We probably don't need to tell you that light plays a very important role in defining colors and the depth of tones : when you're in front of your computer, playing your favorite video game online , it's not the same to use an LED screen as it is to spend hours with a light bulb pointing at the keyboard, which can dazzle you and make you lose the game, right? Well, the same thing happens when you study.
But don't worry: by following our key guide on what light is best for studying, you'll not only be more productive, but your eyesight will suffer less, you'll barely feel those dreaded headaches, and you'll achieve much more effective results.
The importance of light to study
Lighting is an essential factor when studying. Depending on environmental factors, we can resort to different types and all of them have a direct effect on our performance.
Natural light is direct sunlight. It's the best you can use when your study table is near a window that lets in direct sunlight, especially on those long early summer afternoons when you're preparing for finals or university entrance exams (by the way, you can check here what the 2023 university entrance exams will be like ). But when the sun goes down (unfortunately), we still have to study, and artificial light becomes our ally.
Artificial light can be obtained through various types of lamps and must always be appropriate. This means it shouldn't be excessively bright nor so dim that it strains our eyes, as both cases would ultimately cause eye strain, leading to vision problems and other related symptoms.
Eye strain is , in fact, one of the biggest problems students face, preventing them from feeling comfortable and at ease during a long day of studying. Not only are nutrition and rest essential for performance, but lighting is also crucial for creating a welcoming and comfortable environment that makes studying more bearable.
Choosing the best lighting will not only prevent direct vision problems, but will also significantly increase your comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve your study performance: you'll memorize faster, concentrate better, and retain information without having to reread the text repeatedly, thus reducing your blink rate. Who knew lighting could make things so much easier?
Warm or cold light? What light is best for studying?
Perhaps you've never bothered to buy light bulbs yourself, but just as you worry about your studies, preparing for your exams, and keeping up with the best study apps (and also updating Instagram and having the latest version of Minecraft ), it's time you learned about the different lighting options available and which one is best for you when studying.
Simply put, light bulbs are classified according to the type of light they emit:
- White or cold light.
- Neutral light.
- Yellow or warm light.
The most recommended lights for studying are those with white or neutral light. As for wattage, they shouldn't exceed 60 watts, as anything higher will create a stuffy and uncomfortable environment.
Lamps with adjustable heads and articulated arms are the best option for adapting to your posture at all times. You can also try lamps that allow you to change the intensity and color temperature of the light, adapting to the different stages of eye strain you may experience.
Remember that the best option is to use a desk lamp that points directly at your books or notes to avoid glare and shadows, although you can also use your room's ceiling light. Either way, try to avoid casting shadows on your desk, so never place the lamp behind you or on the same side as your writing hand.
Blue light
Blue light has been present in our lives for some years now, whether through LEDs, xenon lights, or energy-saving light bulbs. It's also present in the electromagnetic radiation of our electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets , and smart TVs.
Is blue light good for studying? The answer is: it depends. The high percentage of blue light it contains, compared to traditional lighting, affects each of us differently. Sometimes, this type of light can be bothersome and even cause headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. Other times, the blue light filter facilitates close-up vision and maintains focus in a much more comfortable, easy, and clear way. A study from the University of Montreal even determined that blue light raises body temperature and heart rate and improves memory. It's worth a try!
When to use each light?
Neutral light mimics natural light, allowing for greater object clarity and increasing visual acuity. Often, over time, letters become blurry and unnatural: neutral light reduces this effect, making letters appear sharper and, even though the distance between your eyes and your notes is short, it helps to make them clear and unblemished.
A yellow or warm light bulb , on the other hand, doesn't accurately reproduce colors. What does this mean? It means it makes us lose focus and reduces concentration. It can cause drowsiness or lethargy. And that definitely doesn't work well for studying, does it? However, they're perfect when you've finished studying and want to relax.
Now that you are an expert in what light is best for studying, you will see how it is possible to perform much more and better when studying by taking care of your environment and feeling comfortable.
