Most people know that staring at a computer screen or phone for too long can cause eye strain and headaches. But did you know that the type of lightbulb you’re using can also be a factor? Many people are switching to LED lights because they are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, but there is some evidence that LED lights can cause headaches in some people. Let’s take a closer look at the evidence and see if there’s anything to worry about.
What the Research Says
A small study from 2016 found that LED lights could trigger migraines in people who are sensitive to light. The study participants were exposed to different types of light, including LED, for two hours. They found that the LED light caused more migraines than any of the other types of light tested.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this was a very small study with only 31 participants. More research needs to be done to confirm these findings. Additionally, it’s not clear exactly how LED lights might trigger migraines. It could be that the blue light emitted by LEDs affects the circadian rhythms in our brains and causes headaches, but this is only speculation at this point.
Are You at Risk?
If you experience migraines or headache symptoms after exposure to LED lights, you may be suffering from a condition called photophobia. Photophobia is a sensitivity to light that can cause migraines, tension headaches, or cluster headaches. If you think you may have photophobia, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Otherwise, there’s no need to worry about switching to LEDs if you’re not experiencing any issues.
Why Do LED Lights Cause Migraines?
These days, LED lights can be found practically anywhere. It’s everywhere: your house, your workplace, your children’s schools, and even the street. LED lighting is a popular option these days for a number of different reasons, including the fact that it uses very little power, that it is quite durable, and tIts myriad colors.
However, one thing that you might not realize is that exposure to LED lights might result in headaches and migraines. This is due to the fact that LEDs produce high-energy blue light that has a short wave length. It is well established that exposure to this kind of light can lead to headaches, migraines, eye strain, and weariness. You might be aware that the fluorescent lamp gives off a potentially dangerous blue light. However, were you aware that LED lights actually give off a significantly greater amount?
Signs And Symptoms Of Light Intolerance
Are you concerned that you might be experiencing the negative impacts of LED lighting? It’s conceivable that you’re suffering from light sensitivity, often known as photophobia. This condition could be affecting you.
Light sensitivity is a condition in which exposure to typical illumination sources causes discomfort or agony due to the stimulation of visual receptors within one’s eyes. This condition is also known as photophobia. Because of this, lights in the workplace, lights in classrooms, and even the blue light emitted by LED bulbs can all be problematic for people who have this illness.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Headaches.
- Migraines.
- a failing of the focus or concentration required.
- Trouble Sleeping.
- Constant Squinting.
- Feelings of pressure or swelling close to the eyes.
If you are noticing these symptoms, it is possible that it is time to take action and make adjustments to the lighting in your home.
What LED Light Color Helps With Headaches?
Recent research conducted at Harvard University suggests that green LED lights are the most effective for alleviating headaches and migraines. The hues blue, white, and red are the ones to avoid the most while shopping for LED lights because they have the potential to make these problems both more likely and more severe.
What exactly is this blue light? Your circadian rhythms, often known as your sleep-wake cycle, can be influenced by blue light, which is a component of visible light. If you are sleeping and are exposed to blue light, your brain will receive a message that it is time to wake up and get ready for the day. If this blue spectrum does not begin to decrease as the night progresses, then you run the risk of disrupting or delaying your natural sleep patterns. This will cause you to feel tired throughout the day and will also reduce your level of focus, which will make your work more difficult than it would normally be. When it is at all practicable, blue LEDs should be avoided in favor of green LEDs.
LEDs bad for eyes?
As was said before, LED lights give off a blue light that, if not properly protected, can cause damage to a person’s eyes. LEDs give off a high-intensity blue light that, in the long run, can lead to eye strain, migraines, and even difficulties with one’s ability to see clearly. According to the French environmental authorities, the blue light emitted by LEDs is progressively causing havoc with our retinas as well as our natural biological sleep schedule. When utilizing LED lights, it is important to take frequent pauses and avoid staring at them for extended periods of time because even a brief exposure to high-intensity blue light can cause damage to our eyes. Because of this risk, it is important to avoid gazing directly at the lights. In addition to this, it is essential that you ensure that the area in which you are working has adequate illumination.
Learn How To Prevent Headaches Caused By LED Lights Here!
What preventative measures can we take now that we are aware that LED lights may contribute to headaches?
Installing a dimmer is one option here. You will be able to change the amount of light and find a setting that is comfortable for you without giving you a headache.
There is also the option of utilizing LED light covers from Octo Lights. These help limit the amount of blue light that is emitted and generate an even distribution of light.
Increasing the amount of natural light is yet another possibility. If you want more sunshine to enter the room, you could either draw back the drapes or rearrange the furniture.
If none of these choices work for you, you may always try using alternative light sources like candles or salt lamps if nothing else works. These give forth a lighter, less intense light that is perhaps easier on the eyes and the head.
LED lights are becoming increasingly common in both residential and commercial settings. They can even be found in the schools that we attend. We hope that you are now aware of the potential negative effects that LED lights might have on your health, including the possibility of headaches. Be sure to look through our complete inventory of lamp covers in order to discover the one that is going to work best in your current location. Octo Lights will completely revolutionize your lighting!
How Natural Light Filters Prevent LED-Induced Migraines
Natural light filters, such as those offered by NaturaLux and fitted by Make Great Light, offer protection against the adverse effects of LED light from any direction. Because they are designed to sit snugly against your existing lights, they prevent any potentially dangerous rays from passing through. Using natural light filters allows you to save energy while simultaneously protecting your health and your eyesight. This is true regardless of whether you are leading a meeting, reading a bedtime tale to your child, or working at your computer.
Our strong light filters are the quickest and most effective solution to prevent LED-induced migraines, as well as the other detrimental effects of LED lights. These filters also protect against other adverse effects of LED lighting. If you choose fluorescent bulbs rather of incandescent ones, the advantages will be considerably more significant. The following are a few examples of how our filters can help improve your environment.
The Many Advantages of Using Natural Light Filters
- Get rid of those headaches.
- Enhanced Concentration
- Improved Sense of Direction
- Eliminate Glare.
- Absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Give forth light over the entire spectrum.
- Create lighting from natural sources.
How to Protect Your Family and Employees from LED Health Risks
LED lighting is a hugely popular and versatile option for homes and businesses, offering many advantages over traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. However, LED bulbs do have one potential drawback: They can expose users to health risks if not used properly. Luckily, there are several steps that you can take to protect your family and employees from these health risks. For example, you should always make sure that any prospective LEDs have been independently tested by a reputable source that follows strict safety regulations. Additionally, you should keep children and other visitors away from LEDs if they are approached by curious individuals who might be tempted to handle bright or hot LEDs without the proper protection. Overall, by following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that everyone in your home or office stays safe around LED lights.
FAQs
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is some evidence that LED lights may trigger migraines in people who suffer from photophobia, but more research needs to be done on this topic. If you experience headache symptoms after exposure to LED light, talk to your doctor to see if you have photophobia. Otherwise, there’s no need to worry about making the switch to LEDs. Thanks for reading!