“It’s Not the Blue Light — It’s the Brightness

Blue Light Isn’t The Only Problem

This article explains how scientists discovered that factors beyond blue light can affect our ability to fall asleep at night.

Scientists tested blue light by examining its effects on melatonin production and sleep architecture. They conducted controlled studies using blue light-emitting devices, such as glasses or screens, to measure changes in sleep patterns. Volunteers often wore blue light glasses before bedtime to observe changes in sleep onset, sleep stages, and overall sleep quality. Results indicate that blue light exposure can delay falling asleep and reduce sleep duration, suggesting it can disrupt normal sleep patterns.

So you might be wondering how we found out that it wasn’t the blue light, but it could be your screen’s brightness. The brightness of screens can significantly impact sleep quality. Bright screens emit more blue light than if your phone were at a lower volume. We now know that it is recommended to power down your devices and screens at least 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed and to use your blue light filter at night. Additionally, using dimmer screens and engaging in calming activities before bedtime can help reduce the circadian impact of screen light exposure.

What are the scientists studying? They are studying how blue light affects eye strain and sleep. Right now, they are working with engineers to design new screen materials, coatings, and software filters that reduce blue-light emission without ruining your color quality. Because the average person spends 4–5 hours on their phone every day, they are starting to test the long-term effects because of the average time. They have tested eye health studies, behavior studies, and comparisons of different blue light reduction methods.

Originally published at https://kanono.substack.com.