Are the Wrong Light Bulbs Ruining Your Sleep

Wellness Tip: Are you still tired after a full night’s sleep? Do you suffer from fatigue or excessive daytime drowsiness no matter how early you go to bed? The problem may be in your lights, not your rest. Bright lights suppress the production of melatonin, a critical hormone for sleep, and they also reset your suprachiasmatic nucleus (CLN). This means that flashing phones or blinking laptops can interrupt your REM sleep without even waking you up.

You should also beware of blue lights, the kind found in energy-efficient or compact fluorescent bulbs: They’ve been shown to increase cognitive function in the brain, the exact opposite of what you want at bedtime.

If you can, use low-wattage incandescent lamps at your bedside for the ideal lighting prior to sleep.