For thousands of years, humans have been naturally inclined to sleep when darkness falls at night. However, the presence of annoying indicator lights on household electronics can disrupt this natural sleep cycle. A neuroscientist from Harvard Medical School, Steven Lockley, emphasizes the negative effects of exposure to light at night. The prevalence of these indicator lights has increased, and they are often brighter than before, making it difficult for people to achieve restful sleep.
Individuals like Kyle Moschen and Jonathan King have found creative solutions to deal with the excess bright lights in their living spaces. Moschen uses blackout stickers or tape to cover up the lights in his apartment, while King resorts to covering his headphones with a shirt or wearing a face mask to block out the light. Retailers like Amazon provide various options for blackout stickers and sheets to help individuals minimize the impact of indicator lights on their sleep.
Indicator lights serve practical and aesthetic purposes, reflecting the status of a device and enhancing its design. LED lights are the most common type of indicator lights used in electronics due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. The introduction of blue LED lights in the 1990s revolutionized the industry and gave consumer electronics a modern appearance. While some manufacturers include indicator lights for aesthetic appeal, others choose to omit them based on cost or the simplicity of the device.
David Loftus, president of the Electronic Components Industry Association, highlights the importance of indicator lights in enhancing the user experience of electronic devices. Manufacturers like Legrand utilize indicator lights for functional, aesthetic, and safety reasons, aiming to improve the overall user experience. Manny Linhares Jr., senior director of product management at Legrand, emphasizes that the addition of LED lights is purposeful and enhances the functionality of their products. These lights can also serve as night lights, providing subtle illumination in dark spaces.
In conclusion, the presence of bright indicator lights on household electronics can disrupt sleep patterns and cause discomfort for individuals trying to rest. Creative solutions like blackout stickers and covering lights with clothing can help minimize the impact of these lights on sleep. Manufacturers incorporate indicator lights for practical and aesthetic purposes, with LED lights being the most common choice for their efficiency and longevity. Overall, the balance between functionality and design is essential in the inclusion of indicator lights in electronic devices.
