Can LED Lighting Cause Headaches?

LED lighting has become increasingly popular due to its energy efficiency and long lifespan. However, some people have reported experiencing headaches after using LED lights. In this blog post, we'll explore the potential causes of these headaches and discuss how to choose headache-free LED lighting solutions.

Potential Causes of LED-Related Headaches

1. Blue Light Exposure: LED lights emit a higher proportion of blue light than traditional incandescent bulbs. Excessive exposure to blue light can disrupt sleep patterns and potentially contribute to headaches.
2. Flickering: Some LED lights may flicker, which can cause eye strain and headaches.
3. Poor Quality LED Lights: Low-quality LED lights may emit inconsistent light, which can also lead to eye discomfort.

Do Colours have an Effect? 

Studies have shown that the colour of the light emitted can potentially have an impact on relieving or intensifying headaches and migraines caused by LED lighting.

A study from MedicalNewsToday stated that the colour of LEDs may make a difference in how they affect headaches and migraine. A 2016 study suggests certain LED colours may cause headaches due to their effect on the retina and light-sensitive nerve cells in the brain. Blue light is usually the most painful light for people.

According to a 2016 study, white, blue, amber, and red light worsens migraine considerably more than green light. Its authors state that blue and red light may cause the most sensitivity in people with migraine.

The findings of a 2021 small-scale study suggest green light may help improve migraine. The study involved 29 people with either episodic or chronic migraine. Researchers exposed the participants to white and green LEDs for 1-2 hours per day for 10 weeks and compared the results.

They found that exposure to green LEDs significantly decreased the number of headache days, improved quality of life, and reduced the intensity and duration of headache attacks, with no reported side effects. 

Choosing Headache-Free LED Lighting

1. Look for Warm White LEDs: Warmer white LEDs emit less blue light than cooler white LEDs, making them a better choice for reducing potential headaches.
2. Consider Dimmable Options: Dimmable LED lights allow you to adjust the brightness to a comfortable level, reducing eye strain.
3. Invest in Quality LED Lights: High-quality LED lights from reputable manufacturers are less likely to flicker or emit inconsistent light.
4. Take Breaks: Even with the best LED lighting, it's important to take regular breaks from screens and bright lights to give your eyes a rest.

While LED lighting can be a great choice for energy efficiency and long-term savings, it's important to choose the right type of LED lights to avoid potential headaches. By following the tips in this blog post, you can select LED lighting solutions that are both effective and comfortable for your eyes.

HUAYI Lighting is a leading provider of high-quality, headache-free LED lighting solutions. Our products are designed to meet the needs of procurement managers, architects, and engineers who are looking for energy-efficient and comfortable lighting options.

If you're looking for high quality lighting solutions that increase the comfort of your guests, staff or customers, get in touch with us today!