The Main Dangers of Being Exposed to Artificial Blue Light That You Should Be Aware Of

There is indeed a great deal of information out there about how blue light can disrupt your sleep and even cause eye problems. Artificial blue light is a form of radiation that has been shown to have harmful effects on the human body. In this article, Gilmore Health will explore some of these dangers and how you can protect yourself from them.

Blue Light Exposure

Blue Light Exposure

Disruption of circadian rhythm

The first danger is the disruption of the circadian rhythm. Blue light messes with your internal clock and can make it difficult for you to fall asleep at night. This is because blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. In this case, the seasoned providers of blue light glasses backed by science from a reputable UK store suggest that you avoid blue light exposure from screens for two to three hours before bedtime. However, if you have to use a screen before bed, make sure you use blue-light-blocking glasses. This will allow you to enjoy your evening while still being able to get a good night’s sleep. Keep in mind that sleep is incredibly important for your overall health, so you should do whatever you can to get the most restful sleep possible even if this means that you should avoid screens before bed and use blue-light-blocking glasses.

Read Also: Prolonged Exposure to Blue Light Emitted from Smartphones and Computers Could Speed up Aging

Disruption of melatonin production

The next danger is the disruption of melatonin production which can lead to poor sleep, increased risk for cancer and heart disease. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps your body regulate sleep cycles, modulate your moods, and boost immunity from various types of disease. When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, the production of melatonin is suppressed by blue light which can increase your risk for cancer and heart disease. You should avoid exposure to artificial blue light at night whenever possible to keep your body’s natural clock running smoothly. You should also consider using blue-light-blocking glasses as a way to reduce your exposure to this dangerous form of radiation.

Headaches

You could also experience headaches from being exposed to blue light. This is because when your circadian rhythm is disrupted, it can cause blood pressure levels to rise and create tension in the muscles around your head and neck. It can also lead to feelings of fatigue and irritability. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to limit your exposure to artificial blue light. Also, to help reduce the risk of getting a headache, you should try to avoid using screens before bedtime whenever possible.

Stress and anxiety

One more danger of being exposed to blue light is the increased risk for stress and anxiety. When your circadian rhythm is  disrupted, it can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. This is because when your body’s natural clock is thrown off balance, it can cause unbalanced hormone levels. This can hurt your mood, productivity, and overall health. You can help reduce the risk of experiencing stress and anxiety by simply relaxing at night, trying to read a book instead of using your gadgets.

Cancer

Cancer has been linked to exposure to artificial blue light in studies done on mice. It is not yet clear whether or not there are similar effects on human beings, but researchers are leaning towards the idea that blue light exposure could cause cancer. If you have to use a screen before bedtime, make sure it has low levels of blue light emissions. Use your best judgment based on this information when deciding whether or not to use gadgets that emit artificial blue light at night.

Just keep in mind that there are other blue light sources such as the sun which you should never look at directly without protection. You can also get blue light exposure from fluorescent lighting, LED lights, and other common household items that emit this type of radiation. This is why it’s so important to make sure your home has a few sources of artificial blue light as possible to give yourself the best chance of limiting your exposure to this danger and also getting a good night’s sleep.

Read Also: How To Choose The Right Treatment For Your Sleeping Disorder

Heart disease

Anothet possible danger is a heart disease which has also been linked to exposure to artificial blue light. This type of radiation can increase your risk for various types of heart problems including hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. It’s important to be aware of these risks and take steps to reduce your exposure to artificial blue light. You can do this by using blue-light-blocking glasses. Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce the risk of various types of disease including cancer and heart disease. They are a great way for people who have late-night jobs or hobbies that require screen time to protect their health without giving up whatever it is they love doing most in life.

Eye problems and macular degeneration

The final danger is the increased risk for eye problems. Prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other vision problems. AMD is a condition that causes damage to a part of your retina called the macula which can lead to vision loss. Cataracts are a condition that causes the lens of your eye to become cloudy which can lead to blindness.

Another danger of artificial blue light is the possibility for it to cause harm to your eyes in general, including causing permanent damage over time. Eye damage may lead to other more serious conditions such as corneal swelling, retinal toxicity, and more due to exposure to artificial blue light. This seems like a somewhat controversial claim, but many studies confirm it as fact. For example, one study found that “light-emitting devices used at night, such as smartphones and tablets, could negatively impact sleep quality” which is linked to other health problems.

However, some people believe that the amount of blue light needed to cause long-term damage is not achievable with everyday devices. So, it is still up for debate as to whether or not spending time on your phone or computer before bed will lead to long-term vision problems. Just keep in mind that the risk is there and take whatever precautions you feel are necessary.

Read Also: 4 Hours in Front of a Screen Increased the Risk of Sleep Apnea by 78%

You can help reduce your risk for these problems by trying your best to avoid exposure to artificial blue light as necessary. Hence, a blue light reduction is the best way to go about it. Luckily there are blue light blocking glasses that can be used to give your eyes the protection they need from exposure. There are many different types of lenses on the market that you should consider purchasing based on price, comfort, and effectiveness. As long as they have an anti-reflective coating and block blue light emissions from screens, you will be doing your eyes a big favor.

There are many dangers associated with being exposed to artificial blue light. The ones listed above are just a few of the dangers associated with it. Many other risks have not been mentioned in this post, so you should continue to do your research.

References

Effects of blue light on the circadian system and eye physiology

Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes

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