Get 20% off 2 or more full priced Baxters or Wellbeing products! Add another full priced item below and a 20% discount will be applied to your overall order at checkout. That's right, 20% OFF your order!
Choose a category
What happens when you are exposed to blue light at night?
14.03.23
In our modern age, technology has made it easy to stay connected and entertained even late into the night. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as exposure to blue light at night can disrupt our natural sleep patterns and lead to a host of health problems. In this blog post, we'll explore what blue light is, how it affects our sleep, and what we can do to minimize its negative effects.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light that has a short wavelength and high frequency. It is found naturally in sunlight and is also emitted by many electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and televisions. While blue light is necessary for regulating our circadian rhythms (our internal body clock), exposure to too much blue light at the wrong time can lead to sleep disturbances.
How Does Blue Light Affect Our Sleep?
Our bodies are designed to follow a natural sleep-wake cycle that is regulated by our exposure to light and darkness. When we are exposed to bright light, our brains produce less of the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for making us feel sleepy. This is why we tend to feel more alert and awake during the daytime and become tired at night when it's dark.
However, exposure to blue light at night can disrupt this natural process. When we use electronic devices or have bright lights on in the evening, our brains are tricked into thinking that it's still daytime. This can delay the production of melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Additionally, exposure to blue light at night has been shown to decrease the amount of REM sleep we get, which is important for memory consolidation and learning.
What Can We Do to Minimise the Negative Effects of Blue Light in the evening?
Fortunately, there are several things we can do to minimise the negative effects of blue light on our sleep. Here are a few tips:
1/ Use dimmer lights in the evening. Bright lights, especially those that emit blue light, can interfere with our sleep. Consider using dimmer lights or red-tinted lights in the evening to create a more sleep-friendly environment.
2/ Avoid electronic devices before bedtime. If possible, try to avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime. If you must use them, consider using a blue light filter or installing a blue light-blocking app on your devices.
3/ Get plenty of natural light during the day. Exposure to bright natural light during the day can help regulate our circadian rhythms and make it easier to fall asleep at night. Try to get outside for at least 30 minutes each day, especially in the morning.
4/ Consider using blue light-blocking glasses. Baxter Blue has a range of sleep blue light glasses that can help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes, making it easier to fall asleep at night. These glasses are especially useful if you work night shifts or have to use electronic devices before bedtime.
In conclusion, exposure to blue light at night can disrupt our natural sleep patterns and lead to a host of health problems. By following these tips and making a few simple changes to our routines, we can minimize the negative effects of blue light and enjoy a better night's sleep.
Baxter Blue's range of Sleep Blue Light Glasses
YOUR BAG
