The Impact of Night Light on Children’s Sleep
As parents strive to provide the best environment for their children, understanding the impact of night light has become increasingly important. From helping babies and toddlers settle at night to promoting better sleep at all ages, the impact of night time lighting should not be overlooked. And indeed, many studies have found that night lights can help children sleep better.
Research has also shown that the quality of light matters – not all night time lighting will have a positive effect. For example, certain types of artificial night lighting have been linked to disrupted circadian rhythms and poorer sleep. Therefore, understanding which type of night lights are most beneficial, and which may have unintended consequences is vital for parents concerned with their children’s sleep.
This article explores how night light can impact children’s sleep, including a breakdown of the types of night light available, as well as the other factors which can influence children’s sleep.
Types of Night Light
The type of light used in the bedroom is one of the most significant factors in how night lights affect children. Different sources of artificial light can have different impacts, and understanding how each type of night light can affect a child’s sleep is key.
The most common types of light used at night are LED lighting, halogen lighting, and blue light-emitting technology. LED lighting has been found to have very little impact on sleep, since the light produced is very minimal and diffuse. Halogen lighting has a yellowish hue, which is believed to be better for sleep than the bright white light of most LEDs. Blue LED screens and monitors have been linked to disrupted sleeping patterns, as they can interfere with the body’s natural production of melatonin.
Influence of Night Light on Sleep Patterns
The light in the bedroom can adjust more than just the levels of melatonin in our body. It can also affect our body clock, or circadian rhythm. Research has found that the release of the hormone melatonin can be influenced via night time lighting, and this hormone has an impact on the quality and amount of sleep children get.
Bright light in the evening can have a disruptive effect on the body’s natural circadian rhythms. It prevents the production of melatonin and can lead to lighter and less refreshing sleep. In addition to light, other factors such as temperature and noise can also affect sleep. Therefore, it’s important to consider all the elements in children’s bedrooms before making any changes.
The use of night time lighting, when done properly, can be beneficial. Dim lighting such as a night light can make children feel more secure at night, allowing them to get to sleep easier. In addition, night lights can help children get back to sleep in the middle of the night, reducing the amount of time they are awake.
Considerations When Choosing Night Light
- Choose low-level warm white lightbulbs or LED bulbs
- Try to avoid blue light-emitting technology
- Use night lights sparingly—not all night long
- Keep other elements of the bedroom conducive to sleep, such as temperature, noise and darkness
Conclusion
Night lighting can have a significant impact on children’s sleep. Different types of light, as well as other factors, can influence a child’s sleep patterns. While night lighting can be beneficial, parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential effects of different kinds of light before using a night light. By taking these considerations into account, parents can help create a better sleeping environment for their children.