Is Blue Light The Cause Of Your Health Issues?
Imagine a time without electricity. Picture yourself rising with the sun and going to sleep when the sun sets. Your body would use the natural ebb and flow of the sun to develop its own natural cycle, also known as a circadian rhythm. This cycle influences when you naturally wake, feel tired, feel hungry and even your bowel movements.
Jump to now, and we have the ability to use artificial light to stay awake and active longer. We can use a lamp to read at night, we can watch television, use our laptops in bed and even visit a 24-hour restaurant or gym. So what's the catch?
DIFFERENT COLOURS OF LIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECTS
The blue wavelengths in light are commonly found in computers, television sets, phones, tablets and LED lighting. Blue light can increase attention and create more energy which is okay during the day, but exposure to blue light at night can cause some damage. This exposure can suppress the release of melatonin, a hormone that influences our circadian rhythm.
CUE SLEEPING DISORDERS, EXHAUSTION AND MORE
All of this blue light at night is affecting our sleep and causing us to feel wired at bedtime and exhausted during the day. Studies have found that shifting a person's circadian rhythm to a less natural state can increase the risk of diabetes and depression.
A few years ago I enrolled in some sleep studies and visited a few different sleep specialists. At the time, I couldn't get to sleep until 11 am in the morning and I would sleep until 4 pm in the afternoon. I soon found out that my circadian rhythm was out of wack and I was diagnosed with a delayed phase sleep disorder. The natural ebb and flow of my body clock was extremely delayed. I have managed to bring my sleeping pattern back to a more normal and socially acceptable time by incorporating the following.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
Use red lighting in the bedrooms
Use blue light blocking glasses at night time
Use an energy light or expose yourself to the sun as soon as you wake up, to let your body clock know when it is morning and increase your energy levels.
Install blue-light filters on your computer, tablets and smart phones.
Reduce electronics at night. Instead try a hot bath, writing in a journal, reading or a relaxed game of cards with a loved one.
What do you think of this article? Do you think blue light influences your health? Are you going to incorporate any of these methods in your life? Please let me know in the comments below. And please share this article with a loved one that may benefit from reducing blue light in their life.
Much love,
