Leaving the lights on while you sleep at night may be a common habit for some people, but it is one that can be potentially dangerous in terms of personal safety not to mention harmful to the environment and to your wallet. While turning lights on at night or in the early morning hours for a short period of time is not typically a big problem for most people, letting them stay on through the night can carry with it a number of risks that may extend far beyond the direct physical impact. As such, it is important to be aware of the dangers of leaving your lights on while sleeping at night, and to take steps to avoid them.
According to webmd, The most obvious danger of leaving your lights on while sleeping is that it can cause an increased risk of fire. All electrical appliances can become heated when left on for too long, and this includes your lighting fixtures. If left on for too long, lights can become so hot that they may pose a fire or electrocution hazard, and the risk increases the more they are left on. This is especially true of incandescent light bulbs, which quickly generate a great deal of heat, and which can remain very hot for a long time after being turned off. Fluorescent lights are less of a fire risk, but they should still be monitored if you choose to keep them on throughout the night.
In addition to the increased risk of fire, leaving your lights on while sleeping can also increase the risk of burglary. When lights are left on throughout the night, it can give the impression that the home is currently occupied or in use. This gives potential burglars an easy way to tell whether or not a house is empty and ripe for the picking. Additionally, it makes it easier for potential thieves to navigate their way around the property, as lights that are on will provide greater visibility and thus make it easier to spot objects of value.
Along with being potentially dangerous and risky, leaving lights on throughout the night can also negatively impact the environment and your wallet. Keeping lights on for an extended period of time can use up more electricity, and thus create more pollution and waste. This will drive up the electricity bill, as well, as you will be paying for electricity that is not really necessary. Additionally, fluorescent lights that are left on for too long can decrease in efficiency and may need to be replaced more frequently, leading to further expense.
All in all, it is important to be aware of the potential threats posed by leaving lights on while sleeping at night, and to take steps to ensure that this is not the case. Taking the time to turn off or unplug any lighting fixtures that do not need to be on throughout the night can potentially save time, money, and energy all around. Furthermore, it can significantly reduce the risk of a potential accident, as turning lights off can help to ensure that they remain safe and contained throughout the night. Furthermore, performing this simple act can also serve to protect your home and your possessions from potential theft or damage. With all this in mind, taking the time to turn off lights before retiring for the night can be an incredibly important task that should not be overlooked.
