Last Updated on May 14, 2022 by The Tutor
Best Lighting for Migraines or headaches
Migraine sufferers will tell you that their headaches get triggered by so many things. The migraine sensitivity to things like sleep deprivation, stress and other factors can be something that is extremely difficult to deal with.
A recent survey indicates that almost 90% of all migraine sufferers are triggered by bright or flickering lights. This can either be due to the brightness, the color temperature, or even the light wavelengths.
What is the Best Lighting for Migraines?
Dimmed down incandescent lighting has always been the best lighting for migraines, but since those bulbs are essentially eliminated, your best choice will be the light from a 2700k LED bulb.
The Main Reasons Why Light Can Cause Migraines
- The brightness of the light
- The flickering or pulsating of the light source
- When the Kelvin color temperature is more blue
- When the light source is high in contrast.
Brightness of the Light
Bright light creates a response from your eyes that can make migraines more intense. Some people have their worst reactions when exposed to sunlight which is the brightest light you can find.
The dimer the light, the less chances it will trigger a migraine. This is another reason why migraine sufferers go lay down in a dark room when they have a migraine attack.
Flickering or Pulsating Light
The subliminal and sometimes visible pulsating of various light sources such as fluorescent lights can trigger a migraine an even make you feel nauseas. Any light source that flickers or pulsates should be avoided.
Blue Kelvin Color Temperature
Lighting that is more blue-green or higher on the kelvin temperature scale will bring on migraines more so than lights that are more yellow or lower on the temperature scale.
High Contrast Light Sources
These lights are flashing more than flickering. This can be a TV screen, computer monitor, strobe lights, headlights or any other light source that produces this type of effect. This is a reason why migraine suffers often cannot even watch TV but do not mind just listening to it.
The Best Lighting for Migraines
The best bulb will be ones that are warmer in color and do not flicker in any way. We will take you through the best and worst options below. We understand that cost is not an issue here because migraine sufferers will pay anything to help reduce their pain.
Incandescent Light Bulbs – Best but unavailable
These may be your best option since they do not flicker at all, not even when dimmed. Incandescent bulbs tend to be warmer and more yellow in color.
The problem is incandescent bulbs have all been eliminated from the market. They have been phased out so you will need to try the second best option below.
LED Light Bulbs – Best Option for Migraines
These bulbs do not flicker at all since they are not made with fluorescent technology. They provide the most even light you can find which means you will also not get varying contrasts. These bulbs now provide the best lighting for migraines.
Many LED bulbs come with higher kelvin temperatures. Be sure to buy bulbs that are 2700k or less if you are trying to reduce migraine suffering. Although you may want to dim them down, I do not recommend using a dimmer unless you pair the bulbs with a compatible LED dimmer. Otherwise, your LED lights may buzz or hum which will also negatively impact your migraine.
Halogen Light Bulbs – Second Best Option for Migraines
Halogens are similar to incandescent bulbs in that they provide a more yellow light source with little to no flickering. The problem is these bulbs get extremely hot.
Fluorescent CFL Light Bulbs – Worst Option for Migraines
CFL’s or fluorescent bulbs are absolutely not recommended for migraine sufferers. They flicker by nature and when they are not operating properly, you can actually see them flicker. In addition to the flickering, their light tends to be more blue.
Fluorescent bulbs should never be considered as an option when it comes to reducing the effects of migraine headaches.
Summary
The best scenario for you as a migraine sufferer is to sit in the dark if you are experiencing a migraine attack. However, to eliminate the possibility of a migraine episode, you should have LED lights that are at 2700k.
Related Questions
Which Light Temperature is Best for Migraines?
The warmer the Kelvin light temperature the easier the light will be on your migraines. Therefore, whichever bulb type you choose, try to find one that is rated at 2700k or less. The bulbs that are more blue or higher in kelvin temperature will likely be more of a problem for those who suffer from migraines.
Do Computer Screens Cause Migraines?
There are some computer screens that can tripper a migraine episode or make one much worse. The light coming from your computer screen is always flickering but it is happening so fast that you can barely see it.
To help with this, you should take frequent breaks from sitting at your computer. The other thing you can do is adjust the frequency setting on your monitor to a higher HZ.
Can Bright Lights Cause Ocular Migraines?
Ocular migraines are triggered by things such as stress, smoking, dehydration, low blood sugar and excessive heat just to name a few. However, bright lights can also increase the intensity of the ocular migraine. Bright lights can also can be the final cause that triggers the migraine.
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Hello, My husband and I are soon to move house. I have a loft full of incandescent light bulbs saved up because I am a migraine sufferer. Our current home has the old fashioned fixtures which mean we can use these here. Is there any way we can alter the fixtures in our new home? Are the old fixtures still available? I note that if not possible, LED is best. Thank you.
You can use the old fixtures and add LED bulbs or, you can use the incandescent bulbs if you prefer. The newer fixtures will still work with them.