Is there anything to the thought that fluorescent lights make you tired?
Old job’s office was based out of a vehicle so most of my 10 hour shift I was getting lots of natural sunlight. Now I am no longer based out of a vehicle the building I work in is all fluorescent lighting and I am only outside about 2.5 hours of my 8 hour shift. Even with the old gig my vitamin B levels were low and I would get an injection every 3 weeks and be fine. I sleep fairly well 8 hours of sleep most of the time. I have noticed that now I am working inside I am much more tired come 7pm or so. The Vitamin B injections last about a week now instead of 3. Was thinking about getting one of those sunlight lamp things for my office. I spend 2-3 hours in my office a day. Office does not have much of a window unfortunately. Would one of those sunlight lamps help at all?
———————————————— The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad. If we got each other, and that's all we have. I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand. You should know I'll be there for you!
January 16, 2026, 06:06 PM
220-9er
Maybe your just getting less physical activity.
Most modern businesses now would be using LED's, not fluorescent, as the newer bulbs use a fraction of the electricity and produce brighter light.
The old fluorescent lights (most of them) and the LED lights are generally very limited in the emitted spectrum. Some people are sensitive to this, causing things like headaches and drowsiness, so it certainly could be affecting you. An office I worked in used to use fuller spectrum lighting when people complained, but you had to get special facilities approval because they were more expensive.
January 16, 2026, 06:15 PM
ZSMICHAEL
My nephew has one of those lamps that simulate sunshine. The further North you are the less sunlight in the winter. Never heard of fluroescent lamps being an issue.
January 16, 2026, 06:17 PM
Gustofer
Have you had your Vitamin D level checked?
________________________________________________________ It is long past time for a Convention of States. The Founding Fathers gave us this tool to fix an out of control government and we need to use it.
Fluorescent light fatigue refers to the physical and mental exhaustion some people experience when exposed to fluorescent lighting, commonly found in offices and public spaces. This fatigue is linked to several factors:
Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Fluorescent lights, especially those with high blue light content, can delay melatonin production—the hormone that regulates sleep—making it harder to fall asleep and causing daytime tiredness.
Subliminal Flicker: Even "flicker-free" fluorescent lights emit rapid, imperceptible flickers that can trigger headaches, eye strain, dizziness, and fatigue, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Eye Strain and Visual Stress: Harsh, glare-prone lighting forces the eyes to work harder, leading to sore, dry, or burning eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Research suggests that prolonged exposure to artificial light (including fluorescent and LED) can impair mitochondrial function—the energy producers in cells—reducing ATP production and contributing to chronic fatigue.
Increased Sensitivity: People with migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, or traumatic brain injuries often report worsened symptoms under fluorescent lighting, including nausea, disorientation, and increased anxiety.
January 16, 2026, 07:27 PM
HRK
Maybe that's why she was so tired.....
January 16, 2026, 07:27 PM
Black92LX
quote:
Originally posted by 220-9er: Maybe your just getting less physical activity.
Most modern businesses now would be using LED's, not fluorescent, as the newer bulbs use a fraction of the electricity and produce brighter light.
Actually getting a bit more.
Nothing modern about where I work. They are still rocking the old school fluorescent tubes.
quote:
Originally posted by Gustofer: Have you had your Vitamin D level checked?
In the tank like my Vitamin B even though I take 10,000 IUs of Vitamin D a day.
———————————————— The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad. If we got each other, and that's all we have. I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand. You should know I'll be there for you!
January 16, 2026, 08:05 PM
Gustofer
quote:
Originally posted by Black92LX:
quote:
Originally posted by Gustofer: Have you had your Vitamin D level checked?
In the tank like my Vitamin B even though I take 10,000 IUs of Vitamin D a day.
Mine is severely low as well. I was advised to take the D with K2 to enhance absorption. I'm doing 10k/day and will recheck the level at the end of the month. Anecdotally, I do feel far less lethargic on this concoction.
________________________________________________________ It is long past time for a Convention of States. The Founding Fathers gave us this tool to fix an out of control government and we need to use it.
January 16, 2026, 08:29 PM
Black92LX
How much K2 are you taking?
———————————————— The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad. If we got each other, and that's all we have. I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand. You should know I'll be there for you!
________________________________________________________ It is long past time for a Convention of States. The Founding Fathers gave us this tool to fix an out of control government and we need to use it.
January 16, 2026, 08:49 PM
P250UA5
I hate fluorescent lighting. I share an office, so when it's just me, my monitors block the motion sensor. I usually work in the dark when I'm solo, until someone walks by and turns on the lights, thinking its weird to be in the dark.
Not sure about it causing fatigue, though.
The Enemy's gate is down.
January 16, 2026, 08:59 PM
parabellum
Much akin to lower refresh rates of video screens causing viewing fatigue.
January 16, 2026, 11:29 PM
12131
quote:
Originally posted by Pipe Smoker: Fluorescent lights have never made me tired.
Me neither. My work has always been indoors, all under fluorescent lights. In fact, the clinic is on the basement level. No windows. Not even a peek of sunlight at any time.
ETA: For whatever reason, they replaced them with LED lights this past year. The only difference I notice is that they're much brighter.This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,
Q
January 17, 2026, 04:47 AM
mikeyspizza
Doesn't bother me but I know 2 people who wear shades indoors due to the lighting. Don't know if the shade are special or not.
January 17, 2026, 07:05 AM
trapper189
I’ve never liked fluorescent lights, but haven’t spent anytime figuring out why. Could be flicker, poor color temperature, poor CRI. I didn’t like how long it took for them to warm up either.
I wouldn’t doubt fluorescent lights could cause eyestrain and thus headaches and fatigue.
January 17, 2026, 07:24 AM
ridewv
I didn't know there were still florescent lights in service.
No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
January 17, 2026, 09:44 AM
snidera
For me, it's not necessarily the type of light (LED/Fluorescent), but the color temp. Flickering is also a concern.
I have found I like 5000-5500K, White with a little yellow (my opinion). The 3500 looks pink to me. It takes more wattage to make it bright enough. 6500k looks blue & appears brighter per watt, but gets harsh really quick.
Different brands/types look different and different people look at them differently. Try a few & see what works, a lot of LED lighting has selectable temperature.
January 17, 2026, 10:03 AM
tatortodd
I have a friend who is highly sensitive to fluorescent lighting. She wears blue light filtering glasses and says it helps.
Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity
DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.