Should You Leave a Nightlight On All Night?

This is a question many parents ask themselves: is it better to leave a nightlight on all night in their child’s room? Between the need for security, sleep quality, and family habits, let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of this reassuring little light.

A comforting landmark for the child

The nightlight primarily has a strong emotional role. Many children are afraid of the dark, especially between ages 2 and 6, a period when imagination is particularly vivid. The presence of a soft light can soothe them and reduce nighttime awakenings linked to anxiety. It also serves as a point of reference: if the child wakes up, they immediately recognize their surroundings and can fall asleep more easily.

Beware of the impact on sleep

However, keeping a nightlight on continuously is not always ideal. Even a dim light can influence melatonin production, the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. The result can be harder falling asleep or lighter, less restorative sleep. Specialists therefore recommend opting for very soft light (ideally below 40 lux) and choosing warm tones like orange or red, rather than white or blue, which stimulate the brain more.

Suitable solutions

To balance safety and sleep quality, several options exist:

• Use a programmable or motion-detection nightlight that only turns on when the child wakes up or gets out of bed.
  
  

• Turn off the nightlight once the child is deeply asleep.
  
  

• Install indirect lighting, directed toward a wall or the floor, rather than a direct light near the bed.
  
  

What about babies?

Babies generally are not afraid of the dark. Until about 12 months, it’s not necessary to have a nightlight on: total darkness promotes deeper sleep. If parents need light for diaper changes or nighttime breastfeeding, it’s better to choose a very dim light placed far from the crib.

Creating a soothing bedtime ritual

More than the nightlight itself, it’s the bedtime ritual that reassures the child: a story, a cuddle, a gentle song… These shared moments provide emotional security and help the child get comfortable with nighttime.

Conclusion

Leaving a nightlight on all night isn’t necessarily bad, as long as it’s well chosen and used according to the child’s real needs. The key is to provide a reassuring environment conducive to deep sleep.

Because, in the end, the best light for good sleep is the one that leaves room for sweet dreams and restorative rest.

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