10 Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps and How They Help Sleep

In the last few years, Himalayan salt lamps have become a popular interior design trend, prized not only for their unique aesthetic but also for their potential wellness benefits. Made from large chunks of pink salt mined from the Himalayan mountains, these lamps have a distinctive pink-red hue due to the rich minerals they contain, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. When lit, the salt emits a soft, soothing pink glow that instantly creates a calming ambience in any space.

Beyond their visual appeal, these lamps have therapeutic benefits. They are said to purify the air by releasing negative ions, potentially improving indoor air quality and reducing allergens. The gentle glow can also promote relaxation, aiding in better sleep and reducing stress. Whether you’re drawn to the lamps for their design or their purported health benefits, they can offer a subtle yet impactful way to transform your bedroom.

A lamp made from salt? It may sound unusual, but these lamps function like any other: when switched on, they emit light. However, Himalayan salt lamps are also believed to act as natural ionisers, meaning they change the electrical charge of the air around them.

When the lamp is warmed by the bulb, it is thought to release negative ions, which are said to have health benefits. Additionally, the salt attracts moisture from the air, trapping pollutants and allergens and potentially releasing cleaner air back into the environment.

Beyond their beauty, salt lamps offer numerous benefits, including improved sleep, enhanced mood, and air purification:

Salt lamps can help you snooze. They create a gentle, warm glow that signals to your brain that it’s time to relax, making it easier for you to transition into sleep.

The pink-red colour of the salt diffuses the light into a soft glow that mimics the sunset and helps you unwind. Unlike the blue light emitted by electronic devices, warm-coloured light promotes relaxation and sleep.

 Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night.

If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try using a salt lamp in your bedroom and putting away any electronic devices at least an hour before you want to sleep. Discover more about how your phone can disrupt your routine with our guide on how social media affects your sleep.

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 easier 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 a more effective approach to managing allergies and improving sleep, consider air purifiers, allergen-proof mattresses, and other practical solutions.

For insights on managing your allergies, check out our guide on how to sleep with hay fever at night.

Salt lamps are thought to help remove bacteria and harmful impurities by ionising the air, potentially reducing the frequency of colds and flu. This is based on the idea that cleaner air can support overall respiratory health. Additionally, some users report experiencing fewer headaches and migraines, possibly due to improved air quality and the calming ambience created by the warm glow of the lamp.

However, it’s important to note that while salt lamps’ aesthetic and mood-enhancing benefits can contribute to a more relaxing environment, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in significantly reducing airborne pathogens or preventing illness is limited.

Without a salt lamp, the air may be filled with positive ions, which can contribute to a feeling of sluggishness in the trachea when inhaled. This can make your respiratory system work harder to keep contaminants out of the lungs, potentially leading to increased coughing and discomfort.

One purported benefit of salt lamps is their ability to release negative ions into the air. When inhaled, these negative ions are believed to help cleanse the air, potentially promoting clearer lungs and improving the body’s ability to filter out pollutants.

For optimal respiratory health, consider complementing the use of salt lamps with other air quality improvement strategies, such as using air purifiers and maintaining proper humidity levels.

This study looked into the effects of ionised air on mood disorders and had some interesting findings

“Results showed negative ionisation, overall, was significantly associated with lower depression ratings.”

Although not entirely conclusive, this means that if a salt lamp can ionise the air, it has a good chance of improving one’s mood.

Sleep disorders can often accompany depression, affecting up to 80% of those with mental health challenges. However, there’s good news! By focusing on elevating your mood and mental well-being, you can significantly improve your sleep quality. One simple addition, like a salt lamp in your bedroom, could be just what you need to create a calming environment and promote restful slumber.

Improving your mental health and mood can also benefit those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition characterised by depression due to the lack of sunshine and the shorter days of winter. Salt lamps emit a soft, natural light that mimics the warm glow of sunshine. To help combat the effects of SAD, consider surrounding yourself with a few salt lamps as the darker nights set in.

By enhancing your mood, you may naturally experience improved concentration and higher 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 tasks or sleep.

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.

Not only do they enhance the ambience of your room, but they also offer a gentler alternative to traditional overhead lighting. The soft light emitted by salt lamps is easier on the eyes, reducing glare and creating a more soothing environment, especially in the evening when harsh lighting can disrupt relaxation and sleep.

We have mentioned this throughout the post, but one of the initial benefits 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.

Beyond their visual charm, salt lamps can serve as focal points in your decor, sparking conversations and drawing attention to their natural beauty. Their unique shapes and hues, ranging from soft pink to deep orange, can complement a variety of design styles, whether rustic, modern, or minimalist.

Himalayan pink salt must be mined from the Himalayas, with the most commonly used salt sourced from some of the oldest mines in Pakistan. Authentic Himalayan salt lamps should come with a label indicating their origin, so be sure to check for this when purchasing one or shop from a reputable online retailer.

Surprisingly, genuine Himalayan salt lamps tend to be more fragile and emit a softer glow than imitations. If your lamp has an exceptionally bright light or a shiny, hard surface, it’s unlikely to be an authentic Himalayan salt lamp. However, if you enjoy your lamp, there’s no need to discard it; just be mindful of these signs when you’re looking to purchase a genuine one.

There are no health risks associated with using a salt lamp, so don’t worry about having one (or many) in your home. However, there are a few other factors you may want to consider:

Salt lamps come in a variety of sizes, from just 1kg to massive 125kg towers. The average retail salt lamp weighs between 3 and 7kg, which can be a safety risk. Make sure that wherever you choose to place it, it’s on a stable surface where it’s unlikely to fall or be knocked over.

Although Himalayan pink salt is edible, the lamps are not made to be consumed. If you have children or pets in the house, ensure they are not licking the lamp or breaking off chips to eat. This can quickly lead to salt toxicity, which is when you have too much salt in your blood.

The Ontario Veterinary College put out a statement on how to know if your pets are suffering from salt toxicity:

The first signs to appear with salt toxicity are usually neurological. These include altered mental status, staggering, vomiting, difficulty seeing, and seizures.

If you notice your pet behaving abnormally, immediately go to your vet.

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, in which case 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 surface of the lamp 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.