Nightlight
A nightlight is a small light fixture, often electrical, placed for comfort or convenience in dark areas or areas that may become dark at certain times, such as in an emergency. Small long-burning candles serving a similar function are referred to as tealights.
Use and culture
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People often use nightlights for the sense of security which having a light on provides, and for a solution against nyctophobia (fear of the dark).[citation needed] Besides their usefulness to children in the allaying of their fears, nightlights are also useful to the general public by showing the general layout of a room without turning on a major light, for avoiding tripping over stairs or obstacles, or to mark an emergency exit.[citation needed] Exit signs often use tritium in the form of a traser.
Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports its receives about 10 reports per year where nightlights close to flammable materials were cited as responsible for fires; they recommend the use of nightlight with bulbs cooler than the four or seven watt bulbs used in some products.[1]
Potential health issues and benefits
A University of Pennsylvania study indicated that sleeping with the light on or with a nightlight was associated with a greater incidence of nearsightedness in children.[2] A later study at The Ohio State University, however, contradicted the earlier conclusion.[3] Both studies were published in the journal Nature.
Another study has indicated that sleeping with the light on may protect the eyes of diabetics from retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness.[4] However, the initial study is still inconclusive.
See also
References
- ^ "Fire Hazard with Nightlights". CPSC Document #5063. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
- ^ "Is Nearsightedness in Children Linked to Night Light Exposure During Sleep Before Age Two?" (PDF). Science NetLinks. American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
- ^ "Night Lights Don't Lead To Nearsightedness, Study Suggests". Science Daily. March 9, 2000. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
- ^ "Light at Night Protects Diabetics' Eyes". WebMD. June 27, 2002. Retrieved March 23, 2009.