On Wednesday, we talked about the benefits of holiday decorations on our health. Now we’re talking about the drawbacks. There are two sides to every coin.
Outdoor Christmas lights can brighten the mood and make a dreary outdoor space look joyful. Right now, the days are so short that by the time our team leaves work, it’s pitch black. But driving home and seeing the lights lifts our spirits and inspires a feeling of community during the darkest time of year.
Christmas lighting can take a toll on animal welfare, people’s sleep and our energy bills.
Nocturnal animals already struggle with light pollution. They can’t navigate as well; their mating habits are disrupted and their internal clocks are thrown off. Diurnal animals are also impacted. Birds that usually sing at dawn can end up singing near lights and end up wasting much-needed calories in the middle of winter.
Sleeping with lights on at night for humans can raise our heart rate and increase blood sugar in the morning. Turning off Christmas lights before you go to bed makes sure you and your neighbors get a good night’s sleep without extra light making its way into your bedroom.
LED lights are significantly better for your bank account. They take up less energy. But, it’s important to pick warm-colored, low-intensity strings. The blue light disrupts the production of sleep-regulating melatonin, reduces blood pressure and aids metabolic health. You also want to avoid blinking lights that cause disturbances for you and your neighbors.
Isaah Reese, operations manager for the mattress company Winstons Beds, said, “Bright, flashing or blue-toned Christmas lights before bed are a sleep hygiene disaster. They confuse your brain, suppress melatonin, the sleep hormone, and make it harder for your body to wind down.”
A timer can be a perfect option. People aren’t driving around to look at lights late in the evening, you aren’t likely to be looking out your window and everyone’s body is winding down and getting ready for sleep. A timer means you don’t have to remember to turn off your lights. That saves you money while still bringing joy to your family and community!
One final reason not to keep your lights on until dawn is the heat they produce! Fire safety experts like timers because they lower the risk of an accidental fire. Christmas lights can get extremely hot if left on for too long, for instance, all night. Giving them a break and not having to remember to switch them off means an added layer of safety this holiday season!
