8pm deadline as certain types of Christmas light disrupt sleep

Festive season brings a sleep warning for Christmas light lovers

As the festive season arrives, homes all over the UK are being adorned with twinkling fairy lights and vibrant Christmas displays. While these decorations bring joy and warmth to the season, they may be affecting your sleep. A sleep expert has pointed out that certain types of Christmas lights could be disrupting your rest and leaving you feeling groggy the next morning.

Reese Isaah, a sleep expert from Winstons Beds, shared his advice for achieving a good night’s sleep during December. He cautioned that some popular types of Christmas lights could be a hindrance to a restful night. Bright, flashing, or blue-toned lights before bedtime can disrupt your sleep by confusing your brain, suppressing melatonin production, and making it harder for your body to relax.

Multi-coloured lights, while cheerful, can also interfere with your body’s natural sleep signals. The various wavelengths emitted by traditional multi-coloured Christmas lights can disrupt melatonin production, creating a stimulating environment rather than a calming one. Additionally, blue light, found in LED bulbs and some Christmas lights, can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, making it difficult to unwind at night.

To ensure better sleep during the festive season, experts recommend turning off lights at least two hours before bedtime. If you have trouble parting with your Christmas lights, consider opting for warm-toned lights in shades like red or soft white, which are less disruptive and can help the body relax more quickly.

In conclusion, while Christmas lights add to the festive spirit, it’s important to consider their impact on your sleep quality. Making simple changes like switching to sleep-friendly lights and turning them off well before bedtime can go a long way in ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep during the holiday season.