How Does Blue Light Impact Your Sleep?

Do you look at your smartphone, computer or tablet on a typical day? If you do, then you’re being exposed to digital blue light.

Blue light is any light that you can see with a wavelength between 400 and 450 nanometers. It’s less powerful than UV rays from the sun, and is made up of short, high energy waves. Although its name makes it sound like the light is blue, it can be seen as any color visible to the human eye.

It is a well-established fact that exposure to blue light emitted by digital screens is a common cause of sleeping problems that can leave you exhausted.

At Laguna Eyes Optometry we can help you block out blue light, to help you enjoy a good night’s sleep.

What is blue light and why is it bad?

Blue light is all around us, emitted by the sun and even light bulbs. While naturally occuring blue light doesn’t appear to pose a health risk, studies have shown that the blue light emitted by digital devices can disrupt a person’s natural sleep cycle.

Here’s why.

Our eyes constantly monitor the levels of light around us. Before we had electricity, our bodies began to prepare us for sleep almost as soon as the sun set. Once the sky turned dark the melatonin hormone was naturally released, which made us sleepy and allowed us to fall into a deep sleep.

Today, we’re bombarded with artificial light. In fact, digital devices that emit blue light before bed can decrease the amount of melatonin our bodies would ordinarily release by as much as 50%! No wonder being exposed to blue light before bed can negatively impact the quality and quantity of sleep.

In addition, research has revealed that blue light from digital screens may cause eye strain, resulting in any of these symptoms: sore or tired eyes, blurry vision, headaches and sensitivity to light. Eye strain isn’t just uncomfortable, it impacts productivity both at school and at the office.

How do you counteract blue light?

Since we have screens around all the time, what can you possibly do to help avoid the consequences of digital blue light?

Cutting down the amount of time you spend on screens is the obvious answer, but this is easier said than done. A simpler and more stylish solution is blue light glasses. We offer prescription and non-prescription glasses that block blue light.

Contact Laguna Eyes Optometry at Laguna Beach to learn how you can benefit from blue light glasses.

Q: How harmful is blue light?

• A: Blue light is more of a concern than other light rays because it has more energy than other colors in the visible light spectrum. In addition, eye strain and the disruption of circadian rhythms can impact your daily performances, and scientists are also investigating whether the blue light emitted by digital devices is strong enough to affect eye health.

Q: Does blue light cause anxiety?

• A: High levels of blue light can increase our cortisol and adrenaline hormones. The increase in these levels can leave us feeling anxious.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Laguna Eyes Optometry for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.