Are Your Lights Triggering Migraines?

Migraines affect millions of people, and for 60-70% of sufferers, flickering lights can be a major trigger. What many people don’t realize is that even if you can’t see the flicker, poor-quality LED lights and cheap replacement globes can create tiny fluctuations that silently affect your health.

At Response Electricians, we’re here to educate and provide solutions for a safer, healthier home environment.

Flickering Lights: The Hidden Health Risk

When we think of lighting, we often focus on brightness or energy efficiency, but the quality of your lighting matters for your health too. Inexpensive LED lights or poorly installed lighting can flicker at a rate that’s invisible to the naked eye, yet can still disrupt your nervous system and contribute to migraines, headaches, and even eye strain. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained migraines, it could be linked to your home lighting.

What Can You Do ABOUT IT?

If flickering lights are triggering your migraines, there are several steps you can take to reduce the impact. Often, the problem lies in poor-quality or cheap LED lights that flicker at a rate your eyes can’t detect but can still affect your nervous system. Here’s what you can do:

1. Upgrade to Higher-Quality LED Lights

Cheap LED lights are more likely to flicker and cause discomfort. Upgrading to higher-quality LEDs can help eliminate flickering, improving both your lighting and your overall well-being.

What to do:

• Replace bulbs in high-use areas like living rooms and kitchens to see if it reduces symptoms.

2. Adjust the Brightness Levels

Harsh, overly bright lights can strain your eyes and trigger migraines. You can reduce the impact by adjusting the brightness in your home to create a softer, more comfortable environment.

What to do:

• Use dimmer switches or smart lighting controls to fine-tune the brightness levels in each room.

3. Limit Exposure to Harsh Lighting

If flickering or bright lights tend to trigger migraines, be mindful of your lighting exposure throughout the day.

What to do:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to fluorescent lighting, which can also contribute to migraines.

4. Check Your Light Fixtures and Wiring

Sometimes the issue isn’t just the bulb but the fixture or wiring. Flickering can happen when light fixtures are outdated or when the wiring isn’t properly installed, causing intermittent electrical current.

What to do:

• If flickering persists even after changing bulbs, it’s a good idea to contact a licensed electrician to ensure all wiring is safe and up to code. They can also assess whether your fixtures need repair or an upgrade to prevent further issues.

Get the Facts, Make Your Choice

If flickering lights might be affecting your health, we’re ready to help you understand the issue and guide you through possible solutions. Our goal is to inform, not to pressure—you decide what’s best for your home and health. Contact us today for advice you can trust, from the electricians in Perth who care about your well-being.