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Forums » FAQ » Ask Dr. Mercola » Night Lights for Children

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posted on 03-30-2007 9:19 PM
What is available that is safe to be used in children's rooms at night in lieu of the traditional night light? My nephews/nieces and grandchildren are "into" night lights" and the parents cannot just do away with them easily.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Answered (Verified) replied on 04-01-2007 8:07 PM

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There is no safe light for children.  We were never designed to be exposed to light at night. Prior to 100 years ago the only way that would happen was through some type of fire which is still a relatively minor light.

It is best for your child to sleep in darkness and teach them how to navigate at night without any light

If for some reason this is not possible you could use an LED light that they can turn on and use to light the way. However, this is absolutely not my primary recommendation which is to avoid the use of all lights at night to maximize melatonin production.

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Answered (Verified) replied on 04-01-2007 8:07 PM

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There is no safe light for children.  We were never designed to be exposed to light at night. Prior to 100 years ago the only way that would happen was through some type of fire which is still a relatively minor light.

It is best for your child to sleep in darkness and teach them how to navigate at night without any light

If for some reason this is not possible you could use an LED light that they can turn on and use to light the way. However, this is absolutely not my primary recommendation which is to avoid the use of all lights at night to maximize melatonin production.

The Other Two Questions Addressed in This Video:

UVB Blocking Sunglasses & Vitamin D

Cancer Risks Due to Long Term Vitamin D Deficiency

 

 
 
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replied on 04-03-2007 3:53 PM
I would have to disagree with the statement " we were never designed to be exposed to light at night" Prior to a100 years ago they still had the Moon.
 
 
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replied on 04-03-2007 4:57 PM
     The nightlight issue is a difficult one for those with small children.  I have three young sons who are afraid of total darkness (as many children are) and who need help finding the bathroom in a long hallway to avoid injury.  The moon in the window is helpful and must be at least partially acceptable since it has always existed, but the recommendation of nothing whatsoever is difficult:(.
 
 
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replied on 04-04-2007 4:43 PM
Hi Amy, I did  some reading the other day as my wife has early onset Alzheimer's and needs some light at night to navigate. I found out that a study done in 1980 at the National Institute of Mental Health  found that RED LIGHT ( has the longest waves ) is the least disruptive to Melatonin Secretion ; I bought a 25 watt red light bulb at  a local Dept. Store and this is what we use for the bathroom light at night - I am also trying to  figure out a safe way to cover it somewhat to filter the light bulb even more; You may want to look into this more for yourself and your children ; Good luck!
 
 
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replied on 04-04-2007 7:54 PM
I think what he means is other than the moon of course.  I find sleep 10 times better with complete darkness.  My children have learned to make their way to our room in the dark.  If your children are having to potty during the night then just restrict their liquid intake an hour or so before bedtime.  My children very rarely go to the toilet during the night. Do what's best for you all!
 
 
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replied on 04-04-2007 7:56 PM
Sorry, didn't mean to post as a sub comment to yours!
 
 
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replied on 04-24-2007 3:54 PM
I am a mother of three adult children who were raised with no nightlights. We did what was natural and didn't emphasize the need for a night light. I know my children thought they wanted a night light because their friends had them but I taught them to allow their eyes to focus to the dark before getting up to walk. It happens naturaly and fear happens the same way. My children weren't necessarily afraid of the dark but what they may have heard or 'shouldn't' have seen - so I had to reiterate after a bad dream...what their fear really was. All too often we're inspired by great marketing to purchase them. Why spend the money? No side effects from sleeping in the dark. Respectfully, healthywithoutIT
 
 
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replied on 09-11-2007 4:58 PM
We co-sleep with our young children which is alleviates some of the night time fears that young children face when sleeping alone and can lead to use of a night light.  An added benefit is that we are available to assist them if they need help navigating to the bathroom.  We also try to get up when the sun comes up and sleep when the sun goes down so that the transition to darkness is gradual for them. 
 
 
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replied on 03-18-2008 12:26 PM
I also cosleep with my daughter in total darkness.  She has no need for a nightlight and has no fear of the dark whatsoever.   She is not even three yet and can also manage to work her way out of the room when she wakes up.  I believe it has enhanced her confidence levels.
 
 
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replied on 04-11-2008 11:54 PM
Bah! A LavaLamp is the best nightlight for the child:-D
 
 
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replied on 04-23-2008 6:17 PM
When I was living at home, my mom had 2 or 3 night lights thoughout the house. I heard that this can cause night blindness. I was wondering if anyone else has night blindness from having night lights in their childhood? I do have night blindness since I was 14 years old.
 
 
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replied on 08-13-2008 12:46 PM
Never heard this. Had night lights throughout our homes as kids, never any issues with sight. Still have 20/20 vision and good night vision (at 45 years young). Never needed glasses. Not sure what kind of night lights my mom and dad (and grandparents) used in the 60s and 70s, but they were typically very soft light and hidden behind something decorative, giving just enough light to tell us "There's the bathroom," or "There's the door." :-) Where did you hear of this information? Generalizing night lights as causing some type of blindness, without specifying what kind, what brightness, whether there was any disposition to night blindness in the first place, etc., sounds a bit like speculation, but again, I'm not sure. Maybe the Doc would know. :)
 
 
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replied on 08-27-2008 5:59 PM
While I was a child my parents used a night lamp which is seems like star of the Christmas and there is a light blue bulb inside the star. I think more brightness while sleeping for Childrens may effect their sleep.

Stuartdenley
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replied on 10-26-2008 6:14 AM
I live out in the country and our bedroom windows face the back of the house. For at least 1-2 weeks out of the month our bedroom is naturally lit by the moon. If there's snow on the ground there's even been nights when I could read! Even when there's a new moon, once your eye's adjust to the darkness there's still a lot of starlight. I personally can't see why a 1 watt or less night light would hurt anyone.
 
 
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