Did you know? Sunlight offers many health benefits. It helps produce vitamin D, which supports bone health. Sunlight can lower blood pressure. It helps stop diseases and improves mental health.
We have already woken up to the problem of processed food. Now let’s talk about the problem of processed light. When indoors, the goal is to have as much natural light as possible. In the winter or at night, your light bulbs should mimic sunshine.
What different light bulbs are there? LED bulbs and incandescent bulbs mainly differ in how they create light. Incandescent bulbs are the old classic. They use electricity to heat a wire, which creates light. LEDs use semi-conductive materials. These materials allow current to pass through electrodes. Then, the electrodes emit visible light.
But are LEDs the best option for your family? Many studies and articles talk about the negative blue light exposure (from LEDs):
- Suppressed melatonin
- Interference with sleep and circadian-mediated symptoms
- Adolescent sensitivity to blue light
Why were incandescent bulbs banned? On Aug. 1, 2023, the Department of Energy banned the manufacture and sale of common incandescent light bulbs. The decision aimed to save energy and help consumers lower their bills. More energy-efficient bulbs, like LEDs, use at least 75% less energy. They also last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
But you should always question when government becomes too big—why ban products in the open market? Why make the consumer decisions for them?
Incandescent lighting is good for you. This is because it emits a warm, yellowish light that has a strong resemblance to natural sunlight. Meaning less eye strain, improved sleep, and better mood. Whereas most LED bulbs have high blue light emissions (not natural light).
As of January 2025, talks are happening about unbanning the making and selling of incandescent bulbs. With the new Secretary of the Department of Energy, more is to come in the next few months.
P.S. While we wait for incandescent lighting to return to shelves. Check out great soft yellow LED options here: https://thehealthyhome.shop/collections/lights.“Our upgraded LED technology produces flicker-free light. Our 3 light settings can be easily toggled through by turning the existing light switch off and on.”
