Have trouble falling asleep or getting good quality sleep? Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, explain below why blue light might be the culprit.

How Blue Light Can Impact Your Sleep and How to Fix It

 You’ve heard that blue light can interfere with your sleep. It’s been a widely shared morsel of wisdom intended to help people get better sleep and create a better bedtime routine. However, not everyone understands why blue light is so impactful on sleep quality. In this guide, Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, explain this light, how it interferes with your sleep, and how you can prevent this interference. 

Blue Light's Effects on the Body 

 Our bodies are incredible in many ways, one of which is how we respond naturally to certain stimuli. The sun gives off energy, some in the form of blue light. Our bodies respond to this light by waking up, becoming more energized, elevating body temperature and heart rate, and thinking more clearly. It’s a literal wake-up call so that we can be awake and alert during the day.

As the sun goes down, the body begins to slow down. Melatonin is released, which is a hormone that prepares us to sleep. The body follows this natural rhythm.

Unfortunately, we are now exposed to blue light from devices. Most people spend much of their evenings streaming shows, scrolling through social media, catching up on emails, or doing other digital tasks.

This exposure to blue light in the nights and evenings tricks the brain, making it seem like it is still daytime and preventing the release of melatonin. In addition to interfering with sleep, this unnatural rhythm can lead to depression, metabolism issues, and much more. 

Limiting the Impact of Blue Light 

 Ideally, we could all shut down devices when the sun begins to go down, but this is not typically an option. However, you can still improve your sleep health with the following tips. 

• Turn off or dim any LED lights a few hours before bedtime. Set an alarm to remind yourself each day. 
• Try blue light blocking or amber glasses when using a device.
• Use “night mode” or blue light-blocking apps on your devices. 
• If you read in bed, use a light that provides an orange or red glow. 

If you’re struggling to get good sleep or would like to learn more about how blue light is impacting it, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, by calling (803) 251-3093.