There can be a number of causes for daytime drowsiness, whether it be a chemical imbalance or a lack of direct sunlight. Some of these sources that result in a lack of energy can be mitigated in several ways. Knowing how LED lights contribute to alertness may give you the solution you need to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
What Can Cause Low-Energy?
There are numerous contributing factors to sleepiness during the day; some are lifestyle choices, dietary reasons, and the presence of certain bodily chemicals. However, one of the most common causes of daytime drowsiness is a lack of exposure to sunlight. This is especially common during the winter in many locations due to the shortened daylight hours.
Melatonin
The reason why a lack of sunlight results in sleepiness is because the rays of the sun suppress the production of melatonin—the chief bodily chemical responsible for sleepiness. The less melatonin produced, the less tired you become. Without sunlight, the body produces larger quantities of melatonin. More melatonin in the body directly results in a lack of energy.
How LED Lights Can Help
The question of how LED lights can contribute to alertness lies in the type of light it gives off. LEDs emanate a blue wavelength; this blue light can also be found in sunrays. The blue light that is typically cast from LED bulbs serves the same purpose as the light from the sun in that it suppresses the production of melatonin in your body.
By switching out your current light bulbs with LED ones—whether they be traditional lamp bulbs, LED corn bulbs, or wall pack lights—you can bring this light into your home.
Common Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder
This resulting blue light from LEDs is so significant that it is even used as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder. It is the same principle; LED light simulates the rays of the sun, thus producing the necessary chemicals in our bodies.
Final Considerations
While the blue light from LEDs can aid in daytime alertness, it may also have the same effect at night. Long exposure to LED bulbs at night can make it harder to get to bed, so limiting your time near LED light an hour before you go to sleep is recommended. But during the day, LED lights are some of the most important tools you have to combat drowsiness.
