Problems Sleeping in the RV?

You've probably heard the scuttle about the effect of LED lights on our sleep patterns.  According to the website LIVESCIENCE.com, the body's biological clock works in rhythms that are set by the amount of light and dark the body is exposed to. This is called the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms control
the timing of many physiological processes. They determine sleeping and feeding patterns, as well as brain activity, hormone production and cell regeneration. A little techie but sounds pretty serious. For some time doctors and others have told us to keep cell phones, appliances, modems, routers, etc., away from our sleep area.  Whether you ascribe to the idea that they are sleep inhibitors or not, most people prefer to sleep in darkness.

The Challenge in an RV

While some of today's RV's are so large that these LED lit devices can often be far enough away from where we sleep, often our devices are in view, especially due to the brightness which seems to pervade from one end of the RV to the other.  Many switches and gauges in RVs also sport these bright lights.  My cell phone and wireless charger alone make such a laser light show that I at first thought a police car with flashing lights was outside and reflecting on my wall.

So What's the Solution?

I've used a towel thrown over the offending light...somewhat unsightly but it usually blocks it out.  Then I used black, electrical type tape cut in appropriately sized pieces.  Blocks well but leaves a bit of residue on the light cover or switch.  Then I read on a FB group about LED Light Dims.  

These pre-cut shapes are reusable and they come in original strength and the black out edition.  I found that they are not really an adhesive at all buy more like the old "colorforms" we played with as kids, a sort of self stick film.  I also found that this product is available in sheets that you can cut to fit what you want to cover.  I used it on my phone glass and was still able to use the phone touch screen.

So, if this problem of bright LEDS has caused a sleep issue for you, look for LED Light Dims in your local RV Supply or feel free to hop over to Amazon at one of the product links on our post to check out the product details and order right away.  If you've found some other ingenious RV tips please share them with us in the comments.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV.