Light plays an important role in both our work and our home environment. Warm colours can create an inviting, relaxing ambience, whereas cooler tones are more suited to task lighting.  Warmer tones are usually found in living and outdoor areas whereas cooler tones are typically used in kitchens and laundries. But did you know that some light colours can help you sleep better?  

What colour is best for sleep?

Studies have shown that being exposed to different LED light colours can affect your sleep in different ways. 

Red is the best colour for improving your sleep because it has a low colour temperature, especially when compared to regular sunlight and artificial blue light. 

Red light and your circadian rhythm 

You may have heard that using electronic devices is not good for your sleep health. This is because your body has an internal, circadian clock that is connected to specialised photosensitive cells located in the retina of your eyes. 

These specialised cells help determine and regulate your body’s circadian rhythm. The cells are most sensitive to blue wavelengths and blue light, and least sensitive to red wavelengths and red light. 

That is why, if you need to keep a light on at nighttime, it is typically recommended that you choose a red LED light as opposed to a bright blue or white one. The red LED light is considerably less disruptive to your circadian rhythm and can help you better manage your sleep cycle. 

A red light that is specifically designed to emit zero blue light generally appears dimmer. If you would like a reading light or night light for your bedroom, warm white colour temperatures of 2400 or 2700 kelvin are popular choices because they may be able to help you maintain your circadian rhythm better. 

Benefits of amber light

Amber lights are another colour of light that is great for blocking the disruptive effects of blue light. It is common for homeowners to replace their lighting options with general-purpose amber lighting. 

While red and amber light at night may be able to help improve your sleep habits, it does not mean blue light is necessarily deleterious to your health if you use it during the day. There are many colours of beautiful LED lights to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.

Linear Lux stocks Australia’s largest range of LED light solutions to suit your individualised needs. Check out our LED strip lights today to make your space lighter and your mood more soothing for sleep!