One of the main factors to consider when considering the purchase of LED lights for your home or workplace is comfort. For some people, exposure to certain kinds of LED lighting can be a source of head discomfort and even migraines, so it’s essential to understand how LED lighting may affect you before investing in these lights.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into understanding why LED lights cause headaches and what precautions you can take to prevent yourself from having any negative experiences with this kind of illumination.
What are LED Lights
LED lights are an efficient and economical lighting option. LED stands for light-emitting diodes, and these diodes produce light with minimal heat or power consumed in the process, making the LED light one of the most energy-efficient options on the market.
Modern LED bulbs use semiconductor material to create photons of white light when electricity passes through them. Most LED lights are designed to be more durable and last longer than traditional lighting options. They can also be tailored to fit various wattages, sizes, colors, and shapes to meet many applications without worrying about replacement costs if used properly.
Today’s LED lights have come a long way; their quality has improved over time, giving off an incredibly bright luminosity that makes any space feel inviting and invitingly illuminated.
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How Do LED Lights Work?
LEDs are made up of a semiconductor material that releases a photon (light particle) when an electrical current passes through it.
This process is the same for traditional and LED bulbs, except for one difference. In LED lights, the amount and direction of heat generated from the electrical current are reduced and monitored so that it only heats small portions of the semiconductor material at a time. This reduces energy consumption in LED bulbs and increases their lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Furthermore, because LED lights have a directional light pattern due to their feature of narrowed beams compared to traditional lighting technologies, they can be used effectively for illumination purposes over large areas, such as in outdoor stadiums and extensive factory facilities.
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Can LED Lights Cause Headaches?
Studies have shown that LED lights, specifically those in the blue light spectrum, can be a significant source of headaches and migraines.
How Do LED Lights Cause Headaches
LED lights can significantly negatively affect people’s lives by causing headaches and migraines. This is often because LED lights emit short-wave, high-energy blue light that has been proven detrimental to human health and well-being.
Those sensitive to this type of illumination often experience various symptoms such as headaches, migraines, eye strain, fatigue, and in extreme cases, even seizures. Furthermore, LED light sources with higher color temperatures, such as those found in industry or retail settings, can significantly strain the eyes, resulting in more severe headaches and other related issues.
How to Prevent Headaches from LED Lights
There are some simple precautions you can take to ensure that LED lights don’t cause you any discomfort. These include:
Using Dim Mable LED Lights:
Dimming or reducing the brightness of LED lighting can help relieve headaches and other associated issues. This is because dimming the lights reduces the emitted blue light and minimizes eye strain.
Installing a Cover:
Installing a cover on your LED light fixtures can also help filter out some of the more harmful wavelengths of light that can cause headaches and other symptoms.
Taking Regular Breaks:
Taking regular breaks from the LED lights is another way to reduce the strain on your eyes and prevent any headaches from occurring. This can be done by taking short walks or closing your eyes for a few minutes now and again.
Using Appropriate Lighting Fixtures:
Using the correct type of lighting fixture can also help reduce your exposure to harmful blue light. For example, fluorescent lights provide a softer and more diffused form of illumination than LED lights, thus reducing eye strain and headaches.
How to Choose the Right LED Light Bulbs for You
Several LED light bulb types are available, from standard bulbs to spotlights. Different LED light bulbs offer other features and brightness levels that can be used for various applications.
It would be best to consider several factors when choosing the right LED light bulb for your needs. These include the type of light bulb, wattage, color temperature, and color rendering index.
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Type of Light Bulb
The most common LED light bulbs are A-type, BR and MR.
- A-Type: These are the standard bulbs used for general lighting in a room.
- BR: These bulbs emit a wide beam angle and are great for lighting more prominent areas such as patios, driveways, and pathways.
- MR: These bulbs emit a narrow beam angle and can be used for specific task lighting in kitchens or offices.
Wattage
Choosing the correct wattage of LED light bulbs can make all the difference when protecting your eyes from straining and uncomfortable headaches. The ideal wattage is typically between 3 to 25 watts, with higher values offering more brightness.
While choosing a bulb with higher wattage might appear beneficial initially, research shows that 25 watts and above LED bulbs tend to be too overpowering while those on the lower end of the spectrum are too dim. It is always recommended to opt for a comfortable brightness that is neither too harsh nor too soft to prevent headaches associated with prolonged exposure.
Colour Temperature
LED light bulbs also come in different color temperatures, measured in kelvins (K). Generally, the higher the color temperature, the cooler and more blueish a light bulb will appear.
Colour Rendering Index (CRI)
The color rendering index (CRI) measures how accurately an LED light bulb can render colors. It ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more accurate color rendering.
FAQs
What Are the Common Symptoms of Headaches Caused by Led Lights?
Common symptoms of headaches caused by LED lights include eye strain, tired eyes, headaches, and migraines. Other symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
What is Light Sensitivity?
Light sensitivity is a condition where an individual experiences headaches, migraines, or eye strain due to exposure to bright lights. Bright light can be a natural or artificial source, including the sun, fluorescent lighting, fluorescent lamps and even computer screens. People with this condition may also experience difficulty sleeping due to the light. Light sensitivity is also known as photophobia, which literally means “fear of light.”
Final Thoughts
LED lights can be an excellent illumination source but can also cause headaches and other symptoms. To ensure your safety and comfort when using LED lights, it is essential to take the necessary measures, such as dimming the lights, installing covers, and taking regular breaks.