Unsplash Photo by Ales Nesetril (Editorial, Technology)
Blue light from electronic devices does not damage the eyes, but it may damage your sleep.
The lie propagated is unfounded in science and was debunked. Those spreading it are misinformed and scientifically uneducated.
Light sources such as incandescence (light bulbs) and LEDs emit a broad spectrum of light, namely 380 to 700 nanometers (nm). Blue light is in the 400 – 450 nm range, carrying more energy compared to red light, which raises concern.
Our retinas regularly absorb blue light emitted by the sun, and for over 300,000 years has been the case and proven not to be damaging – otherwise, we would be blind.
In addition, device intensities are much less than the sun and are regulated by manufacturers using light filters.
According to Dr. Ramsey, a Havard Health Publishing Contributor, and Director of Ophthalmic Research at Lahey Massachusets Hospital, “many retail stores have ambient illumination twice as great…as your iPhone. [Yet] the sun yields illumination ten times greater!”
He also adds that using devices late at night mimics sunlight, restraining the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. This stimulates your circadian clock (your body’s 24 hr sleep clock), tending to delay your sleep cycles, disrupting your sleep, and increasing drowsiness the following morning.
By stopping using electronic devices 30 minutes before bed, you can increase REM (deep-stage sleep), reduce morning drowsiness, and maintain a consistent circadian rhythm, which in itself has its own benefits.
In short, do your own research before propagating a supposed “scientific claim,” and reduce your screen time before bed.
~ Octavian Turner