The topic of night lights is one which has been debated back and forth for years. Some parents swear by them, whilst others insist that they only prolong the time it takes for their kids to get to sleep. And of this debate have arisen several different schools of thought, each with its own particular take on the topic.
Do Night Lights Keep Children Awake?
Most adults will agree that there’s no better way to get to sleep than by ensuring that the lights are shut off. But is the same true for children? Many parents believe not, and will happily allow their child to have a light source after bedtime. But some believe that it’s just as important for kids to go without light as it is for adults. Not only can lights increase the likelihood of your child waking up, but darkness has actually been proven to be a powerful contributing factor towards getting the right kind of healthy sleep that the body needs.
Do Night Lights Damage Eyes?
A scientific study conducted back in the 90s reportedly showed that children’s eyes could be damaged by night lights. Apparently, children who slept with a night light before the age of two were found to be five times more likely to be short sighted. This figure fell to just three times more likely with toddlers. But this claim was refuted – in part – at the time, because of the lack of deterministic evidence.
If your child needs to sleep with a night light, but you’re worried about damaging their sight, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional lamps which can be used to create a more ambient lighting effect which will ease the chance of your child straining their eyes. Fairy lights, for example, make for an excellent night light alternative.
Do Night Lights Prevent Anxiety?
Perhaps the most strenuous argument in favour of night lights is that of providing your child with an extra element of reassurance at bedtime. An anxious child may feel calmed by the presence of a constant light source, and a night light will help your child to find you if they wake up in the night with an emergency! On the other hand, some experts believe that by providing a child with a night light, you may just be perpetuating this anxiety. Like any other kind of security blanket, a night light may be preventing your child from growing up.
Are Night Lights Right for You?
There’s no hard and fast rule for whether you should provide your child with a night light or not. Ultimately, the decision is down to the parent. So if you’re struggling with whether or not your should provide your child with a night light, remember; the most important person you need to listen to is your child.
