Artificial Lighting: Choosing Indoor Bulbs for Health — Replacing Processed Light with Full Spectrum Options for Circadian and Mitochondrial Support
Voice of the Audience
"What can we we buy for our houes to give us replacement lighting benefits? Please anyone?"
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"It seems that technology is now our enemy. We have replaced the old incandescent lamps with 'cold light' that can't even help with Near-Infrared light for Melatonin. How can we correct this? E.g., Can we shower under both water and NIR in the form of bathroom heat lamps. If so, any thoughts of exposure time Vs lamp power. I am assuming that for best effect, we need to expose the maximum amount of skin for the best melatonin production."
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Behind the Answer
The switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to modern energy-efficient light sources, like Light-Emitting Diode (LED) and fluorescent bulbs, has inadvertently created a "processed light" crisis. Traditional incandescent bulbs naturally emit a fuller spectrum of light, including large amounts of Near-Infrared (NIR) light. This NIR light is crucial because it penetrates tissues and is absorbed by the mitochondria in our cells, stimulating them to produce cellular melatonin, which acts as an antioxidant and is important during the day.
Conversely, newer light technologies, especially many LEDs, often emit primarily blue light and lack the beneficial infrared spectrum. This shift deprives people, who spend approximately 93% of their time indoors, of the necessary wavelengths to support optimal mitochondrial health and maintain a proper circadian rhythm. This reality is exacerbated by regulations like the incandescent light bulb ban.
This article is part of our Light & Health Optimization series and explores how artificial lighting affects circadian rhythm and mitochondrial support — and how to replace “processed light” with full-spectrum options.
Read the main Light Health Optimization articleThe Concern
The audience is deeply frustrated by the legislative decisions (like the incandescent ban) and technological trends that have made health-supportive light bulbs scarce or expensive. They are concerned that modern indoor lighting is actively contributing to light deficiency and health issues by providing too much blue light and insufficient NIR. There is a specific and unmet need for practical alternatives and guidance on how to identify and acquire bulbs that replicate the health benefits of natural light, especially during dark winter months.
The Tip
To improve your indoor light environment for health, begin replacing standard LED and fluorescent lighting in high-use areas with alternatives that offer a fuller, warmer spectrum. This includes searching for exempt incandescent bulbs (like appliance bulbs or infrared heat lamps) and utilizing "bright white" or "full spectrum" LED bulbs as a more cost-effective substitute for specialized SAD lights. Recognize that near-infrared light from sources like heat lamps or firelight can provide cellular benefits without suppressing pineal melatonin at night.
Creators Addressed
- Highlighted the issue of incandescent light bulbs becoming illegal to sell, noting that this legislative action was taken without sufficient knowledge of the health facts.
- He lamented that this ban forces consumers to purchase more expensive replacements or obtain the necessary incandescent bulbs with difficulty and cost.
- Provided the foundational science, explaining that processed light is detrimental and reinforcing the need to replace artificial lights in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools with full light spectrum bulbs.
- He noted that incandescent bulbs provide a beneficial spectrum (including red and orange) that LEDs often lack.
- He also suggested using infrared heat lamps or firelight, particularly in cold climates, to receive near-infrared light for cellular health during dark months.
- Did not directly address the spectral differences of light bulbs in the provided material, but the audience explicitly requested that he create a video analyzing the spectral patterns and flicker frequencies of LED, fluorescent, and incandescent light sources because the light spectrum ratios are a crucial factor beyond just peak color.
Quick Summary (Do This Tonight)
If possible, switch out one commonly used LED or fluorescent bulb in your home (e.g., in a reading lamp or kitchen area) for an incandescent bulb or a "full spectrum" LED alternative to reintroduce warmer wavelengths.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step Breakdown)
- Prioritize Incandescent/NIR: Seek out specialty incandescent bulbs (like heat lamps or appliance bulbs) which are often exempt from bans and emit essential Near-Infrared (NIR) light.
- Use for Daytime: Utilize these full-spectrum bulbs during the day and early evening hours to support mitochondrial melatonin production.
- Adjust Nighttime Lighting: In the late evening, shift entirely to very dim, low-lux, or deep red/orange light sources to minimize blue light exposure and prevent disruption to pineal melatonin release.
- Consider Heat Lamps: If you live in a cold or dark environment, inexpensive 250-watt heat lamps (red or clear glass) can be used for short, half-hour morning sessions to expose the skin to NIR light.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake: Assuming all light bulbs labeled "full spectrum" or "daylight" are biologically beneficial.
Fix: Understand that many LEDs still have spectral gaps. Look specifically for incandescent bulbs or high-quality, dimmable, warm-spectrum LEDs that minimize harsh blue peaks.
Mistake: Believing that incandescent bulbs are completely unobtainable due to bans.
Fix: Search for heat lamps or specialty appliance bulbs, which are often still available legally in the US market and provide beneficial NIR light.
Mistake: Using bright white or full-spectrum light sources late into the night.
Fix: Restrict bright, full-spectrum, or blue-enriched light to daytime and morning hours. Use only dim, warm light after sunset to promote healthy sleep.
Quick Answers (FAQ)
Why are modern LED lights unhealthy?
Many modern LEDs are considered "processed light" because they lack the beneficial Near-Infrared (NIR) spectrum found in natural sunlight and older incandescent bulbs, which is crucial for mitochondrial health.
Can a standard infrared heat lamp be used for therapy?
Yes, inexpensive incandescent heat lamps provide significant Near-Infrared light, which penetrates the body and helps produce mitochondrial melatonin.
Is using a bright white LED light considered a substitute for sunlight?
While some high-lux LED panels (e.g., 930 to 1,000 lux drawing lights) can help set the circadian rhythm in the morning, they lack the full spectrum benefits (like NIR) of real sunlight.
Bottom Line
The rise of energy-efficient, narrow-spectrum LED and fluorescent lighting has inadvertently divorced human health from essential full-spectrum light, leading to what some call a "processed light" crisis. To mitigate the health impact of spending 93% of time indoors, individuals should intentionally seek out light sources that provide the necessary wavelengths, especially the Near-Infrared (NIR) spectrum found in traditional incandescent bulbs or dedicated red light/heat lamp devices. The focus must be on introducing warm, full light during the day while diligently avoiding bright, blue-shifted light after sunset.
How this was generated: This article compiles verified creator insights and audience commentary for structured comprehension.
Medical & Legal Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions regarding health, medication, or substance use.
