If you want a good night's sleep, blue light is a very important factor. We are not only talking about sunlight, but also about artificial light emitted by various devices. In this article we will tell you how to sleep problems can be avoided.
What is blue light?
Blue light comes in two forms: natural blue light and artificial blue light.
The natural blue light can be found in the sun, it also regulates our sleep cycle by indicating the difference between day and night.
The artificial blue light can be found in devices such as TV, tablet, smartphone, LED lamps... This light is very strong and can therefore be harmful to your eyes, but also to your general health.
Why is blue light bad for my sleep?
When it gets dark at the end of the day, our brains start producing the substance melatonin. This substance signals to our brain that it is time to go to sleep.
When you are exposed to blue light, it inhibits the production of the substance melatonin. This can lead to insomnia.
So it goes without saying that when this hormone is disrupted, your sleep suffers.
In the long term, your body will also suffer physically and mentally from this sleep deprivation and you will experience complaints such as:
- Moodiness;
- Concentration disorders;
- Daytime sleepiness;
- Headache;
- Increased risk of heart problems and diabetes.
Blue light is not only harmful to our sleep but also to our eyes.
It is therefore very important to protect ourselves as much as possible against blue light. This is not always easy since many devices emit blue light.
How do I protect myself?
- Don't use screens right before you go to sleep
- Do not work on the computer for more than 5 to 6 hours a day and take a break every two hours;
- Keep sufficient distance between yourself and a screen;
- Blink your eyes regularly;
- You can also install apps that filter the blue light;
- You can also wear special glasses that filter the blue light;
Which light makes us sleep better?
According to experts, red light would help us sleep better, further research is still being done to confirm this study.
In the meantime, a lot of research has already been done into the effects of light on our sleep. This shows that we benefit from light that we can adjust as evening approaches and we close the day. This way you can dim your light in the evening and your brain will receive the information to produce the substance melatonin. This automatically makes you sleepy.
Of course, it is not the intention to quickly check your mobile phone or laptop before going to sleep. This inhibits the production of melatonin, which will negatively affect your sleep. Your brain will then be busy processing information again, which will make it more difficult for you to fall asleep.
Enjoy your night's sleep!
