A reader asks:
Can too much neon light be bad for you? I live under a huge neon sign that shines through my windows all night.
Answer:
Your own sleep quality, daytime energy and mood state comprise the acid test of whether such nocturnal illumination is bad for you. In general, we would predict it would indeed be bad. We call this “nocturnal light pollution.” We believe it is important for bedrooms to be dark during the beginning and middle of the sleep period. Toward the end of the sleep period, however, exposure to gradually increasing dawn light — whether through the window or from an artificial dawn simulator (see CET store) — can help stabilize sleep, make waking up easier, and enhance daytime mood and energy. Your neon sign will not do this job.