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Himalayan salt lamps add a warm glow to your bedroom and are often credited with helping sleep and easing seasonal sniffles. Let’s explore what science says about these benefits and how they might improve your nighttime routine.
5 Min Read | By Lottie Salako
Last Modified 15 September 2025 First Added 4 November 2021
Himalayan salt lamps have become a popular interior design trend, prized not only for their warm, calming glow but also for their potential wellness benefits, including supporting better sleep. These lamps are made from large chunks of pink salt mined from the Himalayan mountains, carved to fit a light bulb inside. When lit, the bulb illuminates the salt, creating a soft, soothing pink-red glow that instantly adds a peaceful, relaxing ambience to any room.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Himalayan salt lamps are often said to act as natural ionisers. When warmed by the bulb, they may release negative ions, which some believe can support well-being. The salt can also attract moisture from the air, potentially trapping pollutants and allergens and creating a cleaner-feeling environment. While scientific evidence on these effects is limited, many people enjoy Himalayan salt lamps for the gentle light and calming atmosphere they bring to a bedroom or living space.
Let’s explore the top 8 benefits of Himalayan salt lamps together…
Salt lamps may help you drift off by creating a gentle, sunset-like glow that doesn’t disrupt melatonin production the way blue light from screens does. This signals to your brain that it’s time to relax, making it easier for you to transition into sleep.
Many alternative health enthusiasts say the biggest perk of Himalayan salt lamps is that they can help purify the air. They believe these lamps release negative ions by drawing in moisture from the air, which then evaporates off the warm salt surface. This process could mimic natural effects we see after a storm or in fresh mountain air, helping improve air quality and even enhancing oxygen intake. However, there’s little scientific evidence that a typical retail salt lamp produces a meaningful number of negative ions.
The ionising effect of a salt lamp is also meant to relieve allergies by purifying the air. It’s claimed that a salt lamp can trap odours, dust, and bacteria, which can help you breathe more easily and get a more restful night.
Again, there’s no scientific evidence that this is true. However, the larger lamps may have some deodorising and dehumidifying qualities because salt is hygroscopic (water-absorbing).
For more help managing your allergies at bedtime, explore our range of allergen-proof mattresses, offering irritation-free sleep.
Himalayan salt lamps are often linked to health and well-being because of their potential to improve air quality. Because they may help to reduce bacteria and impurities in the air, some people find they make breathing easier, ease coughing or asthma symptoms, and even lower the chance of colds or flu. Others notice fewer headaches and migraines, thanks to both the cleaner air and the lamp’s calming glow.
While salt lamps aren’t a cure-all, using them alongside an air purifier and maintaining healthy humidity levels can help create a fresher, more comfortable space for overall wellness.
Research suggests that Himalayan salt lamps may support mental well-being, with studies linking negative ionisation to lower depression ratings. While the findings aren’t conclusive, they point to a potential mood-boosting effect. This can be especially helpful for those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as the lamps’ warm, sun-like glow mirrors natural sunlight, bringing comfort during darker winter months.
Mood and sleep are so closely connected; in fact, sleep disorders affect up to 80% of people with depression. Supporting your emotional well-being can help improve rest, and adding a salt lamp to your bedroom may create a calming atmosphere that encourages relaxation, lifts your mood, and promotes more restorative sleep.
Enhancing your mood may naturally improve your concentration and energy levels throughout the day. The soft, glowing light emitted by salt lamps creates a calming atmosphere that can reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping to create a more focused mindset. Additionally, the ambient lighting can reduce eye strain, making it easier to concentrate on bedtime wind-down rituals like reading.
Salt lamps are an eco-friendly choice for home decor. Their bases are typically crafted from sustainable wood materials, contributing to responsible sourcing practices. They usually operate with low-wattage bulbs, consuming minimal energy while providing a warm, inviting glow.
One popular benefit of salt lamps is their overall aesthetic appeal. They add a unique, warm glow to any room, making them an excellent decor option that creates a calming atmosphere. Their shapes and hues, ranging from soft pink to deep orange, can complement a variety of design styles, whether rustic, modern, or minimalist.
To ensure your Himalayan salt lamp is authentic and likely to provide the full benefits, here are some things to look out for:
There are no health risks associated with using a salt lamp. However, there are a few other factors you may want to consider when choosing if they’re right for you:
Yes. If your salt lamp has all the safety checks required of electronic devices, then there’s no reason to worry about it being left on all night. Many people find the light calming, so it is best to leave it on until you fall asleep.
Salt lamps are also known to “weep” because salt attracts water, which collects on the lamp’s surface and becomes salt water. Some people recommend always leaving your lamp on to keep it warm and reduce water on the surface, which may wear away the lamp.
However, you can also try keeping it away from humid rooms (like the kitchen or bathroom) and regularly wiping it down when you notice water collection.
To clean a Himalayan salt lamp, simply switch it off and let it cool before gently wiping it with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking it in water, as the salt can dissolve.
Whether you’re drawn to their soft, soothing glow or are curious about their potential health perks, Himalayan salt lamps can bring both comfort and character to your bedroom. While the science is still evolving, many people enjoy the calming ambience they create, making them a simple, stylish way to support more restful nights.
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