Blue Light Explained

Transcript:
"You hear all this talk about blue light being harmful, but do you know what blue light actually is?

Blue light is one of the types of light that form the white light we get from the Sun. Together with
red, orange, yellow, green, violet, and indigo. This is called the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum of visible light. At the end we have the UV light, which can't actually be seen by the human eye. The energy of these waves increases as we go towards the end, which makes blue lights one of the highest intensity types of visible light.

Light is made of EM waves that emit energy and it's this energy that we perceive as light. These waves come in different wavelengths, which means we get different colors of light. These are the different colors of light that we can perceive from the EM spectrum. So blue light is actually everywhere; it's in the light that travels from the Sun all the way to the Earth.

Because the wavelength of blue light is so small they collide with air molecules a lot more than any other color and they get scattered everywhere - that's actually what makes the sky blue. That's why your body uses this blue light from the Sun to make the difference between day and night and
regulate your sleep cycle. But our eyes natural filters barely provide us with enough protection from blue light on a particularly sunny day.

The blue light from your devices is even worse. LED devices emit much stronger blue light than we get from the Sun. Spending hours staring at a screen can cause eye damage and fatigue. This is due to most lower energy waves being absorbed by the cornea, the eyes outer membrane. Blue light goes straight through due to its high energy and slowly deteriorates the retina. And because our brains use blue light to differentiate between day and night and boost alertness, spending time on your phone tablet or laptop late at night fools your body into thinking it should keep you awake. It's all of them - phones, tablets, any gadget with an illuminated display. They all use blue LEDs because they are energy efficient and cheaper to produce, but your body disagrees.

Basically, what keeps you awake and alert during the day can severely affect the quality of your sleep at night. Blue light has also been shown to suppress secretion of melatonin, a hormone that is produced at night and helps your body prepare for sleep. Melatonin isn't just linked to poor
sleep, scientists have also managed to find a correlation between melatonin deprivation and conditions like cancer, diabetes and clinical depression. Do you still think your tablet is that harmless?

Well there is a way you can prevent it. Scientists have now designed special screen protectors that stop the blue light from reaching your eyes and causing damage to your retina at a microscopic level. This glass has tiny ridges that block blue waves and let the other less harmful light go through. These glasses can block up to 60% of blue light and 99% of UV rays. People have reported that their sleeping patterns were significantly improved after only a few days. There was also significant reduction in eye strain and headaches. Or you can go for full protection and buy eyewear that you can use for all blue light-emitting devices: computers, TV laptops, or your phone. These work in a slightly different way - the protectors as the yellow, absorbs rather than blocks blue and UV light, and lets other types of light go through.

No matter what you do, whether its buying a protective glass or reducing the time you spend on your device make sure you stay on the lookout for the unseen damage that your day-to-day gadgets can do to your health."

LEarn more about the impact of light on metabolism

Red Incandescent Light Bulbs: A Solution for Blue Light Exposure and Circadian Rhythm Disruption

In our modern world, the pervasive use of electronic devices and artificial lighting has led to increased exposure to blue light, particularly during evening hours. Blue light, with its short wavelengths, is known to disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm by suppressing the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for signaling sleep. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the hypothalamus, is the master regulator of circadian rhythms and is highly sensitive to light, especially in the blue spectrum. To combat these effects, red incandescent light bulbs have emerged as a practical and effective solution.

Blue light has a direct impact on the SCN via photosensitive retinal ganglion cells that contain melanopsin, a photopigment particularly responsive to blue wavelengths (460–480 nm). When these cells are activated by blue light, they send signals to the SCN, delaying the onset of melatonin production. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, disrupted sleep patterns, and long-term health implications such as increased risk for metabolic disorders, depression, and even certain cancers.

Red incandescent bulbs emit light predominantly in the longer wavelengths, avoiding the blue spectrum entirely. This type of light has minimal effect on melanopsin and does not interfere with the SCN's regulation of circadian rhythms. Using red light during evening hours can support natural melatonin production and create an environment conducive to restful sleep.

Learn more about red light

Key benefits of red light include:

1. Minimal Melatonin Suppression: Studies show that exposure to red light has little to no impact on melatonin levels, allowing the body to maintain its natural sleep-wake cycle.
2. Reduced Eye Strain: Red light is gentler on the eyes compared to the harsh glare of blue or white light, especially in low-light conditions.
3. Natural Ambiance: The warm glow of red incandescent bulbs mimics the light of a natural sunset, signaling the brain to prepare for rest.

Applications of Red Incandescent Lighting

• Evening Lighting: Replace bright white or blue-tinged LED or CFL bulbs with red incandescent bulbs in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms.
• Nighttime Usage: For those who need to wake during the night, red light provides sufficient illumination without disrupting sleep.
• Technology Filters: Pair red lighting with blue-light filtering settings on electronic devices to further minimize blue light exposure.

​Several studies support the use of red light for circadian health:

• Melatonin Preservation: Research indicates that red light exposure does not suppress melatonin production, making it ideal for nighttime environments. 
• Minimized Disruption: Comparisons between red and blue light exposure highlight red light’s negligible impact on the SCN and circadian timing.

When selecting red incandescent light bulbs:

• Opt for bulbs labeled as "true red" to ensure they emit light solely in the red spectrum.
• Choose low-wattage bulbs (15-25 watts) to create a soothing ambiance without excessive brightness.
• Confirm the absence of blue or white light leakage by testing in a dark room.

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Red incandescent light bulbs offer a simple yet effective way to mitigate the negative effects of blue light on circadian rhythms. By integrating these bulbs into evening lighting routines, individuals can protect their sleep, enhance overall well-being, and align with the body’s natural biological rhythms. Transitioning to red light may be a small change, but its benefits for health and sleep are profound.
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For optimal results, combine red light usage with habits like reducing screen time before bed, wearing blue-light-blocking glasses, and maintaining consistent sleep schedules.