Have you trouble sleeping? Do you feel energy drained, and do your eyes feel like they’re about to pop out of their sockets? Chances are you might be overdoing your daily screen time and consumption of blue light!
Technical developments abound in the modern world, keeping us more connected than ever before. One drawback of this digital world, though, is the ever-present blue light our devices produce. How, then, does it affect your general health and sleep? Let’s examine this.
Dealing with Blue Light
Short-wavelength blue light is one kind of light that generates more energy. Although sunlight naturally contains it, digital screens, including computers, cellphones, and TVs, also abound in it. Our blue light exposure has greatly changed since we spend more time around these devices.
How Blue Light Affects Restfulness
Our bodies control our sleep-wake cycle with an internal clock called the circadian rhythm. Blue light can throw off this pattern, which makes falling asleep more difficult at night. This is because blue light reduces the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake pattern.
The Health Consequences
Apart from disrupting sleep, long blue light exposure might cause various health problems. Some research suggests that prolonged exposure to blue light may lead to digital eye strain, which can result in headaches and dry eyes. Severe forms may result in age-related macular degeneration, a primary cause of visual loss.
Minimising The Effects
Thankfully, there are several strategies to lessen the impact of blue light:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look at anything 20 feet away during a 20-second break every 20 minutes. This can help lower digital eye strain.
- Many smartphones today have built-in settings or apps that filter blue light, which would be especially helpful in evening hours.
- Wear blue light-blocking glasses. These lenses specifically block or absorb blue light, therefore lowering exposure. Many brands these days make very fashionable frames, so you’ll look great while working!
We can enjoy the advantages of technology without endangering our health by following simple guidelines to guard our eyes and control our sleep habits. Chiropractic care is another approach to optimising your health. Set up a visit right now with our Active Health Co. Team to find out more about our ways of helping.
