Our environment is changing but our bodies are not
In today’s blog we are going to cover some basics and explain why it is so important to use blue light glasses.
- What is Blue light?
- How does Blue light affect your body?
- How can Blue light glasses help?
- Conclusion
What is Blue light?
Blue light is a color in the light spectrum visible to the human eye. Although a lot of people do not know it actually does not appear blue to the naked eye.
It is a short wavelength, from 400 to 500 nanometers, that produces high amounts of energy and it is often referred as HEV or high-energy visible light.
To be clear, any source of visible light emits blue light, from an artificial source like a screen or a lightbulb, to a natural one like the sun.
It all comes down to the time of the day that you are exposed to this light.
How does Blue light affect your body?
Before the invention of artificial light, the sun was the one regulating our sleep schedules. After sunset, the red colors before darkness would signal our brains that it was time to produce melatonin (the hormone that triggers sleep) and prepare the body for sleep.
With the advent of artificial light, our exposure patterns to various light types, including blue light, have changed. This shift has led to discussions among experts about how artificial light might influence our natural rhythms.
While it's understood that bright light affects the production of melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, there's ongoing research into how specific types of light, such as blue light, might impact this process. Some suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light, especially in the evenings, could affect our natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm.
How can Blue light glasses help?
Wearing blue light glasses, particularly in the evenings, is thought by some to help signal to the brain that it's no longer daytime, potentially aiding in the natural process of melatonin production.
Users of blue light glasses have reported various experiences, including:
- Feeling they have improved sleep quality, which they attribute to possible changes in melatonin production.
- Some report fewer headaches and reduced tiredness, which they associate with better sleep.
- Others note reduced eye strain, attributing it to less exposure to blue light.
Additionally, anecdotal reports include:
- Feeling more energetic, which users link to improved sleep.
- Noticing changes in their daily rhythm after adjusting their exposure to blue light.
- Experiencing an overall improvement in mood, which they relate to the combined benefits of these changes.
Conclusion
In the context of our modern environment, where blue light exposure is common, especially from screens, there's growing interest in exploring ways to mitigate its potential impact on our sleep patterns and general well-being.
Considering the role of blue light, particularly in the evenings, might be an aspect to look at for those interested in optimizing their sleep and overall well-being.