Sleep Well & Save More with Better Lighting
With clocks set to roll back soon, darker skies and longer nights will be upon us once more. This inevitably means more time under the lights for us all, which can adversely affect our sleep schedules and increase our energy bills.
More exposure to artificial light and less time in the sun significantly impacts our sleep quality and, with energy prices already rising, the last thing we need are runaway electricity bills.
Fortunately, Ozlighting’s range of high-quality lighting can help you solve both problems at once. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of quality lighting and how it can improve your sleep and save you money.
The Science of Sleep and Lighting
Our bodies are naturally attuned to respond to light and darkness. This is due to our circadian rhythm, which is our body's natural 24-hour cycle. The circadian rhythm regulates a variety of physiological functions, including sleep, hunger, and mood. Light exposure is one of the primary cues that regulate circadian rhythms, with exposure to bright light in the morning helping to reset our internal clock and promote alertness during the day.
However, exposure to light at night can have the opposite effect, disrupting our sleep patterns and leading to a host of negative health effects. This is because light exposure at night suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. As a result, exposure to bright, artificial light before bed can make it more difficult to fall asleep and lead to poorer sleep quality.
How Quality Lighting Can Improve Your Sleep
Fortunately, the quality of lighting in your home can help to mitigate these negative effects.
According to the study Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood published in the journal Somnologie (National Library of Medicine, USA), light is increasingly recognized as a modifiable environmental factor that can be used to improve sleep and circadian health in clinical and non-clinical settings.
One of the most important factors to consider is the colour temperature of your light bulbs. Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), with lower values indicating warm, yellow light and higher values indicating cool, blue light. Generally, warmer light (between 2700K-3000K) is recommended for evening use, as it promotes relaxation and helps to signal to your body that it's time for sleep.
Consider warmer colour temperature globes such as the Domus LF-A60, Domus LF-C35 and the Domus KEY GU10 for your table and floor lamps, pendants and downlights. For our entire globe selection, please click here.
Another important factor to consider is the intensity of your lighting. Bright, harsh light can be overstimulating and lead to difficulty falling asleep, while dim lighting can make it difficult to see and perform tasks. Ideally, your lighting should be bright enough to see by, but not so bright that it's uncomfortable or distracting. Additionally, incorporating dimmable lights that allow you to adjust the brightness of your lighting can be a useful tool for promoting relaxation before bed.
Finally, the type of lighting fixtures you use can also have an impact on your sleep quality. Traditional incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lighting can produce a significant amount of blue light, which can suppress melatonin production and disrupt your sleep. LED lighting, on the other hand, is available in a variety of colour temperatures and can be customized to suit your needs. Additionally, LED lighting is more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional bulbs, making it a cost-effective choice for your home.
Here’s our list of dimmable downlights that might do the trick.
The Cost Savings of Quality Lighting
In addition to the health benefits of quality lighting, upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs can also save you money in the long run. While LED bulbs may be more expensive upfront, they use significantly less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs. This means that you'll save money on your energy bills and won't need to replace your bulbs as often.
Furthermore, many LED bulbs are now compatible with smart home technology, which can help you to optimize your lighting use even further. For example, you can program your lights to turn off automatically when you leave a room, or adjust the brightness based on the time of day. These features not only save you money on your energy bills, but also make your home more convenient and comfortable.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, quality lighting is an essential factor in promoting good sleep hygiene, keeping those energy bills low and maintaining your overall health and well-being.
Explore Ozlighting’s entire range of lighting, fans and heaters here.