Lighting for Sleep: How to Create a Relaxing Bedroom Environment

Are you having trouble falling asleep at night? Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental health, but it can be tricky if you don’t have the proper lighting in your bedroom. The type of light you use and how bright it is will impact how well you can relax at night.

With that in mind, here’s a guide on creating the perfect lighting setup for sleep in your bedroom. We’ll discuss why certain kinds of lights are better than others and tips on controlling brightness levels for maximum relaxation. Read on to learn more about creating a calming environment with proper lighting!

Importance of Right Lighting for Sleep

First, let’s talk about why using the right lighting for sleep is essential. The type of light you choose can impact your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s internal clock that helps regulate things like when you get sleepy and wake up. Bright white lights emit a blue-tinted spectrum of visible light with high energy and can affect your circadian rhythm. This type of light tells your body it’s time to be alert and active rather than relaxed and ready for sleep.

On the other hand, warmer colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows emit a lower energy spectrum of visible light which helps promote relaxation. That’s why it’s essential to pick the right kind of lighting for your bedroom.

Best Light Temperature That Promotes Better Sleep

Now that we know why it’s important to use the correct type of light for sleep, let’s talk about the best type of lighting and turn your bedroom into a sleep oasis. The ideal light temperature for a bedroom is around 2000K-3000K, which falls into the warmer orange/yellow range. These colors will help you relax and tell your body it’s time to wind down and start getting sleepy.

Difference Between 2700K and 3000K

The difference between 2700K and 3000K is the color temperature. 2700K is warm white light, while 3000K is soft white. 3000K lights are slightly brighter than 2700K ones but still have a warmer hue than other types of lighting. The lower the color temperature, the warmer and more soothing the light will appear, making it better for sleep.

Avoid overly bright lights, such as those with a temperature of 4000K or higher. The higher the K number, the brighter and cooler the light. That kind of brightness can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and make it harder to get a good night’s rest. If you need more light in your bedroom, opt for lower Kelvin temperature bulbs that give off a warmer orange/yellow glow. 

Controlling Brightness Levels

Once you have the right fixtures installed, you’ll also need to pay attention to brightness levels. Generally, it’s best to keep lighting in the bedroom on the dimmer side and avoid bright lights. There are a few ways to do this, and we’ve outlined them below.

• Invest in a dimmer switch for your fixtures: Dimmer switches are easy to install and allow you to adjust the brightness of any light fixture. This gives you flexibility when it comes to controlling the lighting level in your bedroom.
• Use lamps with adjustable wattage bulbs: If you don’t want to invest in a dimmer switch, opt for lamps with adjustable wattage bulbs. This way, you can easily control the lamp’s brightness level.
• Use night lights: If you want to keep the light on low all night long but still have a little bit of illumination to help guide your way if you wake up in the middle of the night, night lights are a great option.
• Install light timers: Another way to keep your bedroom from getting too bright is to use light timers. This allows you to set the lights so they turn off after a certain amount of time, ensuring that your bedroom doesn’t get too bright in the middle of the night.
• Choose smart bulbs or light fixtures: Smart bulbs and light fixtures are a great way to control the lighting in your bedroom. They come with apps that allow you to adjust brightness levels, schedules, and more from your smartphone or other device.
• Use natural fabrics and curtains to diffuse bright light: Using natural fabrics and curtains can help diffuse bright light coming in through the windows. This is especially helpful if you live in an area with a lot of daylight, as it helps keep your bedroom from getting too bright during the day.
• Completely turn off the lights: The best option is to turn off all the lights in your bedroom. If you want to avoid being in complete darkness, you can strategically install outdoor lights that provide a soft glow that helps you get better sleep. You can consult lighting experts like Blingle to design your outdoor lighting in a way that casts soft lights into your bedroom.

How to Create a Relaxing Bedroom Environment?

Creating a relaxing bedroom environment is vital for getting good sleep. In addition to the tips above, there are some other ways you can make your bedroom more conducive to restful sleep.

• Keep your bedroom tidy and organized: Cluttered bedrooms can be stressful and distracting. Take time each week to declutter, organize, and clean your bedroom so that it’s calming and inviting.
• Add a comfortable mattress and bedding: Investing in a good quality mattress and soft, breathable bedding can help you get more restful sleep. Choose materials that are comfortable for your body, and make sure to replace them every few years.
• Use soothing scents: Aromatherapy can relax the body and mind. Try using essential oils or scented candles in your bedroom to help create a more calming environment.
• Choose relaxing colors: The color of your walls and bedding can also have an effect on how relaxed you feel in your bedroom. Choose soft, neutral tones that evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility.

Have a look at the following infographic to know some interesting facts about lost sleep

Infographic provided by Bel Furniture, one of the top dining room furniture stores.

Conclusion

Creating a relaxing bedroom environment is key to getting good sleep. You can create an atmosphere conducive to restful sleep with the right lighting setup. Investing in dimmer switches and/or smart bulbs, using natural fabrics and curtains, and keeping your bedroom tidy are just a few of the ways you can achieve better lighting for sleep and create a more peaceful space for sleeping. Additionally, using comfortable bedding, soothing scents, and choosing relaxing colors are all great ways to make your bedroom a more inviting space for sleep.