by Bee C.
Over the past years, LED light strips have become more popular and trendy for teens to use in their rooms. Almost every teen has an LED light or some type of light source besides regular household lights in their rooms.
The first issue is that these LED light strips affect sleep schedules. Artificial light can affect the circadian cycle which is the internal clock of the body. It lets the body know when it is time to sleep and when to wake up. Leaving LED light strips on will result in a less restful sleep.
“Artificial light disrupts our internal clock regulation,” according to a Harvard University article made in 2020. “Upon light exposure, the superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN) starts a signaling pathway that leads to a reduction in melatonin.”
A recent survey done on 50 Mountain Range Students shows that 64% of students own LED light strips, however, only a select few go to sleep with the lights still on. Out of those few who go to sleep with the lights on 90% of them get only 4-7 hours of sleep on average.
Another issue is that LED light strips can affect light pollution if light leaks at a certain angle. If light is able to be pointed to our night sky, then it will be an extra addition of light pollution.
According to a National Geographic article, “More than 80 percent of the world’s population, and 99 percent of Americans and Europeans, live under sky glow.”
Many students with LED lights argue that there is no possible way for their lights to contribute to light pollution. However, a study in 2023 done by Scientific Researcher shows that, “The angles of diffusion and direction of indoor lighting affect light pollution in different forms. The color of indoor lighting affects the amount of light pollution.”
Not only is it affecting the world’s light pollution, but artificial light will affect the human body in a variety of ways. An article refurbished in 2023 by Dark Sky Organization suggests that, “Photoreceptors in your eyes that drive this suppression are more sensitive to blue. This is why we emphasize reducing blue light content at night, to help us sleep better.”
Senior Destiny G. explains that, “The light is not as harsh as my actual lights. Which is why I like to use them over my actual house light.” Many students agree that they enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the lights and they
For those students who tend to sleep with their LED lights on, it’ll decrease and ruin the quality of their sleep. Not only for humans, but animals as well are being affected by this light pollution.
“Studies show that light pollution is also impacting animal behaviors, such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation,” explains a National Geographic article. Animals are being harmed by simple tasks which humans can cease.
Light pollution has always been around, however, with extra electricity and newer technology it has been on the spree of increasing. Extra lights being on throughout our night sky will continue to increase the light pollution within the night sky.
It’ll continue to impact the night sky and the ability to view celestial objects. To reduce the amount of light pollution people must use lights that have a specific heat level. Aim them down away from the sky and if possible turn the lights off when not being used.
It will help the planet, animals, and humans slowly if everyone makes an effort to change it. Not only that but sleep will become more restful once there is less light in the air. People will be able to have a full rest after one night.