As you know, color affects the human body, in particular, sleep. Some shades make a person more alert. Other tones help you fall asleep faster. There are different LED lamps on the market, and the question arises, which is the best LED light color for sleep?
The effect of light for sleep
When it comes to the best LED color light for sleep, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Sunset-inspired shades help calm you down and are perfect for getting ready for bed. The brain receives a signal that it is time to calm down and go to sleep.
Scientists are constantly trying to determine how the human body reacts to certain shades. The human body has a natural cycle that is divided into wakefulness, alertness, staying alert, resting, and sleeping. Scientists have been able to understand those brain receptors are associated with the human eye and the biological clock.
When the eyes receive color signals, they release or suppress melatonin, which helps the body stay awake or calm. Therefore, depending on what kind of lighting is in the house or at work, the effect on the body will be different.
At night, you can use different shades. However, there is a certain category of colors that will help you better tune in to sleep.
What is the best LED light color for sleep?
It is recommended to use shades that are associated with an imitation of the natural movement of the sun during the day to quickly tune in to sleep. These colors give the human brain a signal to calm down and get ready for sleep.
Red, yellow, and orange tones fall into this category. They are distinguished by a low color temperature because there is practically no blue light or green light in them. The main purpose of blue light or green light is to suppress the production of melanin. This hormone is responsible for preparing for sleep. Therefore, it is more difficult to fall asleep.
White is also considered cold. However, it will not be as effective as other tones. After all, it contains almost all spectral shades, including blue and green light. Therefore, some white tones can cause irritability.
Red light
Scientists most often include red light in their selection of tones designed for better sleep. The red light color scheme helps to improve sleep quality, and speed up the process of falling asleep. If you run a red light LED lamp before going to bed for 1-2 hours, you fall asleep faster.
If the lamp has white light, then you are more vigilant and can not sleep. Red light LEDs are inexpensive and very common. Some options with the red light can be an alternative to the night lights. You can choose a smart LED lamp with a red light that is built into a table lamp.
Orange color light
This shade also helps improve the quality of sleep as a red light. It helps to increase the concentration of melanin, and it is easier for you to fall asleep. An orange tint would be appropriate for people who work in shifts. If you can’t sleep during the day and you have to work the night shift, then you should look for LEDs with orange night lights.
It will not be difficult to find them, because they are presented in a large assortment. Their cost is small, and it is possible to install an orange LED in a table lamp that stands near the bed.
Yellow light or amber light
Amber light bulbs help to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the speed of falling asleep. Amber light has almost no blue tint.
Reasons to ditch blue light
Blue light should be avoided at night. If this is not possible, try to minimize its amount 1-2 hours before bedtime. Therefore, scientists advise abandoning the use of televisions, computers, and telephones before bedtime.
Blue light helps to suppress melatonin production in the body. Staring at blue light for a long time before going to sleep can cause glare in your eyes. They are very tired; however, your body can not rest. Blue lights are appropriate if you need to keep awake.
For the body to fall asleep faster, it is recommended to refrain from harmful blue light exposure to your eyes. White light is also forbidden before going to bed. After all, it has a little blue light, so it is better to consider it during the day, and not at night.
Time to apply shades for a good night’s sleep
It is important to take into account the fact of when exactly to start the light that is optimal for sleep. LED lamps of the desired shade should be started 2-3 hours before bedtime. Therefore, try to analyze where exactly in the evenings you spend most of your time. That’s where the bright lights should be.
Often this is a living room or bedroom. Place the lamps at such a distance from you that they affect the eyes. On average, the lamps should work on you for about 1-2 hours to make it easier for your body to fall asleep.
Place of use of LED sleep light
On the market, there are special yellow lamps or bulbs with a red light that will block harmful blue light. This allows you to illuminate the room well, however, do not encounter blue light, which will interfere with a comfortable and quality sleep.
