Blue Light
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Yes, it is a real term people use in 2024.
Yes, it is related to digital wellness, digital addictions, etc.
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Nov 12, 2024 09:56 PM
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Blue Light
[bloo lahyt]
What Is Blue Light?
Blue light is the high-energy visible light emitted by digital screens, LED lighting, and the sun. In the context of digital wellness, it refers specifically to the artificial blue light from our devices that can affect sleep patterns, eye strain, and overall wellbeing.
Word Origins:
The term combines "blue" (referring to the specific wavelength of light between 380-500 nanometers) and "light." While light has been studied for centuries, the specific concerns about blue light emerged in the 2010s alongside the widespread adoption of LED screens and digital devices.
Impact on Sleep and Health
Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone, making it harder to fall asleep after screen time. That's why using devices before bedtime can lead to poor sleep quality and throw off our natural circadian rhythm. This is especially impactful during evening hours when our bodies are naturally preparing for rest.
Protection and Management
There are several ways to manage blue light exposure:
- Using night mode or blue light filters on devices
- Wearing blue light blocking glasses
- Following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Setting a Digital Sunset time
Related Terms
- Digital Sunset: The practice of stopping device use at a set time before bed
- Screen Fatigue: Physical and mental exhaustion from prolonged screen exposure
- Screen-somnia: Sleep issues caused by excessive screen time