Warm lights, cosy room, poor sleep? How bedroom lighting affects your body clock

Sleep experts warn that keeping decorative lights on at night can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin production. Even low-level ambient light may interfere with deep sleep stages, leading to feelings of fatigue and reduced physical recovery.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of bedroom lighting on sleep quality is essential for public health and long-term physical and mental well-being.
There's something magical about sleeping with fairy lights on, or even warm lights. These lights can make a bedroom feel cosy, calm and Instagram-ready. But while they may help set the mood, sleep experts warn that keeping them on through the night could quietly disrupt your sleep in ways you don’t realise. According to Dr Pooja T, Senior Specialist Pulmonologist at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, even dim decorative lighting can interfere with how deeply and how well we sleep. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. “Human sleep is designed to occur in near-total darkness,” she explains.
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