Himalayan salt lamps were very popular in the 1980s and have recently made a resurgence. You’ve probably noticed them on an Instagram feed. These popular lamps have been popping up on social media feeds left and right.
Himalayan salt lamps are made out of pink Himalayan salt crystals and emit a warm, amber-colored hue. These lamps are definitely good-looking and can enhance the ambiance of a room. Advocates claim that the value of salt lamps goes way beyond pure aesthetics.
According to fans, Himalayan salt lamps have various health benefits. They are said to help reduce allergies, improve mood, and help with sleep. While these claims are impressive, is there any truth to them — especially when it comes to sleep? There are many skeptics who say the benefits are way overblown. Let’s take a deeper look at the science behind these popular lamps and what the research actually says.
What Are Himalayan Salt Lamps?
Salt lamps are made of amber-colored rock salt found in the Himalayan mountains, which are located in Pakistan, Nepal, and India. The salt itself is mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan.
After being mined, the salt, which looks like a jagged crystal, is hallowed out to fit a lightbulb inside. When lit, the lamp emits a warm pinkish glow similar to a sunset. The heat emitted from the lamp causes salt to be released into the air.
The Hype
So, what does a Himalayan salt lamp actually do? Studies have found that, when the lamp is lit, the heated salt attracts water from the surrounding air. This forms a solution that releases negative ions into the air when it evaporates. This solution draws out allergens, pollutants, and toxins from the surrounding area.
Negative ions are naturally found near waterfalls, mountain areas, and beaches. Besides purifying the air, they are said to be beneficial for both mental and physical health.
Supposed Benefits of Salt Lamps
People claim that Himalayan salt has all kinds of benefits. It is said to help with:
- Mood
- Respiratory conditions (by improving air quality)
- Sleep
Regarding the above claims, there is no solid evidence to back them up. In fact, a class-action lawsuit against one manufacturer of these lamps found that they carry no health benefits despite the manufacturer's claims to the contrary. If preliminary research has been conducted on the health benefits, it is very scant. More robust studies are needed before making any conclusions about the benefits of Himalayan salt.
Himalayan Salt Lamps and Sleep: What Science Says
Can Himalayan salt lamps help you sleep better? As noted above, the research on the effects of salt lamps on sleep is pretty sparse. When it comes to sleep, there aren’t any large studies with promising results. Some data suggest that negative ions in the air may improve people’s mood and help with depression. If true, this could potentially help with sleep, as sleep and mood issues are connected. However, scientists say that further research is needed to back up this claim.
Himalayan salt lamps have not been shown in studies to generate enough negative ions to really make a difference on mood symptoms, contrary to popular belief among enthusiasts. Currently, it’s unclear whether salt lamps even produce ions at all. Getting salt to release negative ions requires a lot of heat — and salt lamps simply don’t generate that much heat. They are illuminated with low-watt bulbs.
The bottom line: The scientific evidence is lacking to support the claim that Himalayan salt lamps help with sleep deprivation or serious sleep issues.
Where Himalayan Salt Lamps Shine
While most of the health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps lack evidence, it might be worth it to swap one of your bedroom lamps for a Himalayan salt lamp. Here’s why: these lamps add a calming ambiance to a room. This creates a tranquil environment, which could help you feel more relaxed as you wind down for bed. Plenty of evidence shows that when you feel stressed, it can negatively impact sleep. Conversely, if you feel calm and relaxed, you are more likely to fall asleep faster and have less fragmented sleep.
Dangers of Himalayan Salt Lamps
If you have pets, you might want to reconsider getting a Himalayan salt lamp or place it in an area out of reach of your pets. Some pets like to lick the lamps (because they taste like salt). According to veterinary experts, ingesting too much salt is toxic to both dogs and cats. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting and potentially lead to death in your furry friends.
Also, there have been Himalayan salt lamps recalled due to potential fire and shock hazards related to a faulty switch or outlet plug. Before purchasing a lamp, especially if it is second-hand, check to make sure it hasn’t been recalled.
Buying a Himalayan Salt Lamp
There are many different types of Himalayan salt lamps. They range in style and color. Choose one that complements your room decor.
If you decide to purchase a salt lamp, look for one that has been made with genuine Himalayan rock salt. Real salt lamps have a pink, reddish, or orange color. They have a warm, sunset-like glow when turned on. There are “fake” salt lamps out there. These might be cheaper, but they often emit too much light, which could interfere with your sleep. Real salt lamps aren’t meant to light up the entire room.
The Takeaway
Salt lamps are great for decorative purposes—and they can add a calming ambiance to your bedroom. This might be able to help you relax before bed and potentially fall asleep faster and sleep better. However, these lamps won’t work miracles for your sleep. If you have insomnia or severe sleep issues, it’s best to consult a board-certified sleep specialist.
