The Real Reason Why You’re Tossing and Turning All Night Long
Suddenly, you're feeling sleepy but can't seem to fall asleep. The culprit behind this could be blue light. Let's delve into the world of blue light and explore its effects in this article.
A good night’s sleep is essential to energize our bodies for a long day of work. However, we are sleeping less, and the quality of our sleep has deteriorated significantly compared to the past. Insomnia can lead to heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity. The main cause of this is the blue light emitted by electronic devices.
1. The Impact of Blue Light
Our bodies have an internal clock in our brains that regulates our circadian rhythm. However, this biological rhythm relies on external cues, such as light and darkness, to self-regulate.
Sunlight contains a mixture of different wavelengths and has a significant amount of blue light. Absorbing blue light from the sun during the day can help you stay alert, improve work performance, and enhance your mood effectively.
However, with modern developments, modern light bulbs and electronic devices such as computers, phones, and TVs emit large amounts of blue light, disrupting our internal clocks if we are exposed to them in the evening.
Numerous studies have linked melatonin suppression in the evening to health issues such as obesity, cancer, and depression. Exposure to blue light in the evening tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, inhibiting melatonin production and reducing your sleep quantity and quality.
2. Measures to Limit Blue Light Exposure
Use lamps with soft red light or specialized night lights. Red light has the least impact on our biological clocks and melatonin levels.
Refrain from looking at TV, phone, or computer screens before bed for 2-3 hours.
Expose yourself to sunlight in the morning for at least 15 minutes.
If you have to work at night in front of electronic devices, consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses.
Maximize your exposure to natural light during the day, as this will enhance your ability to sleep at night and improve your mood and alertness during the day.
Further Reading: Simple tips to help you fall asleep easily and enjoy a good night’s rest.
Through this article, you can now understand the adverse effects of blue light on our health. If you have a habit of using electronic devices before bed, it’s time to break that habit for the sake of your well-being.
Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for your restlessness. It might be due to stress, anxiety, depression, or even something as simple as consuming too much caffeine during the day. Additionally, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome could be factors.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can stay in your system for up to 8 hours, which means that even if you drank coffee in the morning, it could still be affecting your sleep at night. Try limiting your caffeine intake to the morning or early afternoon, and see if that helps improve your sleep.
There are several techniques you can try. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and relax your body. Additionally, establishing a bedtime routine that includes winding down activities, such as reading or listening to soothing music, can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
Yes, it’s possible. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome can disrupt your sleep. If you suspect you might have a sleep disorder, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable and technology-free bedroom environment, and engaging in regular physical activity during the day can all contribute to better sleep quality.
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