Can red light really help you sleep? Experts weigh in

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe claim under review: a red light in your bedroom will help you sleep.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd I'm already sold, because a glowing lamp is the only thing in my life that's ever calmed me down.

3. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNBC News asked sleep experts. One says red light may improve sleep quality, but not necessarily how long you sleep or how often you wake.

4. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorQuality is the whole point, Hank. I've never once timed a facial.

5. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe most cited study used twenty female basketball players, thirty minutes a night, fourteen days. The machine looked like a tanning bed, according to CNN.

6. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo it's elite-athlete tested. I'd call that a premium sleep pedigree.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA small GoodRx-cited study of a hundred and fourteen people found red light users woke more often and reported more anxiety.

8. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA hundred and fourteen people, more anxiety, more waking. That's a loyalty program.

9. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorI'd rate it Medium Bonkers. One expert calls it, quote, not a magic sleep switch.

10. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe helight one in the article is a hundred and thirty-nine dollars. The sleep is still free, and nobody's selling it.