Tailoring your Light Environment for a Better Night’s Sleep

Light is the strongest synchroniser of our circadian rhythm, signalling to our body when it is night and day, and therefore helping to determine when it is time to be alert or time to be asleep. Being mindful of our light environment in the morning, noon and night is a powerful stepping stone to better sleep. So how exactly can we tailor our light environment throughout the day to sleep better at night?

First thing in the morning, think bright light! We can get our bright light exposure through a stroll outdoors, sitting by a window or using a bright light therapy lamp when natural light is limited. Bright light therapy lamps mimic natural daylight to provide a boost to mood and energy, and to keep the circadian rhythm in sync.

In the early afternoon, when it’s not yet time to start winding down, many of us experience a post-lunch slump where a nap sounds like an enticing idea! Our trusty bright light can again help here, boosting our alertness and energy levels!

As we head towards the evening, introducing warmer tones to our light environment signals to our body that it is time to wind down rather than time to be alert. Once again, this helps to keep that all-important circadian rhythm in sync with the external night and day.

Creating a sleep-optimised environment away from screens can also help you to drift off more easily. Research suggests that when used a minimum of 30 minutes before bed, the alerting blue light and stimulating content of mobile phones can cause poor quality sleep so why not try to switch out your phone for reading or journaling in the evening? You can find more ideas on how to switch off from the digital world at bedtime here.

Whether you are looking for a bright light therapy lamp or sleep-optimised lighting for bedtime, Lumie has got you covered! Check out our full range of bright light therapy lamps and sunrise alarms.