Do you ever lie in bed wondering why sleep eludes you, even though you’re exhausted? Or why your eyes feel so tired after a day behind a screen? Blue light has a lot to do with it! Let’s chat about the mixed bag of benefits and challenges that blue light brings to our health.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. It has a short wavelength, which means it produces higher amounts of energy. Sources of blue light include the sun, which is natural, and digital screens, LED, and fluorescent lighting, which are man-made.
Positive Effects of Blue Light
Exposure to blue light during daytime hours has several benefits. It boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function, and elevates mood. Most importantly, it regulates circadian rhythm—the body’s natural wake and sleep cycles.
Negative Effects of Blue Light
While beneficial during the day, exposure to blue light can be detrimental at night. It can disrupt the circadian rhythm by inhibiting the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals your body it’s time to sleep. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep quality.