Nocturnal Reader 101: Is LED Light Good for Reading?

Let There Be Light!

The sentence that closes out the section above may seem so simple and evident that it doesn’t even need stating, but many people really do not give too much consideration about their light source when reading. In fact, only a few people ask the question, “Is LED light good for reading at night?” Likewise, not everyone is aware of the fact that there are actually specially designed reading lights.

When it comes to reading lights, there are really three factors that make a good light source, and they are control, warmth, and longevity. Hence, it is ideal that you find a light that provides the best combination of all three, and luckily, that light exists already, and it is in the form of a LED light.

Control

LED lights provide a significant aspect of control for two reasons. Firstly, they can be easily dimmed, allowing you to set the exact light level that is most comfortable for you. Secondly, they are also usually very small.

LED reading lights come in models that are arm mounted with secure bases to sit on nearby tables. They also come with clips for bedposts, and they can even come in a form so small that they attach directly to the book. Irrespective of design, they are always near at hand and easy to operate.

Warmth

By warmth, we mean how warm the light glow is. Overhead light and traditional bulbs are extremely luminous, as they often need to push large volumes of light to fill whole rooms. That means the light is extra bright and can be cold and glaring, especially on a white book page. LEDs have a gentler, warmer glow that simply looks better on a page and is “kinder” to your eyes.

Longevity

Like control, there are actually two elements to longevity that LED lights excel at. First up, there is the fact that LED bulbs have a lifespan of around 50,000 hours.

The second advantage is that they use very low levels of electricity in order for them to operate. This is especially true with the highly mobile, smaller lights that clip directly to your books. Likewise, they also require less charging time or battery changing and more reading time.

What Are the Possible Alternatives?

Definitely, there are some alternatives, but why are they behind LEDs?

Overhead Lights or Lamps

We’re talking about light fixtures that generally use traditional bulbs whether low energy or filament. As we said above, they do create a pretty harsh light that can be uncomfortable for reading. You also have to take into consideration whoever is sharing the space with you, especially if you like reading in bed.

Overhead lights or even a lamp could throw out enough light to prevent your partner from sleeping. LED’s, as a far more localized and focused light source, are unlikely to keep anyone awake.

Candles

You know what, reading by candlelight is undoubtedly extremely atmospheric. Depending on the genre you’re reading, it can even add to the overall ambiance of the reading experience. However, they are not the best option for long-term nocturnal reading.

For one thing, it can be dangerous if you fall asleep with a load of lit candles in your room, and even if you remember to blow them all out, that can be a bit of a hassle. It’s also not the most cost-effective light source, as no pack of candles would last as nearly as the 50,000 hours of light a LED can provide.

Although at the end of the day, the preference of using LED lights can be subjective, we can still say that LED lights can be considered as the best light sources for reading at night. That is because LED lights simply tick so many boxes when it comes to the factors that you need to consider when buying a reading light.

If you prefer a different light source, that is absolutely fine, but if you haven’t even tried a reading light with LED light bulbs, then at least give it a try before making up your mind. Another advantage of LED lights is that they are affordable, so you don’t really have anything to lose.

Whatever you choose to do, happy reading!