From televisions, to smartphones, to tablets and gaming systems, most of us are glued to our electronic devices, but is all of that blue light harmful to our health?
Light from electronic screens comes in all colours, but blues are the worst!
Photo via Insider
Not all colours of light have the same effect. The blue wavelengths are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times and mood, however, it seems to be the most disruptive at night.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, we may be paying a price for basking in all that light at night, and throwing the body’s biological clock (or circadian rhythm), out of whack, which could also disrupt your sleep.
Some people try to get around the blue-light problem by dimming their screens or wearing special glasses, however, there is no proof that these work!
Photo via Nutrition Review
Here are the effects of blue light from your devices, according to eyeTrust Network:
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Disrupt your sleep cycle, which might leave you distracted and impair your memory the next day
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Poor night’s sleep
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Lack of sleep over time can lead to neurotoxin buildup that makes it harder to get good sleep
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Suppressed melatonin levels by blue light exposure make you more prone to depression
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Disrupting melatonin and sleep can also affect hormones that control hunger, which increases risk of obesity
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Light exposure at night has a connection to increased risk of breast and prostate cancer
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Researchers are suspecting that blue light can lead to cataracts
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Researchers indicate that long term exposure can harm the retina
Looking at your phone for a long period of time at night is not going to help your body feel ready for the next day. Exposure to blue light confuses the brain as it mimics the brightness of the sun.
So, put that phone away and try reading a book instead! Or if you’re having trouble sleeping, why not try yoga or meditation a few hours before bed to help your body relax.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
