Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? Is tossing and turning a common occurrence during your sleep time? The culprit might be closer than you think. Let's shed light on a common but often overlooked cause of disrupted sleep: blue light exposure. The devices we use daily, like televisions, computers, and smartphones, emit this light. Blue light can interfere with your sleep quality by disrupting your internal body clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. Explore this topic from Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook and how to get healthier and more restful sleep.
Understanding Blue Light
Blue light is a high-energy visible light characterized by short wavelengths. It is omnipresent in our environment, emitted by the sun and artificially by gadgets like computers, televisions, and smartphones. Blue light itself isn't bad. In fact, during daylight hours, it helps us stay alert and enhances our cognitive performance. However, exposure to it causes problems during our usual rest hours, mainly in the evening.
The Impact of Blue Light on Sleep
Our bodies follow a natural rhythm of sleep and wakefulness known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is naturally set by the daylight and darkness, helping us to stay alert during the day and sleep at night. However, the blue light from digital screens can trick our brains into thinking it's still daytime, thus postponing sleepiness and disrupting our circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to difficulties falling asleep, lighter sleep, and decreased sleep quality.
Practical Tips to Reduce Blue Light Exposure
Reducing night-time exposure to blue light can be achieved through several means:
- Consider limiting your screen time in the late evening, setting a digital curfew at least 2 hours before bed.
- Many smartphones and computers now offer a setting to decrease blue-light emissions or shift to warmer light as sunset approaches. Use these settings to your advantage.
- Consider investing in blue light filtering glasses, which can effectively block most blue light emissions.
- Adopt relaxing bedtime activities that don't involve digital screens. Opt for reading a book, listening to soothing music, or a podcast. Not only will these hobbies help you relax without exposure to blue light, but they might also become a part of a healthy and enjoyable pre-sleep routine.
Benefits of Reducing Blue Light Exposure
Limiting your exposure to blue light in the evening hours can lead to noticeable improvements in sleep quality. A good night's sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, boosting immunity, enhancing mood, and improving cognitive functionality. Thus, investing in your sleep by reducing blue light exposure can have a domino effect of positive impacts on your overall quality of life.
Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook Can Help Improve Your Sleep Quality
While technology has become an integral part of our lives, we must also be aware of its side effects. By reducing our exposure to blue light, we can improve our sleep quality and overall health and well-being. If you need more help or advice for improving sleep quality or any other aspect of senior health, contact Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook. We serve seniors in Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Darien.