Night lights can be essential for midnight bathroom visits to avoid banging your knee against furniture or tripping over a sleeping pet. They're also great to have on hand to illuminate hallways and guest bathrooms when a friend or your in-laws visit. For others, a bit of light in the bedroom can create a calming effect. “Some people find that having a dim light in the bedroom can provide a sense of comfort,” says Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine. How do you go about finding the best night light to use? To help you out, we spoke to three sleep experts: Harris, Valerie Cacho, M.D., integrative sleep physician, women’s sleep expert, and CEO of Sleephoria, and Harly Greenberg, M.D., FCCP, FAASM, medical director of the Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center in Lake Success, New York. Taking in their advice, we researched the category to find best night lights for your home, considering budget, age, and quality in mind. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Splurge: Best for Kids: Best LED: Best Plug-In: Best Projector: Best Motion Sensor: Best for Babies: Best for Bathrooms: Why You Should Get It It’s a portable night light with a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Keep in Mind It’s smaller than it appears in the listing photos. Despite the fact that this is made with babies in mind, the Vava Baby Night Light is an ideal option for all ages. It’s a multifunctional night light that’s simple to use with a touch control system. It’s also portable and lightweight so you can bring it to any room you need. You can set it on a nightstand or wherever you prefer without being restricted to an area with an outlet. No need to charge it every day either, since the rechargeable battery is expected to last 100 hours. A big perk of the Vava Baby Night Light is it’s dimmable through a tap, allowing you to set it to a brightness you are comfortable with. Plus, you can switch to the RGB color mode and choose between one of eight calming colors if you prefer a different night light color. Don’t need the light the entire night? A button allows you to access the energy-saving sleep mode, which shuts off the light after an hour. The egg-shaped night light is just a bit smaller in person than it appears online. But overall, it’s a great option, whether you’re on your own or have young kids in the house since it’s made with safety in mind. Product Details: Dimensions: 3.66 x 4.72 x 3.66 inches | Power source: USB-rechargeable | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Dimmable RGB light Why You Should Get It It has a light sensor and comes in a pack of two. Keep in Mind It’s not as bright as other night lights. Two for the price of one is always hard to beat, but the GE Automatic LED Night Light also has a few more perks to offer. It’s LED, meaning this night light is long-lasting, energy efficient, and emits less heat. It’s also UL listed, meaning it meets nationally recognized safety and sustainability standards. The light sensor is another plus since you don’t have to remember to plug it in at night and unplug it in the morning. On top of that, the simple design can work well in any room, including bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. The dome shape also makes this night light trendy to boot. One downside is it’s fairly dim, so it may not be the best night light option for someone who prefers brighter light. Product Details: Dimensions: 2.05 x 3.56 x 1.79 inches | Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Energy efficient, light sensor Why You Should Get It Along with having a night light feature, it’s also a wake-up light. Keep in Mind It requires a tabletop and is bigger than your average night light. Those looking to enhance both their bedtime and morning routine may want to consider the Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light. Dr. Cacho is a fan of the adjustable light features on this machine. The bedside lamp’s midnight light setting functions as a night light that turns on only when you need it by a simple tap on the top of the machine. The soft light is enough to help you navigate without being too overpowering in the middle of the night. The night light feature is just a small part of what this gadget has to offer. There’s also a sunset simulation to get you ready to sleep and a sunrise one that gradually brings light into your bedroom in the morning. Research shows sunrise alarm clocks can improve sleep quality and reduce stress and burnout. What’s more, there are also several natural wake-up sounds, meaning you can start the day hearing birds or feeling like you’re in the forest. And Dr. Cacho points out there’s a light-guided breathing option to help you sleep. “The guided breathing is a great feature because as we slow down our breath it improves relaxation by turning on the parasympathetic system,” she explains. One thing to note: The device is bigger than an average night light and requires a tabletop. It also requires a lot more setup and hands-on use compared to a simple plug-in. Product Details: Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.6 x 4.7 inches | Power source: Corded electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: FM radio, tap snooze, and automatic dimmable display Why You Should Get It It’s also an alarm clock, sound machine, and sleep trainer. Keep in Mind It works with an AC adapter power cord, which could be a safety hazard for younger children. The Little Hippo Mella is easy to use and its playful look makes it an adorable addition to a child’s bedroom. It currently comes in four colors—teal, purple, pink, and blue—giving kids a few options to choose from. This gadget offers much more than just a night light. It works as an alarm clock, sound machine, nap timer, and sleep trainer. The latter can be invaluable for parents as the Little Hippo Mella uses facial expressions and colors to remind kids when it’s bedtime and time to wake up. The aim is to encourage little ones to get into a consistent sleep routine and stay put before the sunrise—letting parents get more sleep too! But these additional functions are best suited for when