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Blue light is the natural light that makes up some of the light we get from the sun. When the sun is at its highest point in the middle of the day, we receive the most blue light and we get the least during sunset and sunrise. Blue light helps humans align our body clocks with our environment in order to strike the balance between wakefulness and sleep.
Aside from natural blue light, there is also man-made blue light. This is generated by technology such as lighting, phones and computer screens.
Most light colours have different wavelengths and therefore different effects on our bodies. Blue wavelengths are beneficial during the hours we need to be awake, for example, while working or going about daily activities. This is because they they increase our reaction times and attention and boost our mood.
However, during the evening, when our bodies are meant to be winding down to rest, blue light can throw our circadian rhythm off. A disrupted body clock can result in poor sleep, anxiety, depression and even obesity.
During the day, the sun provides us with enough blue light to develop the melanin for when we need to go to sleep. Issues arise when we work in bright LED lighting at night, or use digital devices that emit blue light wavelengths. There are ways you can protect yourself at night, however, by using methods like blue light filter glasses and by changing your light bulbs.
If your home or workspace lighting emits cool-white, or blue-white light, replace the bulbs with those of warmer colour temperature, to give your body the best chance for a good night’s sleep. Another way to help yourself is to put your phone or device on to a night shift setting during later hours. This will reduce the amount of blue light you’re exposed to.
Perhaps the easiest way to keep your biological clock ticking correctly is to purchase and wear a pair of blue light filter glasses.
You may have heard of these glasses through friends or co-workers, or read about them, as these glasses are growing in popularity. Blue light filter glasses usually have clear lenses and are worn during the day – for example, while at work – and before bed to negate the negative effects of blue light.
It is common for people to complain of strained eyes, blurry vision and headaches from prolonged blue light exposure. Blue light filter glasses improve these symptoms using anti-glare lenses which help to alleviate eye discomfort.
These anti-glare lenses help reduce eye strain and counteract poor sleep habits caused by using electronic devices at night. Wearing blue light filter glasses is a great way to help you wake up feeling refreshed and rested from a good’s night sleep.
