Impact of Blue Light on Sleep
The constant illumination of electronic devices can hinder the quality of our sleep. While lamps are turned off in the bedrooms of teenagers across the United States, screens from their computers, smartphones, and tablets frequently remain lit throughout the night. Although these gadgets emit light across the color spectrum, it is particularly the blue light that presents a risk to restful sleep.
Sources of Blue Light
Most electronic devices, including TV screens and modern energy-efficient light bulbs, emit blue light. As people age, the duration of exposure to this type of light tends to increase.
Effects of Blue Light on Sleep Patterns
Regrettably, blue light is the highest energy wavelength within visible light, making it potentially damaging to our eyes. Recent research indicates that blue light can detrimentally affect our sleep cycles.
Blue light has the ability to disrupt our natural circadian rhythms, or biological clocks, by enhancing alertness. Consequently, the use of electronic devices prior to sleep can considerably hinder the onset of deep REM sleep. This disruption may partially be attributed to the strong suppressive effect blue light has on melatonin levels, which are essential for maintaining healthy circadian rhythms. Melatonin supplements are often utilized to treat sleep disorders, and it is well-established that adequate sleep is crucial for adults.
The Importance of Sleep for Children and Teens
Pediatricians emphasize the critical role sleep plays for children and teenagers, which is essential for proper neurological growth and the prevention of various learning and behavioral issues. The energy emitted by blue light is potent enough to reach the inner layers of the eye, particularly the retina, increasing the likelihood of long-term risks such as macular degeneration.
Protecting Our Eyes from Blue Light
It is imperative that we guard our eyes against the potentially harmful effects of blue light exposure, especially in children and teenagers, by limiting screen time, particularly before bedtime. Laboratories have recently created ‘blue blocking’ lens coatings for glasses that can filter out as much as 20% of harmful blue light. These coatings also offer full UV protection while ensuring clarity of vision and normal color perception. We recommend discussing these lens coatings with your eye care professional or contacting our office to schedule an eye examination.
For additional information, visit: Stokolvision.com
About the Authors
By Dr. Arnold M. Stokol and Dr. Andreane Fagala | Special Contributors
Dr. Arnold Stokol is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry and a member of the Texas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. He has previously served as president of the North Texas Optometry Society.
Dr. Andreane Fagala is a therapeutic optometrist with a particular interest in pediatric optometry, diabetes management, and specialty scleral contact lenses.
