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Consumers Reports Tests LED Light Bulbs

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - LED light bulbs are game changers.

They promise to last anywhere from 23 to 46 years and thanks to electronic circuitry and semi-conductor chips, they have the potential to do more than just turn on and off.

Consumer Reports' light bulb lab is full of LED bulbs that can do lots of new tricks.

For example, the bulb LIF-X changes colors and it is supposed to keep you awake and alert.

The Definitely Digital Good Night LED for $70 claims it improves your natural sleep because it emits less blue light than other LEDs.

Consumer Reports measured the amount of blue light in the "Good Night" bulb and found it does have lower levels of blue light than other LEDs.

But, is that worth $70?

"Try a CFL. It costs a lot less than an LED and it gives off a lot less blue light," Kimberly Janeway of Consumer Reports said.

Consumer Reports recommends Walmart's Great Value Soft White 60-watt replacement CFL at just over a dollar per bulb.

As for the $70-dollar Definitely Digital Awake and Alert, it claims more blue light for improved alertness.

Consumer Reports' tests found it does deliver higher blue-light levels, but the light is not all that flattering.

Finally, the LIF-X LED bulb connects to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled using your smartphone.

It changes color and even has a strobe-light setting.

Of course, if you just want to light a room, the $99 price tag is a long way to go.

Consumer Reports said this Cree A-19 Soft White dimmable LED does just that for $8.50 per bulb.

If you have trouble sleeping, Consumer Reports' health experts recommend turning off all sources of blue light - smartphones, computer and tablet screens and TVs - several hours before you go to bed.

Be aware, any light can suppress melatonin - the hormone that facilitates sleep - although the human eye is particularly sensitive to blue light.

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