The reason why night lights could be ruining your little one's sleep
Contrary to what you may believe, babies are not scared of the dark.
Most of these sorts of fears do not develop until your little one is closer to 2 years of age. This is part of the reason why I recommend you switch of those night lights, particularly if your little one is under 18 months of age.
Light plays a huge role in sleep!
Did you know that in order for us to fall asleep, our bodies need to produce the hormone melatonin. There is one main trigger that stops our bodies from producing melatonin. Do you know what that trigger is? You guessed it! Its LIGHT! The best way for us to get a good night sleep is to provide ourselves and our little ones a dark room to sleep in.
So what's all the fuss about red lights?
Somewhere along the lines, you may have heard that red lights help improve your little one's sleep, whilst this statement is a myth, there is some truth to it, so let me talk you through it.
If you have a baby who sleeps in the dark normally and you introduce a red light, it is not going to improve their sleep.
BUT, if you have a baby who is sleeping with a regular night light and is sleeping poorly, introducing a red light can help improve their sleep.
You see, red light is the only form of light that does not inhibit the production of melatonin. So whilst it does not actively improve sleep, it also does not have a negative effect.
If you feel you need a night light for your benefit -
E.g. you as a parent want to be able to see your baby, this is when I would recommend a red light. Regular night lights and blue lights will impact your little ones sleep.
I also encourage the use of low lights or red lights when feeding your little one overnight so that you do not completely wake them up.
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Claire x
Claire De Simone is the founder of Hush Baby Sleep. She is a certified baby sleep consultant in Melbourne, a paediatric nurse with 10 years experience, a wife and a Mumma to 2 precious little human beings.
If you would like to work with Claire, click here to fill out a contact form or book your free 15 minute call here.
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