Does your child use a nightlight to fall asleep? You might be surprised to learn that something as small as a light source in their room could be quietly disrupting their sleep patterns. In this video, Dr. Brian Chen, sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains how light color, brightness, and placement can play a major role in how well your child sleeps.
🛏️ Sleep is crucial for childhood development, and understanding the impact of lighting can make a big difference. Whether your child struggles to fall asleep or frequently wakes during the night, this video offers helpful insights into how something as simple as a nightlight may be contributing to the problem—and how to fix it. 💡 Topics covered in this video: ✔️ How nightlights can interfere with melatonin production ✔️ Why blue light is the worst for sleep ✔️ Best nightlight colors for bedtime (Hint: Red is best, but orange or amber may be better for kids) ✔️ Ideal placement for a nightlight in a child’s bedroom ✔️ Tips for using auto-dimming nightlights ✔️ Why nightlights can be a matter of personal preference ✔️ When to consult a pediatrician about ongoing sleep problems 🌈 Color matters more than you think. According to Dr. Chen, blue light—similar to daylight—can significantly disrupt melatonin production, which helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Red, orange, and amber lights are better choices because they don’t interfere as much with melatonin levels. 👻 But what if your child finds red scary? Dr. Chen suggests using a warmer, softer orange or amber-colored nightlight that feels comforting but still supports better sleep. 📍 Nightlight placement tips: Put the nightlight low to the ground and avoid shining light on the ceiling. The goal is to create a calm, cozy environment—not one that signals the body to stay alert. ⏲️ Bonus Tip: Try a nightlight that dims over time and turns off automatically after your child falls asleep. This helps reinforce that it’s bedtime while preserving deep, uninterrupted sleep once they’re out. 👶 If your child continues to struggle with sleep despite your efforts, it might be time to consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist to get personalized advice.
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