Lighting Science’s “Good Night” Biological LED Lamp
Developed for NASA, a bulb that encourages melatonin production and restful sleep
Most of us are aware of the fact that there’s more to a good night’s sleep than an excellent mattress. In fact, there are so many tangential sleep industries—from pills, teas, apps and creams all the way to therapy. Until recently, however, countless people haven’t thought about the last thing they see before turning off the lights: the very beams emanating from the lightbulbs of bedside lamps or larger fixtures. Light matters, and the “Good Night” bulb was developed with this in mind. Designed by Melbourne, FL-based Lighting Science, this bulb’s LED emittance lacks substantial blue light components which is found in mobile phone screens and TV and suppress the brain’s production of melatonin—long-revered for its sleep aid qualities.
The Lighting Science team proposes using the bulb in a partially open lamp or fixture for two hours before bedtime. There’s a patented filter within the device that removes most blue light while still providing substantial brightness (it’s a 60 watt equivalent LED bulb). It also unwavering and doesn’t flicker—another element that triggers alertness. In essence, the bulb creates light that prepares the body for sleep. More than encouraging one to fall asleep, it can contribute to falling into natural circadian rhythm. And, while these are hefty product claims, both NASA and the International Space Station use these bulbs to enable healthy astronaut sleep cycles without pills or chemicals. In the same vein (but a little closer to home) they’re also recommended for those suffering from jet lag. Altogether, it’s an advancement for the bedroom, backed by science and is less expensive than most annual sleep aids.
Purchase the Good Night Bulb online for $40. We also recommend the free, time-based f.lux app for your computer screen, which warms up the color temperature come sun set for an easier transition to sleep.
Images courtesy of Kendall Mills
