LED Lighting Is Rewiring Our Brains & It's Not Good...
In our modern world, LED lights have taken over, they're in every corner of our homes, offices, hospitals, and public spaces. From streetlights to your kitchen, it feels like you can’t escape the cold, harsh glow of these artificial lights. But did you know that this widespread shift to LEDs is slowly damaging not only our environment but our brains, too?
The LED Lighting Shift & What It's Doing To Us
For decades, incandescent bulbs were the standard. They provided warm, inviting light that felt natural and soothing, with a soft glow that helped us unwind after a long day. But, in a move that many believe was driven by corporate interests rather than scientific reasoning, incandescent bulbs were banned in favor of LED lights. Suddenly, we were all replacing our light bulbs with cold, harsh LEDs, which have become the default in nearly every aspect of modern life.
The problem with this shift is more than just aesthetic. LED lighting is damaging to our brains and our bodies. The most concerning aspect of LED lighting is its effect on melatonin production. Studies show that LEDs can suppress up to 80% of melatonin—the hormone responsible for regulating sleep—compared to traditional incandescent or candlelight. For many, this means disrupted sleep cycles, poor-quality rest, and a general sense of unease throughout the day.
LED and Blue Light: The Modern-Day Seed Oils of Lighting
If you’ve ever wondered why you feel a little off in fluorescent-lit offices or under the bright, cold glare of streetlights at night, there’s a reason. It’s because these lights are not in harmony with our natural biological rhythms. Just as the rise of seed oils in our food has had long-term negative impacts on health, LED and blue light exposure is slowly eroding our mental and physical well-being.
From hospitals to workplaces, we’re all being bathed in a constant, unnatural blue light that is not only disrupting our sleep but also increasing our stress levels. While scientists have known for years that blue light, a key component of LEDs, triggers the release of cortisol (the stress hormone), hospitals and other institutions continue to bathe patients in this harmful glow. Studies show that patients in hospitals exposed to blue light heal slower than those who are in natural light, yet little has been done to address it.
Where Did the Stars Go?
Walk down most city streets, and you’ll quickly notice how much everything feels like a Walmart parking lot at 3 AM. The glow of LED streetlights dominates, washing out the stars in the sky and draining the soul from our cities. This uniform, harsh lighting strips away any intimacy or character from our surroundings, leaving us with a feeling of disconnection. The absence of natural lighting in urban design has led to a sterile, soul-crushing environment where the very essence of day and night is blurred.
If you take a step back in time, ancient cathedrals were masterpieces of light and architecture. Their high ceilings, stained glass windows, and soft, ambient lighting created a sacred, calming environment that supported both the body and mind. The natural light flowing through these grand structures had a profound effect on people’s mood, reinforcing the idea that light—real light, not artificial—was a key component of a healthy, balanced life.
The Warm Yellow Light Solution
So, what can we do? The answer is simple: use warm yellow light. There’s a reason that high-end dining establishments use soft, dim lighting. It’s intimate, cozy, and, most importantly, it has a positive psychological impact. Warm yellow light, with a color temperature of 2700K or lower, helps our bodies produce melatonin, while keeping our cortisol levels low. This is exactly why fine restaurants, spas, and other wellness-focused spaces have known for decades that warm lighting is key to creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Even more importantly, using warm light has a huge impact on our mental state. The moment you turn on a warm yellow lamp or light a candle after sunset, your mood shifts instantly. The calming effect is tangible, and within minutes, you’ll feel less stressed, more at ease, and more connected to your surroundings.
Reclaiming Natural Light at Home
It’s time to take control of our lighting and fight back against the cold, harsh glow of LEDs. In your home, there are several simple changes you can make to create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere:
1. Avoid Overhead LED Lighting: Instead, use floor or corner lamps with warm bulbs (2700K or lower). These will create a more natural, ambient environment that’s better for your brain and mood.
2. Use Incandescent Bulbs: These are still available, and they provide a much more pleasant, natural light compared to LEDs.
3. Candles After Sunset: The simplest and most ancient solution—candles. They provide beautiful, natural light and are great for creating a relaxing atmosphere in the evening.
4. Natural Light During the Day: Ensure your home is designed to take advantage of sunlight. Whether it’s through large windows, light-colored walls, or strategically placed mirrors, a well-lit space during the day reduces the need for artificial light.
By making these small adjustments, you’ll not only improve the mood of your space, but you’ll also feel better both mentally and physically.
The widespread adoption of LED lights, and especially blue light, has had a profound effect on our health. We’re living in a time where light, instead of being a tool for comfort and well-being, is an unseen force that’s driving us into a state of constant stress and sleeplessness. As we continue to live and work in environments bathed in unnatural lighting, it’s more important than ever to reclaim our spaces with warm, yellow light and embrace the natural rhythms of day and night.
Take a page from the world’s finest dining establishments, ancient cathedrals, and the natural world itself—soft, warm lighting isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a powerful tool that helps us feel calm, connected, and in harmony with our surroundings. So let’s take back our homes, our cities, and our health—one lightbulb at a time.
Stay happy, stay healthy friends!
