Melatonin & LED Lights

So it is not advisable to use 3000K bulbs in your bedroom or bathroom, but remodelers often use these 3000K bulbs in bathrooms as they do seem to improve mirror visibility which apparently is helpful when applying makeup or shaving.

In my bathroom I have two switches for lighting, one for the recessed ceiling lights and one for the lights over the sink. I use both 3000K bulbs and 2700K bulbs. I use 2700K bulbs in the recessed ceiling lights and I use the 3000K bulbs in the light over the mirror. I use the recessed lights at night and. I use the 3000K lights in the morning for better visibility while shaving.

The melatonin suppressing effects of the 3000K bulbs is stronger than the 2700K bulbs so I try not to use any 3000K lighting at night when melatonin levels should be rising. This is important because melatonin has many healthful effects as I have discussed over the years on EC. Here is a little information from Google AI on how suppressive LED bulbs are of melatonin and the higher the "K number", the more suppressive it is:

' Blue Light Spectrum: LEDs emit a high concentration of short-wavelength blue light (around 450–480 nm), which strongly triggers the melanopsin receptors in your eyes and signals your brain to suppress melatonin production. '

Newer technology in LED bulbs are reducing this melatonin suppressing effect. Here is a little info on that technology from Google AI :

' Newer specialty LED bulbs use tailored spectra-such as true amber chips or optimized-circadian friendly to significantly reduce or eliminate the short-wavelength blue light responsible for melatonin suppression.'

Some of this newer technology in LED bulbs is just starting to come available.

Since melatonin production naturally declines with age, it seems like a good idea to do what we can to try and not add to that loss, given melatonin's many healthful effects.

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