kids are at least 2 years of age. Parents should keep in mind the Little Hippo Mella does not work with a rechargeable battery and uses an AC adapter power cord so extra safety measures may need to be taken, especially for younger children. Product Details: Dimensions: 4.25 x 4.5 x 4.25 inches | Power source: Corded electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Sound machine and alarm clock Why You Should Get It It’s small and energy-saving, plus it gives off enough light to walk around in the dark. Keep in Mind There’s no motion detector feature and the bulbs aren’t replaceable. The Sycees LED Night Light is a versatile night light because it’s compact and can work well in any room or hallway. “It provides the right amount of soft, gentle light to navigate around in the dark,” Dr. Harris says. Another perk is its built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor, meaning the night light automatically turns on at night and off in the morning. You can also adjust the brightness to your liking through an easy-to-use dimmer. This night light doesn’t have a motion sensor though, so it won’t work for anyone who prefers that the light turns off once they leave a room. The bulbs also aren’t replaceable so you’ll have to throw the light out once it’s burned out. Plus, a four-pack for an affordable price makes this a solid pick for those on a budget. You can use the extra lights in other rooms or place them down a longer hallway to illuminate it at night. Product Details: Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches | Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Energy efficient, dimmable, smart light sensor Why You Should Get It You can adjust the brightness, and it comes in a pack of two. Keep in Mind You can’t turn off the night light without unplugging it. Unlike many other models, you have the option to dim or brighten the Maz-tek Plug-in LED Night Light through a switch, easily making it a best night light option. “The adjustable brightness feature on this night light allows you to customize the level of illumination, providing a comfortable and calming light for sleep or relaxation,” Dr. Harris explains. Despite the dimmer, there is no option to fully turn off the night light without unplugging it, and since there’s a dusk-to-dawn sensor, it will automatically turn on once it gets dark. This little night light will also bring some style into your bedroom, bathroom, or hallway with its rounded, slim design. Product Details: Dimensions: 2.79 x 2.76 x 0.7 inches | Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: 25 | Extra Features: Dimmable Why You Should Get It It works on any wall texture and doesn’t make noise. Keep in Mind You’ll need to download an app to use all the features. Those who prefer a light show to drift off to sleep may want to consider the Blisslights Sky Lite Evolve. It projects a starry scene of pastel shades in reds, blues, pinks, and purples across your bedroom, a feature that many find relaxing. The galaxy projector covers up to 30 by 30 feet and has a full 360-degree rotation, allowing you to rotate it in whatever direction you prefer. The average lifetime of the product is expected to be about 50,000 hours. One thing to note: It’s best to use this projector with its BlissHome app (available for iPhone and Android) as you can control it through your phone and unlock special features. The app, which can sync to Google Home and Amazon Alexa, is also where you’ll find the instructions. Product Details: Dimensions: 4.72 x 5.31 x 4.72 inches | Power source: Corded electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity Why You Should Get It It has a backlit design and features two modes. Keep in Mind The dimmer feature isn’t manually adjustable. We like the Casper Glow Night Light for its chic design and easy-to-use features. This night light has two modes that you can easily control from a switch in the back. The night owl mode switches on the motion sensor, making it useful for your bathroom, hallway, or kitchen, while the sleep mode enables the light to turn on once the room gets dark thanks to an ambient light sensor. But you can’t manually dim this night light. Instead, it brightens once it detects motion and dims when movement has stopped. Since it comes in a pack of two, you can use both in opposite modes in the same room or spread the night lights throughout your home. The backlit design gives it a stylish touch, too, making it easier on the eyes. Product Details: Dimensions: 2.3 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches| Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Dimmable Why You Should Get It It comes loaded with features like a sound machine and clock. Keep in Mind It’s on the pricier side and is easier to operate with a Wi-Fi connection and the Hatch Sleep app. This features-packed gadget is one of the best night light options for a baby’s nursery. There’s a sound machine offering ocean, rain, heartbeat, and more soothing noises, and a sleep library with songs and stories, though you’ll need a membership to access the latter. When it comes to the night light, you can choose from infinite colors or preset favorites, giving variety and freedom to alternate between preferred shades. You can set the light to range of brightness levels or turn it off completely. Although it’s on the pricier side, this machine grows with your child so they can keep using it as they get older. The night light includes a time-to-rise function letting your kid know it’s time to get out of bed, and when kids learn to tell time, the LED clock will come in handy, too. The device is also rechargeable making it easy to move it from room to room if desired, before placing it back on the charger. Another great perk for parents is you can control the machine through an app from anywhere. Product Details: Dimensions: 4.2 x 6.61 x 4.2 inches | Power source: Corded electric, rechargeable | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Sound machine color choices, dimmable, time-to-rise option, WiFi controlled, and LED clock Why You Should Get It The offset design keeps your second outlet free to plug in other