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A common factor of LEDs that is often forgotten about is the array of health benefits they provide. Many are now aware of their incredible efficiency and money-saving aspects, but what about their ability to ease headaches and help with your sleep? We’re here to delve into their health benefits to give you yet another reason to switch to LED Lighting.

Cut Out Toxic Elements

A standard component of incandescent and halogen bulbs is mercury, which is known to be extremely poisonous. This means that these bulbs must be disposed of safely and carefully to reduce damage to those handling it, and also to the environment. If these bulbs break or are damaged, toxic levels of the neurotoxin can affect those involved and are particularly harmful to children and foetuses.

LEDs, on the other hand, are manufactured using zero harmful elements, and even have a sturdier build. This means that damages are less likely to occur, and make for the most responsible lighting choice, especially for your little one’s bedroom.

Improve Your Sleep

Arguably the best benefit of LEDs is their ability to aid the natural body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This is due to their CRI, which is their capability of closely replicating natural light, and LEDs mark highly in this department. If you use them strategically around the home, you will be able to improve and consolidate your (day/night, sleep/wake) cycle.

The easiest way to explain is to look at the main colour temperatures being cool white (6000K) and warm white (3000K). You would normally see cooler white light in office areas, and even the kitchen and/or bathroom. This is because the cleaner and icier tone stimulates receptors in your eyes called the ipRGCs. These are responsible for sending signals to the body telling you it is daytime, in turn, this increases your alertness and will boost concentration and productivity levels.

Warmer white, on the other hand, emits a reddish hue, overall giving the appearance of a warm glow. This colour temperature in LEDs has been spectrally optimised to avoid stimulating the same receptors, signalling to your body that it is dark. For this reason, we recommend installing these into the living area and bedrooms to help aid in sleep.

Reduce The Flicker

A common problem lighting can cause and even worsen, are headaches and migraines. This is due to the flickering of incandescent bulbs which is hard for the human eye to correctly perceive. This doesn’t just exacerbate head issues, but can also cause eye strain and general discomfort.

Don’t forget about those working with heavy machinery and moving parts, as the stroboscopic effect makes objects appear to be moving at a different pace. This is a dangerous safety hazard that could potentially affect millions.

Thankfully, LEDs run on a DC voltage instead of AC, meaning they don’t flicker, or flicker very little. A full conversion to LEDs could dramatically reduce how often you suffer from headaches, or even rid the ailment entirely.

Keep It Cool

A huge safety hazard of old-fashioned lighting is simply how hot they become when in use. Incandescent bulbs and halogens have been known to cause fires and damages to a plethora of buildings because they are not efficient in removing heat wastage.

What puts LEDs in a different ballpark is their advanced heat sinks at the base of the bulb, drawing most of the heat to one place. Keeping the bulbs cool is another reason for their substantial 17-year lifespan. Better yet, only 10% of their energy usage is wasted on heat, whereas halogens waste 80%, using only the remainder to produce light.

The reason why this works out great for you is that it will eradicate the risk of burns. This makes them safe for use in children’s bedrooms, including usage within table lamps that could be handled by the child. However, it is best to handle the bulbs from the diffuser itself as this will be the coolest part.

If you want more information, feel free to check out our website or give us a call on 0116 321 4120. Our advisors will gladly help and provide you with all the knowledge you need! Alternatively, we can be reached on email at cs@wled.co.uk.

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