Blue Light and Your Body’s Clock  

Our bodies are wired to follow a circadian rhythm, which is an internal clock that tells you when to wake up and when it’s time to wind down. Light is one of the most important signals for this rhythm. Blue light is found in natural sunlight, but it’s also emitted by most digital screens. During the daytime, it’s helpful. Blue light can boost your mood and increase your attention span. But, problems do arise when exposure continues after sunset. Overhead LEDs, smartphones, TVs, and even landscape lighting that’s too bright can flood your eyes with this blue light well into the evening. Your brain can keep producing daytime hormones like cortisol, which delays the release of melatonin, the chemical that helps you sleep. You will stay wired longer than you should, so toss and turn once your head hits the pillow. You could sit in the dark and ditch all your electronics, but a more practical solution is switching to warmer, dimmer lights at night so you can reduce the amount of blue light in your home. 

Choosing the Right Lighting for Restful Sleep  

If you want to create a sleep-friendly atmosphere, start with the right types of light fixtures and bulbs. Cool, bright lights are perfect for home offices and kitchens, but they don’t belong in your bedroom after dark. What your body craves at night is low-level, warm lights that mimic the setting sun. Use bulbs that are labeled “warm white” or models that have a color temperature of around 2700K for bedside lamps or overhead bedroom lighting. These will emit a softer amber glow that encourages your body to relax. Avoid cool whites or anything above 3000K in your sleeping areas. Outdoor lighting in Milton is another factor that people tend to overlook. Bright security lights or intense landscape lighting near a window can disrupt your sleep cycle just as easily as indoor lights. Choose fixtures with shields to direct light downward and motion sensors to limit exposure during sleep hours. 

The Benefits of Smart Lighting 

Smart lighting systems offer the best way to manage your home’s light exposure without needing to make constant manual adjustments. These advanced systems let you automate brightness levels and color temperatures based on the time of day so your body can stay aligned with its natural sleep-wake cycle. In the morning, you can program lights to gradually brighten with cooler tones that will keep you energized. As evening sets in, your smart lights can shift automatically to warmer tones and lower brightness to prepare you for rest. You’ll have a home that naturally guides you through your day without needing to think about it.

Better Lighting Leads to Better Sleep  

Take control of your indoor and outdoor lighting to improve your energy levels and mood. If you’re considering a smart lighting system installation or need help upgrading your lighting fixtures, call Abulous Lighting. Great lighting should make your home feel beautiful and functional. If you’re struggling with sleep, don’t keep suffering. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.