It is allowed to replace all the lamps in the house with amber light or red light. Amber light and red light create a warm atmosphere that will help you relax. Their color temperature is 1800 K. If you prefer to work at night, lamps with red light and amber color light are appropriate.
Try to put all your devices into night mode. This removes the artificial blue light from the screen. You can complement your usual table lamp with a yellow LED. This creates an atmosphere of relaxation and peace in the room.
You can use red light bulbs, which have a minimum content of blue or green light. Similar options would be appropriate for installation in a bedroom or bathroom. After all, good visibility is important here, because you can read before going to bed. Red color light, regardless of intensity, helps to sleep better and get enough sleep.
What kind of light would be appropriate for sleeping at night?
Some people suffer from not being able to sleep at night. Often this is because the wrong light is used in the room. Try to follow a special diet before bed, as well as monitor the amount of blue or white light in the room.
Color-controlled LED strip
LED strips that allow you to adapt the light color are very popular. This helps to create a favorable atmosphere in the room. During the day, focus on white or blue lights. In the evening, it is better to change it to amber.
Smart bulbs
Today, you can find different options for bulbs that are inserted into table lamps. This helps to keep the intensity of the desired shade under control. Red light bulbs or amber light bulbs are the best options for the bedroom because they help you relax and go to sleep.
Blue lamp with interlock
You can also take advantage of special lamps that help block blue light. They emit yellow or amber light. This is a universal option that is appropriate for all rooms. They can be placed on a cabinet near the bed or the desktop, setting the blue light.
Booklights
Many today like to use small LED bright lights that are powered by batteries. They are fixed to a book, or placed on a bedside table next to the bed.
This is the best solution for people who like to read in bed, but don’t want to disturb their partner.
Modern book lights are yellow, so you don’t have blue light exposure for a long time before going to bed. This helps you sleep.
Sleep lamps
Such options provide a soft light that will soothe. Most of them are distinguished by a yellow LED. This helps you relax before bed and sleep better.
Red night light
It is recommended to put such a design on the wall, not far from the floor. This gives you a soft and soothing light. Red light is known to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
Candles
It is not recommended to use candles at night. They can be dangerous and cause fires. If you decide to use them, do not forget to put them out before going to bed. Such a decision helps to create an atmosphere of peace, as the candles emit a pleasant amber light.
Influence of lighting effects on sleep and mood
You need to understand that not only the light itself but also its direction influences a person. For example, if intense light falls from above, it causes tension, stress, and anxiety. Because of this, sleep is restless.
If a warm light comes from above, you can relax, calm down, and engage in reflection. If a rich cold tone comes from the wall, it is easier for a person to concentrate on work. Concentration will improve and visual clarity will be better.
You can combine warm light in the center, and dark around the perimeter. This helps to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. This helps you get ready for sleep.
Conclusion
As you can see, to improve sleep quality, the room should be dominated by a red light or orange light color. In particular, a few hours before the rest. It is better to refrain from blue, yellow, and white light; otherwise, the body will remain excited.
As you already know by now, aside from light color, placement of light sources is also important. For that, you can check out our article on indirect light placements.
FAQ
When it comes to choosing an LED light, different questions can arise.
What color LED light helps you sleep besides red?
If you do not have the opportunity to set the source of red light bulbs, you can pay attention to yellow, amber light, or pink lamps, which are as close to red light as possible. Alternatively, there will be complete darkness.
What color of LED light is best for sleeping?
Red light is the best way to help you sleep better. It helps to calm down and maintain the circadian rhythm. Therefore, try to switch the LEDs to a red light a few hours before bed to get enough sleep.
Is green a good LED color to sleep with?
Green light helps you sleep. Therefore, you can buy LED lamps with a green light for a bedroom or living room.
Is yellow LED light good for sleep?
Studies have shown that yellow light has a worse effect on the quality of sleep, even compared to blue. However, everything is individual, and choose shades based on the characteristics of your body.
