How a Book Light Transformed My Bedtime Reading Routine as a Mom
🔍 User Story: Joanna’s Bedtime Reading Escape with 86lux
The Nighttime Reading Struggle as a Mom
As a stay-at-home mom of two and a part-time motherhood blogger, I’ve learned to cherish the rare, quiet pockets of the day. And for me, bedtime reading has always been my little escape — a way to unwind, reset, and enjoy something that’s just mine. But for a long time, that peaceful ritual came with way too much hassle.
Most nights, I’d find myself awkwardly hunched under a dim bedside lamp, trying to position the light just right so I wouldn’t wake my baby or my partner. I tried cheap clip-on lights too, but they were either blindingly bright or flickered like a bad horror movie. More than once, I gave up halfway through a chapter because my eyes were aching and the baby stirred. My partner? Also, not a fan of the accidental 1AM light show. And as someone who’s guilty of the “just one more chapter” habit, I knew something had to change.
A Lightbulb Moment: The Tiny Book Light That Changed Everything
One night, after yet another frustrating battle with my clunky bedside lamp, I came across a small clip-on reading light from 86lux that other moms were raving about. Honestly? I didn’t think much of it — how much difference could one little light make?
But the first night I used it felt like a total plot twist.
I clipped it onto my book, and suddenly there it was, a soft, warm glow lighting up just the page. No more twisting like a pretzel to get the angle right. No more blinding the entire room. My partner kept snoring peacefully, the baby didn’t stir, and for the first time in ages, my eyes felt relaxed. I remember thinking, “Where has this been all my life?”
It turns out my immediate comfort wasn’t just in my head. Later, I geeked out a bit and learned that the team behind 86lux spent over a dozen years in optical R&D refining these lights to be easy on the eyes (and on sleeping partners!). They’re engineered with the kind of care a book-nerd mom appreciates. For example, the design includes:
High-quality, warm LEDs that create a cozy amber glow instead of a harsh white beam.
Glare-softening lenses that diffuse the light evenly across the page (no weird bright hotspots).
Multiple brightness & color settings that mimic natural, warm hues, so I can dial the light just right for any situation – even the lowest setting for when I’m reading during my baby’s bedtime.
These thoughtful details were a game-changer. The light isn’t the cold, bluish glare I was used to; it’s a smooth, warm radiance. In fact, I later learned sleep experts actually recommend using dim, amber-toned light at night instead of bright blue light. That’s exactly the vibe my 86lux light gives – a private little oasis of soft amber light. No flicker, no blinding LED whiteness. It’s like the Goldilocks of bedside lighting, just right.
"As someone guilty of the ‘just one more chapter’ habit at 1AM, this light has changed everything — no more straining my eyes or waking up my partner. Just me, my book, and the perfect warm glow."
— Joanna
Why the Right Light Changes the Bedtime Game
Once I sorted out my lighting, something almost magical happened: I started genuinely looking forward to my bedtime reading again. My book and my light became this little nighttime sanctuary I could count on. With the room dark and just my page softly lit, I felt completely cocooned in the story. The ambiance? Spot on, a calm pool of light in a sea of quiet.
It turns out, there’s actual science behind that cozy feeling. Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, and I believe it. As soon as I dive into a chapter under that soft glow, the tension from the day just melts. There are no screens, no buzzing notifications — just me, my book, and the gentle hum of stillness. Sometimes, I’m so relaxed I literally fall asleep mid-page (book-on-face style, of course).
And the quality of light really does matter more than I expected. Reading under a flickering or harsh blue light? That’s a fast track to eye strain and frustration. But the warm, steady beam of the 86lux light? Game changer. No glare, no hot spots — just smooth, even light that lets my eyes rest while I read. I’ve noticed I can read longer, feel calmer, and honestly… I fall asleep easier too. When I finally click off my book light, I’m in a calm headspace instead of being wired from late-night screen time. Who knew that a little gadget and a beloved paperback could team up to be my sleep therapy?
If you're a fellow mom, a late-night reader, or just someone who craves a bit of peace at the end of a long day, I can’t recommend it enough. Sometimes, all it takes is the right light to make space for yourself again — and maybe a good book (or three).
If you’re curious, here’s the exact book light I’ve been using. Small but mighty, and now a non-negotiable part of my nightly routine.
Sources:
Blue light has a dark side | Harvard Health Publishing
The Effects of Blue Light on Your Health｜Eye Surgery Guide
Blue Light and Eye Health | South Bay Retina