Managing Light Intensity to Improve Your Sleep

DATE: 25 January, 2018 // BACK TO ARCHIVE »

For those of us in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the rat race, it’s important to be efficient with our time. That includes ensuring a good night’s rest every single night. We don’t have to be the ones to break the news that getting decent sleep can lead to markedly improved health – research has shown a reduction in the risk of developing chronic diseases, improved cognitive function and memory, as well as weight loss as some of the many benefits.

But unfortunately, most of us are running on a drastic shortage of shut-eye. Up to 35% of people say they get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night, while a staggering 63% claim they never feel well-rested during the week. And we’re often happy to blame insomnia or simply being ‘bad sleepers’ – that’s simply not the case. There is modern medical research abound that proves we’re having a distinct negative influence on our sleeping patterns.

Light and Melatonin Suppression

Right before you’re due to hit the sack, your body releases the chemical known as melatonin. It’s geared towards making you sleepy and making sure you feel adequately tired, ready for your well-deserved slumber. The problem is that your body isn’t getting the right cues – if the light is still shining brightly as you’re getting ready for bed, the melatonin release will hold back thinking it’s daytime.

Dim Those Switches!

Our home lighting systems allow you to start dimming the lights as the evening progresses, ensuring your body starts to naturally produce the necessary melatonin. We recommend turning down the lights a notch or two at around 9 or 10pm; about an hour before you’re due to go to sleep is just right.

The advantage of our systems is that you can control the settings throughout the entire with just a single click. You can also create a customised setting, which caters exactly to your pre-bed routine. This makes it simple for you to ensure your entire house has the lighting just so.

Avoid your Electronic Devices

Perhaps even more damaging to your beauty sleep is the use of electronic devices. The light emitted by your iPad and cell phone is known as ‘blue light’, otherwise known as the short-wavelength variety. Research has shown it has a severe impact on melatonin production – and not in a good way.

If you’re still used to a little bit of entertainment before you switch off the lights, why not try listening to an audio book or podcast instead? Otherwise, should you be adamant that the iPhone must stay on, lower the brightness to its lowest setting and try and wean yourself off over time.

Get to Bed Earlier!

Going to bed a little earlier is also a good way of ensuring your body stays in the right rhythm. Try and stick to the natural light patterns as much as possible – in other words, if the sun comes out at 6am, try and get up!

Investing in your sleep is worth it – you’ll not only notice an instant change in your mood and general feeling of well being, but you’ll also positively influence your long-term health. And with solutions like our Smart Lighting units, it doesn’t have to be the painful process some think it to be.