/ Shutterstock

Even though a soft glow does not appear to be dangerous, it disrupts your circadian rhythm. This means if you require a night light then put it near the door in the hallway or if you really need to use a night light then use a very low wattage bulb and warm glowing night light.

Leaving Bathroom Lights On

15 Bathroom Products That Are a Complete Waste of Money
Image credit: Pexels

The contemporary, white or cool colored lights in most bathroom settings are even more straining on our eyes. For those middle of the night bathroom visits, if you are a bit clumsy, a motion-sensor light which lasts for a short time is recommended.

Using Bright Alarm Clocks

Photo Credit: Pexels

According to Physiopedia, those neon, red, green, or blue alarm clocks that are digital can do a lot of harm to your sleep even though you are unaware of it. Contrast, brightness and colors from the display is able to disrupt your sleep. Perhaps replace it with an alarm clock that has low light or no light at all in the morning.

Failure to Adapt the Lighting to Different Times of the Day

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In fact, if you just maintain the similar brightness level during the day, it will actually interrupt the natural cycle of your body. Before turning-off the lights bring the brightness of the room to as low as possible so as to give your body a clue that it is time for you to sleep.

Using Cool-Toned LED Bulbs

Photo Credit: Casezy Idea/Shutterstock

LED bulbs with cool tones are great for office work or task lighting, but they are way too awakening when you want to get cozy. According to The Decorologist, This type of lighting mimics the sunshine, which informs the body’s circadian clock it’s time to be awake. warm bulbs are recommended for relaxation zones such as bedrooms and living room.

Failure to Switch off Hallway Light at Night

Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/ Pexels

If your bedroom door is open or doesn’t close tightly, hallway lights left on can provide unwanted light that disrupts sleep. For example, if using the hallway light at night is necessary to provide some brightness simply install a small watt bulb or a motion sensor that automatically turns on the light as soon as you approach the hallway.

Having Bright Kitchen Lights Before Bed

13 Best Budget-Friendly Renovations for a Kitchen
Photo Credit:Curtis Adams/Pexels

Having lights on in the kitchen just before going to bed is shocking to the system which is not very helpful when trying to wind down. Use a low wattage bulb if you have to have a light under the counter or in the other room.

Dependence on Fluorescent Lighting

Photo Credit: Zain Ali/ Pexels

They are used in basements, garages, and some kitchens, but it’s one of the worst lighting for relaxation. Fluorescent lighting is constantly flickering which, along with their brightness, can evoke the brain.

Streetlight Glow Through the Window

Photo Credit: Muffin Creatives/ Pexels

Artificial lights from street lights or other houses surrounding your will find their way into your bedroom and affect your sleep. This type of light, however dim, can interfere with your brain’s perception of the fact that it is still technically night time. You might have blackout curtains or blinds able to eliminate external light and make your bedroom extremely dark.

Dimmer Switches at Night

Photo Credit: GBJSTOCK/Shutterstock

As much as dimmer switches sound like a godsend, having even a low light on during the night is disruptive. At night, it is suggested that complete blackout is the most effective way to stimulate the production of melatonin.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

Image Credit: Shutterstock

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad

Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas

Similar Posts