Blue light pollution and sleep disruption
The percentage of blue light pollution has grown as we converted our homes and offices to visible-only LED lighting and we increased our use of electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, computers), particularly during the pandemic.
Exposure to blue-only light without the rest of the solar spectrum can damage retinal cells1,2. The sun provides blue light, however, it is never present without near-infrared energy being emitted as well.
At night, too much blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm3 by suppressing the production of melatonin, making it difficult to fall asleep. This is why study after study recommends reducing blue light exposure by “unplugging” for at least an hour before falling asleep4.
Visible-only LED light exposure has become a primary reason for sleep disruption5,6. This has led to color changing, visible-only LED lights coming to market.
However, visible-only color changing lights are devoid of near-infrared energy, and near-infrared may help to regulate your circadian rhythm and support less disrupted sleep7.
NIRA near-infrared enhanced LED lighting offers a simple solution to blue light overexposure for you and your family. The unique hybrid design of NIRA bulbs enables you to decrease the brightness and change the color continuously from bright daylight levels to the soft orange glow of an old fashioned incandescent bulb, with only a standard dimmer.* The NIRA bulb emits near-infrared energy throughout the various levels of brightness.
*If you wish to dim your NIRA bulbs, you can use standard dimmers. You don’t need special dimmers. If you do not have any, consider purchasing standard or “smart” dimmers here.