Why I Switched from Fluorescent Bulbs to Incandescent Ones
It started with a headache—a persistent, throbbing annoyance that settled at the base of my skull every evening. I’d tried everything: drinking more water, reducing screen time, even switching my beloved chamomile tea for decaf coffee. Nothing worked. Then one night, while scrolling through an article on lighting (in a desperate attempt to distract myself from said headache), I stumbled upon something fascinating: fluorescent lights might actually be bad for you.
At first, I was skeptical. I mean, they’re everywhere—in offices, schools, and grocery stores. Surely, they couldn’t be that harmful, right? Spoiler alert: they can be. So, I dug deeper, tested a theory with my iPhone, and eventually made the switch to incandescent bulbs. Let me walk you through what I learned and why it might change how you see the world—literally.
The Science of Light and Sleep
Let’s start with the big one: your sleep. Studies have shown that exposure to certain types of artificial light can significantly impact your sleep quality. Fluorescent bulbs, which emit light in short, rapid pulses, are among the worst offenders. Although your eyes can’t perceive this flickering (more on that later), your brain certainly can.
Blue Light and Circadian Rhythm: Fluorescent bulbs emit a significant amount of blue light. While blue light isn’t inherently bad—the sun emits it naturally—artificial sources can confuse your circadian rhythm. Blue light suppresses melatonin production, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. This means that even if you feel tired, your brain might still think it’s noon.
In a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that exposure to fluorescent lighting before bedtime delayed melatonin production by up to 90 minutes compared to incandescent light. Think about that: your body’s natural sleep timer gets pushed back an hour and a half simply because of the lighting in your room.
The Flicker Effect
Here’s where things get wild: fluorescent bulbs flicker. A lot. Your eyes might not pick up on it, but your brain sure does. If you want proof, grab your iPhone and open the slow-motion camera mode. Point it at a fluorescent light and hit record. When you play it back, you’ll see the light pulsing like a strobe.
This flickering can have profound effects on your health:
Headaches and Migraines: Flickering lights can trigger headaches and migraines in sensitive individuals. The pulsing light overstimulates the visual cortex, which can lead to discomfort and even nausea.
Eye Strain: Your brain works overtime to process the uneven light, causing eye strain, fatigue, and even blurred vision over time.
Cognitive Fatigue: A study published in Lighting Research & Technology found that exposure to flickering lights can reduce focus and increase cognitive fatigue. Essentially, your brain is wasting energy trying to adapt to an unstable light source.
Incandescent bulbs, by contrast, emit a steady, consistent glow. No flickering. No strobing. Just warm, reliable light that’s far easier on your brain.
The Color Temperature Debate
Fluorescent bulbs typically have a higher color temperature, which translates to cooler, harsher light. This can make your space feel sterile and uninviting. Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, emit a warm, soft light that’s more reminiscent of natural sunlight. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how light affects your mood and well-being.
Warm Light = Coziness: Studies have shown that warm light (in the range of 2700-3000K) promotes relaxation and comfort. It’s why you feel more at ease in a candlelit room than in a brightly lit office.
Cool Light = Stress: Cool light (4000K and above) has been linked to increased cortisol levels, your body’s stress hormone. While this can be useful during the day when you need to stay alert, it’s not ideal for evenings or winding down.
Switching to incandescent bulbs instantly made my home feel cozier, and I found myself feeling more relaxed in the evenings. It was like flipping a switch—pun intended—on my overall stress levels.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Now, I know what you’re thinking: but aren’t incandescent bulbs worse for the environment? Yes, they consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan compared to fluorescents or LEDs. However, the impact of fluorescents on your health can outweigh their environmental benefits, especially if you’re using them in spaces where you spend a lot of time.
A Balanced Approach: To address the environmental aspect, I’ve adopted a hybrid approach. I use LEDs in areas where I need bright, functional light (like the kitchen) and reserve incandescent bulbs for spaces where I relax, like the living room and bedroom. It’s the best of both worlds.
What About LEDs?
Speaking of LEDs, they’re often touted as the gold standard for lighting. And while they’re an improvement over fluorescents, they’re not without their flaws. Many LEDs still emit blue light, which can interfere with sleep. However, newer models with "warm" or "amber" light options are a great alternative if you’re looking for energy efficiency without sacrificing your circadian rhythm.
My Personal Experience
Since switching to incandescent bulbs, my headaches have all but disappeared. My sleep quality has improved, and I wake up feeling more refreshed. Recording slow-motion videos of my lights now shows a steady glow instead of a chaotic strobe, which is oddly satisfying. Plus, my home feels cozier and more inviting—an unexpected bonus.
Final Thoughts
Lighting is one of those things we don’t think about until it’s causing a problem. But it’s worth considering how the type of light you’re exposed to affects your health, mood, and overall quality of life. While incandescent bulbs might seem old-fashioned, they offer benefits that modern lighting options often overlook. When I finally made the switch I got these bulbs to replace most at my house. I also tried these, which were great as well!
So, the next time you find yourself under the harsh glare of a fluorescent light, take a moment to consider what it might be doing to your brain, your sleep, and your overall well-being. A simple switch could make all the difference—it certainly did for me.
And hey, if you don’t believe me, just grab your iPhone, hit slow motion, and see the flicker for yourself. Once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. Trust me on this one.
