Improve Your Sleep with a Red Nightlight
Most people have heard that blue light can negatively affect sleep patterns, so they swap out their harsh overhead lights and smartphone screens for red-tinted alternatives. But is there more to a red light’s benefits than just being easier on the eyes? As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons why a red nightlight could make a worthwhile addition to your bedtime routine.
Red Light Doesn’t Disrupt Circadian Rhythm
Your body’s internal clock relies heavily on light and darkness to determine when it’s time to sleep or wake up. When even a little blue light sneaks into your surroundings, it can send signals to your brain that it’s time to be alert and awake. This is because blue light suppresses the hormone melatonin, which controls our sleep-wake cycle. On the other hand, red light has been shown to have little to no effect on melatonin levels, making it a much safer nighttime lighting option for maintaining healthy sleep habits.
Red Light is Less Distracting Than Other Colors
Sometimes it’s hard to unwind at night with just complete darkness. That’s where a nightlight can come in handy. However, not all light sources are created equal. For example, white or yellow-toned lights can be quite distracting, making it harder to relax and sleep. A red nightlight provides just enough illumination without causing sensory overload, making it much easier to drift off to sleep.
Red Light is Calming and Soothing
The color red is known for its association with warmth, safety, and comfort. This is why many people report feeling more relaxed and at peace in a room with ambient red light. The gentle glow of a red nightlight can help you feel more comfortable and grounded, easing any anxiety or stressors that may be keeping you up at night.
Red Light Helps You Stay Asleep Longer
Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating, especially if you struggle to fall back asleep quickly. However, a red nightlight can help prevent this. Remember how blue light can suppress melatonin levels? That same hormone is also responsible for keeping us asleep once we doze off. By keeping melatonin levels flowing, even in small amounts, red light can help you stay asleep longer and wake up feeling more rested.
Red Light May Help Alleviate Certain Health Issues
There is evidence that red light can have therapeutic benefits in certain health conditions when used in combination with other treatments. For example, red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis. While a small bedside light may not be a substitute for medical treatment, incorporating red light into your sleep environment may have additional health benefits beyond just improving sleep quality.
