For the majority of people having smartphones these days, the habit of using it at bedtime is quite normal. For some it’s the ‘me’ time, for others, it’s the only time they get to spend with their smartphones. Whatever the excuse may, there is surely an increase in the number of people getting exposed to the blue light.
With the heavy exposure to this artificial light, they may be paying the price of additional information, entertainment and connectivity, with their lives. It’s a fact that our body works as per the natural movement of the Sun, Earth and the Moon. Our body soaks energy from the Sun, just like any other plant or animal, and automatically goes into a rest mode as the darkness spreads. The effect of blue light from smartphones appears like hitting the snooze button and disrupting the natural phenomenon of the human body. The major risks that we’re exposed to because of this? Heart attacks, diabetes, cancer and obesity.
A wave of light is formed by different colours, but not all of them have the same effect on the human body. The blue wavelengths, which are considered to be super beneficiary for our body during the daytime is becoming a negative energy as night falls. During the day it boosts energy in our body by increasing our attention span, motor skills, and reaction times and even handles mood swings as well. In the dark the same light when emitted from electronic screens throws becomes a life threatening tool.
But not all colours of light have the same effect. Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night. And the proliferation of electronics with screens, as well as energy-efficient lighting, is increasing our exposure to blue wavelengths, especially after sundown.
Studies conducted by researchers have shown that exposure to light at the late hours makes you vulnerable to various types of cancer like prostate and breast. Also, diseases like diabetes and obesity are most common among those who spend a major portion of time on their smartphones at night. And, the probability of cardiac arrest and other heart-related complications elevates to alarming levels. The exposure also suppresses the secretion of skin friendly elements like melatonin, which not only regulates your cardiac movements but is a major wall of defence against cancer.
– Always keep a night lamp where you sleep or keep a dim light active at night, preferably red which has the least effect on your heart’s movement.
– Avoid using your phone or any bright screen (laptop or TV) at least 2-3 hours before to bed.
– If you’re in a habit of burning the midnight oil or work in a night shift, which involves a lot of electronic devices consider applying a screen guard or filter which can block the blue light.