RSS FEED

Alternatives to Compact Fluorescents – for Migraineurs and the Rest of You!

May 19th, 2008

I posted last week about compact fluorescents and their impact on some migraineurs, epileptics, people with lupus and possibly other conditions.  While we work on getting Congress to amend the law which would phase out sales of incandescent bulbs by 2012, here are some thoughts about energy saving alternatives you can use at home.  Thanks to my friend Dave Cohen, of DEC Architect, an architect specializing in green design, for these suggestions.

1. Turn your lights down low – installing and using dimmers with your incandescent bulbs can save a surprising amount of energy.  Using a light bulb at 75% of full wattage can actually cut electricity use by 50%!  If you’re like me, you prefer the lights on the low side to ward off migraines anyway. 
2. Pull your window curtain – use natural light as much as possible!  If you are doing new construction,Photo_102207_002_2 build to take advantage of natural light with the orientation of your windows and use of reflective surfaces to catch and multiply that natural light.  Even with existing windows, let as much light in as possible, and do what you can to reflect it back around the room.
3. Shine the light up – (sorry I ran out of Bob Marley references there) torchiere style halogen lights can illuminate a room with less wattage than an incandescent.  Halogens are one of the lower energy use lighting sources that are under further development.  Shining the light up on the ceiling spreads it; it is also easier on migraine brains than light shining down into our eyes.
4. Light up with LEDs – LEDs are another alternative technology which are being further developed.  You know, those bright little green, blue, etc, lights?  I know some migraineurs have trouble with LEDs, which can be very bright.  An LED light which can be dimmed would be a great alternative.  (They could also save a lot of energy by removing the LED lights on my computer power cord, so my darn room could actually be dark at night.)

Any more energy saving, migraine friendly lighting tips?  Please share them in the comments.  Thanks to Dave Hobbs and his comment on the last post, for inspiring this post!

– Megan

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (but not too brightly…)

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Managing, Music, Tips & Techniques | Comments (3)

Learn to Manage your Life with Migraine:

The Six Keys to Manage Your Migraines and Take Back Your Life

You will also receive a subscription to the Free my Brain Migraine Management Newsletter.

We take your privacy seriously. We will never share your information with anyone

First Name:
Email:


That disclaimer thing...
Remember: nothing we do here is medical advice or treatment or is a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Get competent medical advice to learn more about your migraines, possible treatments and risks.


What's New on
Free My Brain:

Migraine Support Group Coaching
Register Now for 50% Off Your 1st Month!








Recent Comments

Categories

Archives