You may have heard of blue light before and how it can negatively impact our sleep and overall health. However, did you know that blue light can also have positive effects on our bodies? In this newsletter, we will explore the benefits of blue light, the latest research surrounding it, and ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Blue light is a type of light that is emitted by electronic devices, such as cell phones, computers, and televisions. While prolonged exposure to blue light can disrupt our sleep cycles, it can also have positive effects on our bodies during the day.
Research has shown that blue light can help to improve cognitive function, alertness, and even mood. Exposure to blue light in the morning can help to reset our circadian rhythm, making it easier for us to fall asleep at night. In addition, blue light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
How can we incorporate blue light into our daily routines?
Improved cognitive function: Exposure to blue light can help to improve cognitive function, alertness, and focus. This can be particularly beneficial in the morning, as exposure to blue light can help to reset our circadian rhythm and increase energy levels.
Mood enhancement: Blue light has been shown to have mood-enhancing effects, which can help to improve feelings of happiness and reduce symptoms of depression. Blue light therapy has been used as an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
Increased alertness: Blue light can help to increase alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue, making it a great option for people who need to stay focused and awake for extended periods of time.
Better sleep quality: While exposure to blue light in the evening can disrupt our sleep cycles, exposure to blue light during the day can actually help to improve our sleep quality. This is because exposure to blue light in the morning can help to reset our circadian rhythm, making it easier for us to fall asleep at night.
Another way to incorporate blue light is to adjust the settings on your electronic devices. Most devices have a "night mode" or "blue light filter" setting, which reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. This can be helpful in the evening when you are winding down for bed.
In conclusion, while prolonged exposure to blue light can have negative effects on our sleep, incorporating blue light into our daily routine can have numerous benefits for our cognitive function, mood, and overall health. By spending time outdoors in the morning or investing in a light therapy box, we can take advantage of the positive effects of blue light. Remember to also adjust the settings on your electronic devices to reduce blue light exposure in the evening.
Next week we will talk about Adaptogens…
References:
"Blue Light Has a Dark Side" Harvard Health Letter, May 2012.
"Blue light therapy for seasonal affective disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis" Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2019.
"Morning light therapy for insomnia in older adults: A randomized controlled trial" Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, August 2020.