As people age, their visual system deteriorates, making it harder to adapt to darkness—an issue that increases the risk of nighttime falls, such as when going to the bathroom. Research suggests that low-intensity visual cues can help guide older adults safely in the dark without disrupting their sleep.

Lighting that improves accurate visual perception can effectively reduce fall risk in older adults. Traditional wall-plug nightlights may actually increase instability during sit-to-stand movements. In contrast, enhanced nightlights that offer low ambient light and strong visual cues during critical transitions—like standing up—show promise for use in homes and assisted living settings.

Researchers at Mount Sinai’s Light and Health Research Center are working to gain Medicare/Medicaid support for in-home lighting systems that reduce falls in older adults. These systems illuminate doorframes to provide visual cues, helping patients navigate safely at night—such as reaching the bathroom, finding a remote, or making a call. By improving visibility, the lighting also helps reduce confusion, stress, and anxiety upon waking.

Dr. Shadab Rahman of Harvard Medical School led the first study to examine how adjusting lighting spectrum and intensity throughout the day can reduce fall risk in older adults. The findings show that upgrading ambient lighting is a safe, effective, and low-cost preventive strategy in long-term care settings—with the potential to save lives and enhance overall wellbeing.

Researchers at the Lighting Research Center (LRC) developed two night-lighting systems that significantly improved balance and walking stability in older adults. Tests showed that LED lights offering horizontal and vertical visual cues helped users maintain balance when standing up, while laser pathway lines increased walking speed and reduced step variability. These findings highlight the effectiveness of spatial cue lighting in reducing nighttime fall risk.