items. Keep in Mind It’s on the brighter side, so it might not be ideal for bedrooms. Those who find themselves in the bathroom at 2 a.m. will want to try the Yunlex Red Night Light. It gives off enough light to safely navigate your way around the bathroom without stubbing your toe. We also like that the compact, offset design doesn’t block the second outlet, keeping it free to plug in other items like hair dryers or air fresheners. This LED night light comes in six color options and requires no maintenance—just plug it in. Another plus: It comes in a pack of two. For those wanting a night light on the dimmer side, this one might feel too bright, even on its dimmest setting. However, for a room where you won’t be sleeping, like a bathroom, the extra light can help you see a bit better. Product Details: Dimensions: 2.64 x 2.64 x 2.56 inches | Power source: Plug-in electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Automatic dawn-to-dusk illumination The best night light option is the Vava Baby Night Light. Of course it works well for babies and kids, but this night light can be just as useful for adults. It’s lightweight, has a recharging battery, and is portable so you can use it in any room of your house. The best night lights come in several power sources, including battery powered, USB rechargeable, corded electric, and plug in. It really comes down to preference and safety (see more on that below). If you’re looking for flexibility, a portable night light is your best option so you can place it anywhere in your home—no outlet required. But if you’re someone who’s likely to forget to charge a night light or to buy extra batteries, you may want to opt for a plug-in pick. Keep in mind, night lights are typically a low-powered light source, with some using even less than a watt. These Rechargeable Batteries Will Save You Money and Cut Down on Waste Night lights come in a variety of styles. There are simple no-fuss plug-ins and chic cordless devices that double as trendy nightstand accessories, white noise machines, and alarm clocks. For young sleepers, night lights also come in different shapes like kittens, stars, and shells—although there’s no harm in adults enjoying those, too. Some of the best night lights also work as projectors, which can create illusions like a starry night sky. Some of the best night lights keep it simple, while others come loaded with features. If you’re looking for a night light with extra perks, you can choose from ones that have different color hues, a sound machine, a time-to-rise option, and a motion detector. Some even work via an app on your smartphone so that you can adjust your night light—or the one in your child’s room—right from your device. Certain night lights may pose a threat to toddlers. When shopping for one, parents should keep safety in mind. “Avoid devices with cables that kids can get tangled in or electrocute themselves,” Dr. Cacho advises. “A battery-powered device would be safer.” Warm-toned lights, especially red or amber colors, are the best options for a night light, regardless of age. “These colors have lower levels of cool blue light and are more conducive to sleep,” says Dr. Harris. “Personal preference and individual needs can vary, so it’s important to pick the light color that works the best for you.” When it comes to lumens, the lower the level, the better. This can help avoid brightness that may disrupt sleep. “The dimmest possible light that would provide enough light for safety purposes would be recommended,” Dr. Greenberg says. Dr. Harris agrees, adding that a range of 5 to 50 lumens is usually recommended for night lights, although that can depend on personal preference. “It's important to look for a night light with an adjustable brightness setting to ensure the light is not too bright to disrupt sleep,” she adds. Experts agree that a dark room is the best option when it comes to bedtime. Light exposure at night may disrupt sleep and lead to negative health outcomes. “From a sleep science perspective, it is best to sleep in a dark room as light can block the release of melatonin, a natural hormone that supports our sleep,” Dr. Cacho explains. But that doesn’t mean a night light is totally out of the question. “If someone doesn't feel comfortable in a dark room, this can affect their ability to relax which can keep them from falling asleep,” Dr. Cacho says. “In this case having a night light can be beneficial to soothe them into sleep.” Some people may also need a night light for safety reasons. They can bring one into their room by keeping a few tips in mind. “If a night light is needed for safety, it should not be close to the bed,” suggests Harly Greenberg, M.D., FCCP, FAASM, medical director of the Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center in Lake Success, New York. Along with placing a night light further from the bed, sleepers should avoid using blue or white lights, which are more stimulating. Anna Halkidis is a journalist and award-winning editor with more than 10 years of experience covering health and lifestyle content. To make this list of best night lights, she considered features, sleep safety, and ratings. She consulted Shelby Harris, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, and Valerie Cacho, M.D., integrative sleep physician, women’s sleep expert, and CEO of Sleephoria. She also spoke with Harly Greenberg, M.D., FCCP, FAASM, medical director of the Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center in Lake Success, New York.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/10-best-night-lights-of-2023-51da951dab1641d592f6702cc632ddc6.jpg "Snooze Soundly With These 10 Best Night Lights, According to Sleep Experts (1)")
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GE GE Automatic LED Plug-In Night-Light
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FAQs
What is the best nightlight to not disrupt sleep? ›
Red light is by far the best calming light color for sleep. Choosing a red light as a nightlight ensures that you don't disrupt your circadian rhythm. So switching to a red light a few hours before going to bed will surely help you fall asleep easier.
