Recent discussions have raised questions about the impact of night-lights on children’s sleep and whether using them may cause fear of darkness. Experts from UCLA Health addressed these concerns, noting that optimal sleep conditions include a dark, quiet environment with moderate temperatures. However, they also clarified that night-lights are not inherently harmful to children.
According to UCLA Health, children’s circadian systems—which help regulate their sleep cycles—are still developing. Exposure to light at night, even from a dim source like a stuffed animal or night-light, can slightly shift the body’s sense of when it should begin sleeping by delaying internal signals for rest. “This doesn’t mean night-lights have to be banished, but it’s a useful piece of information for managing children’s sleep. You can always plan for a transition to a darker room in the future,” stated the experts.
Addressing fears related to darkness, UCLA Health explained that such anxieties are common in early childhood development and typically emerge between ages 2 and 3, peaking around ages 3 to 6. “While a night-light can ease a fear of the dark, it’s not likely to cause it. What does matter is whether the light becomes a permanent fixture. If they never have darkness, a child can’t make the important discovery that their room is just as safe without a light on,” said representatives.
The consensus is that temporary use of night-lights poses no harm if parents eventually encourage children to sleep without them.
Readers seeking further advice were encouraged to contact Ask the Doctors at UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations in Los Angeles.
