Pros and Cons of Night Lights for Children

Pros and Cons of Night Lights for Children

There's nothing like a soothing night light to set the tone for your child's bedtime routine. But could this added comfort be doing them more harm than good?

It's only natural to want your child to feel safe during the night when you can't be with them. However, there's also a lot of research about the effects of light exposure on sleep patterns.

So, is that added light during bedtime truly beneficial, or could it be hindering your child's sleep? Let's get into some night light facts to help you make an informed choice.

What Causes a Fear of the Dark?

In children, a fear of the dark tends to crop up between the ages of three and six.

During these formative years, your little one's imagination becomes highly active, and it can be difficult for them to tell the difference between what's real or not. There are even some studies that suggest a fear of the dark is a primal survival instinct. In other words, this innate terror may occur even without any prompts from books, movies or the world around them.

Parents can also play a role in how their kids are impacted by the dark. Our children look to us for guidance on how to react to unfamiliar situations. So, if you're a parent who has an overly anxious or protective response to the dark, you may be unintentionally teaching your child to feel the same.

While fear of a dark room is natural, does this always warrant the use of a night light?

The Pros and Cons of Night Lights for Kids

If you're in two minds about whether or not to add a new night light to your child's bedroom, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Night light pros

• Eases fears of the dark: A soft night light can provide your little tot with some extra reassurance and help them feel less afraid even when the room is slightly darker.

• Easier night-time navigation: If your child wakes up in the middle of the night to grab a drink of water or use the bathroom, a night light can prevent falls and accidents.

• Quicker check-ins for parents: With some light, it's easier for you to pop your head in and make sure your child is doing okay during the night without relying on baby monitors.

• Encourages independent sleep: Many children find it easier to take themselves to bed and fall asleep - without the help of a parent - when there's a night light.

• Creates a calming environment: Certain colours and soft-glow lights, such as warm amber or red tones, can create a calming bedtime environment.

Night light cons

• May disrupt melatonin production: Blue and white lights can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, making it harder for kids to fall and stay asleep.

• Can lead to sleep dependency: There is always a chance that your little one will become reliant on a night light, which can create sleep problems later on in life.

• Shadow-driven fears could pique: Dim lighting can create shadows that children might perceive as scary figures, which could potentially increase their fear instead of reducing it.

• Potential for overstimulation: Some colourful or changing night lights (especially those with bright or moving designs) can be more distracting than soothing, making it harder for kids to wind down.

Improving Your Child's Sleep Quality

An optimal sleep environment and a good bedtime routine are key to helping your child develop healthy circadian rhythms - the body's natural 24-hour cycles that regulate sleep, wakefulness, and other biological processes in response to light and darkness.

Over and above using a night light, here are some ways you can improve your child's sleep quality.

Nap in natural light

If your child is still having naps during the day, make sure the room they sleep in has as much natural daylight as possible. When the body and brain are able to distinguish between day and night, it has a positive impact on circadian rhythms.

Wind down for bed

Setting up a calming bedtime routine for your child can make all the difference in how easy it is for them to fall asleep.

For one, any bright lights should be avoided at least an hour before bed - that includes using electronic screens. Phones and tablets emit blue light, which interferes with natural circadian rhythms.

Instead, why not read a book together or play a calming game? Having a warm bath and listening to calming music can also help settle their system.

Pick the right night light

If you've decided a night light is the right choice for your child's bedroom, make sure you choose the right one.

A red light or any other warm colour is better than a blue or white light. The warm tones have longer wavelengths, which means the light affects melatonin levels much less. Reds and oranges are also very similar to the colour of a sunset, which indirectly signals to the brain that night time is approaching.

Once plugged in, make sure the light is on a dim setting. You also want to place it strategically so that it doesn't shine directly into your child's eyes. Anything you can do to keep light exposure to a minimum is ideal.

Lastly, find ways to gradually reduce the brightness of the light over time. This will ensure your child doesn't become overly dependent on it. You can even switch over to an outside light source, such as a hallway light in time.

Keep it cosy

A child should want to go to sleep in their bedroom, so make it a relaxing and cosy space where they feel safe.

For a better night's sleep, choose a sturdy and comfortable bed and soft, warm bedding from Belledorm. Cotton and bamboo duvet covers and pillowcases are top picks for kids, thanks to the fact that they're breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking.

You can also get your child involved in the decorating. Have them choose their bedding and any other accessories for their room so that they feel like they're actively involved in setting up their sleep space.

And when temperatures fluctuate, make sure other measures are in place to keep them cool or warm, as this is a sure ire way to help keep them asleep at night.

FAQs

What is a good age for a night light?

Every child is different, so this will vary. However, it's probably best to consider a night light for children between two and three, as this is when they tend to pick up fears about the dark.

Should I leave a night light on all night?

Ideally, you would want to turn the night light off once your child has fallen asleep, but this might cause problems if they wake up in the middle of the night. A better strategy is to gradually dim the light over time until they can eventually go to sleep in the dark.

How do I know if my child needs a night light?

The key is to not automatically buy your child a night light if they don't need one. A night light is only necessary if a fear of the dark has started disrupting their sleep (and yours). You may also want to consider a night light if your child tends to get up to use the bathroom or get a drink of water as you don't want them to fall.

A Good Night's Sleep for the Whole Family

Adding a night light to your child's room can be a positive, provided you choose the right one and are still prioritising a sound sleep routine. Just keep in mind that a night light should be an added extra, not something your little one solely relies on to get a good night's sleep.

If, for any reason, your child is still not managing to get a full night of sleep, it might be worth speaking to a doctor about potential sleep disorders or other sleep issues.