What is the best light to leave on at night? ›The best night light colours for sleep are red and amber, as they are warm and soothing colour that promote a good night's sleep. It's thought that colours close to red on the light spectrum stimulate melatonin production. Red light has a lower colour temperature than regular sunlight, making it ideal for sleep.
What color night light is best for sleeping? ›Research studies discovered red to be the best color light to help you sleep, because it increases production of melatonin as well as full darkness. On the other end of the spectrum, blue is the worst.
What kind of night light is best? ›If you need to illuminate your home at night, the key is to use warmer, redder wavelengths. These are the most effective option because they have a low color temperature — far lower than regular sunlight.
What lights do not affect melatonin? ›Use dim red lights for night lights. Red light is less likely to shift circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin. Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.
Why you shouldn't sleep with a night light? ›Sleeping with a light on has been shown to increase heart rate and the risk for high blood pressure in some groups. These changes increase the chance of developing heart disease. More research is needed to understand why light exposure has such an effect on heart health.
Is purple light good for sleep? ›It's well-documented that blue light can have a negative impact on your melatonin levels. Exposure to green and purple light could also potentially hinder your ability to fall asleep, but more research is needed to fully understand their effects.
What color light is most calming? ›Blue light
According to a 2017 study in the scientific journal PLOS ONE (9), blue lighting “accelerates the relaxation process after stress in comparison with conventional white lighting.” This study found that stressed people immersed in blue light relaxed three times as quickly as in white light.
Disrupts Circadian Rhythms
Blue light exposure at night can disrupt this rhythm and keep us from getting a full, restful night's sleep — raising our risk for health problems like depression, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Warm hues of red, orange, and yellow are better for preparing the mind and body for sleep. In fact, some experts recommend switching to warm lights. View Source rather than cold blue lights in the home after the sun goes down.
What LED color is best for anxiety? ›
Blue light therapy is the most effective for anxiety and other mood disorders. This treatment aims to correct both physiological and psychological imbalances. When the body is stressed, blue light can effectively calm it. Blue light has the most energy of any color in the electromagnetic spectrum.
What does a red light in a bedroom mean? ›Putting red light on before you go to bed is a great idea because red light stimulates the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for making us sleepy. It also improves muscle regeneration which helps with muscle gain. This helps improve sleep quality and therefore improves your performance throughout the day.
What lights to use at night at home? ›Using a red light bulb will provide you with enough light to read and see during the night and give off a sunset deep orange to red glow. These red light bulbs ensure that you get the best possible sleep. The best is to have a combination of both amber and red light bulbs in your house.
How do I choose a night lamp? ›You don't want the light to be shining over your head, nor do you want it right in your eyes. Assuming that your nightstand is the same height as your mattress (or within a couple of inches), look for a lamp the same height as your nightstand plus an extra 2 or 3 inches.
What light bulbs don't affect sleep? ›According to Grandner, what you should do, however, is opt for yellow or orange-tinted bulbs, especially ones that can be dimmed or are naturally not as bright as your classic LED light bulb. Incandescent bulbs are your best bet then.
Does sleeping with a light on disrupt sleep? ›Pitch darkness reduces potential distractions and disruptions to sleep. Sleeping with a light on interferes with sleep cycles and causes more fragmented sleep, and these downsides may be greatest in the few hours before waking up.
Are LED night lights bad for sleep? ›Most people sleep better in a dark environment. Since household LED lights emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin secretion, keeping bright lamps and other lights on through the night can negatively affect your ability to fall asleep, remain asleep, and sleep for an extended period of time.
What type of light disrupts sleep? ›The screens of electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions can emit blue light that disrupts our natural sleep cycles.