blue light Archives - Amazing Health Advances

HEALTH ALERT: New Study Finds Too Much Blue Light Accelerates the Aging Process

AHA Publisher — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 07:00:01 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – The blue light from your smartphone screen, computer screen, and TV poses a direct threat to your health and wellbeing. Smartphones and computers are considered necessities for modern living, yet they also compromise visual acuity, social skills, health, and vibrancy. In fact, a recent study by Dr. Jadwiga Giebultowicz with the Oregon State University Department of Integrative Biology details how blue light emanating from screens hastens the aging process. Excessive Blue Light Exposure May Cause Rapid Aging, Obesity, and More It wasn’t long ago when people primarily interacted with one another in person or over the phone. The transition from the pre-internet days of the 80s and early 90s to modern life has been characterized by technological progression, social destruction, moral regression, and obesity. Such is our progress paradox, as eloquently described by Greg Easterbrook. However, most people fail to realize that it is tech itself, rather than advances made by food scientists, causing the obesity epidemic here in the United States and across the globe. Excessive exposure to blue light from smartphones and other screens is causing rapid aging, obesity, and even mental health problems. The truth is smartphones, the internet, video games, and TV are addictive. Brain wave scans reveal similar patterns between TV watchers and those asleep. Blue light is the salt in the wound created by our tech dependence. The study referenced above details how an abundance of blue light exposure compromises cells within the entirety of the body, ranging from those all-important sensory neurons for information processing to fat cells, skin cells, and more. Though the study centers on how blue light impacts fruit flies, the results likely translate to human beings and other animals. Specifically, the study is the first to reveal how certain metabolite levels, meaning chemicals necessary for cellular functionality, mutate after exposure to blue light emanated by screens. Study Results Point to Worrisome Link Between Blue Light and Accelerating Aging Though it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate screens and blue light from your life, it is in your interest to minimize such exposure to the best of your ability. The researchers referenced above found screens from light negatively affected flies’ chemicals used for signaling. The study results are worrisome as such signaling chemicals within flies are similar to those of humans. In particular, high-energy blue light hastens fruit fly aging, especially when juxtaposed with a control group of flies that remained in darkness for two full weeks. The study results show that fruit fly cells failed to function optimally after subjection to blue light from screens. It is possible that such cell malfunctions will cause premature death. In particular, glutamate decreased while succinate – a metabolite necessary for cellular functionality – increased. Excessive levels of succinate following blue light exposure are problematic as it prevents neuron communication. Minimize Blue Light Exposure to Slow the Aging Process The blue light emanating from screens is omnipresent. Even if you venture outside your home, you will likely be subjected to blue light from screens in the form of LEDs within monitors, work computers, others’ phones, ambient lighting, and more. However, you have the agency necessary to minimize exposure to blue light and ultimately slow the aging process. Resist the temptation of smartphones, computer screens, and TV screens after work. Consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses when you spend time on blue light-emitting devices. Spend more time outdoors, and you will slow the aging process while rebalancing yourself with nature. Source article: Eurekalert.org Activistpost.com To read the original article click here.

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Study Reveals Nighttime Exposure to Blue Light Causes UNEXPECTED Harm to Your Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 07:00:45 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – The fact that using your digital devices at bedtime can interfere with your sleep due to blue light emitted by light-emitting diodes (LED) screens is something we’ve known for years. As devices become more prevalent and become a part of everyday life for many, there has been an increase in certain health issues that are often caused by device over-usage. At the core of these problems is the LED screen due to the blue light that they emit. Researchers are now discovering that the health ramifications associated with blue light reach far beyond sleep disturbance. Exposure to blue light can disrupt the secretion pattern of specific hormones, upset the body’s thermoregulation, and disturb circadian rhythm. New evidence, however, shows that it decreases fat oxidation levels during sleep. One study found strong evidence that the type of light exposed to may influence certain physiological changes, including unwanted weight gain. Why Is Blue Light Emitted by Screens So Dangerous? Blue light is a light wave that is part of the light spectrum that the human eye can see – the visible light spectrum. It has the highest energy and shortest wavelength, vibrating in the 380 to the 500-nanometer range. It is most often associated with LED-lit screens for computers, smartphones, and digital devices. However, around a third of all visible light is actually blue light. In fact, the sun is the primary source of blue light. The problem with blue light emissions from device screens is that the eyes are directly exposed for lengthy periods and from close proximity. Exposure to sunlight typically does not have these issues. Most people wear sunglasses, shield their eyes, and limit exposure. But, of course, having the source too close to the eyes is not a problem with the sun. Blue light does have its place, providing some health benefits – but originating from natural sources such as the sun is preferable. However, when it comes from a screen that is mere inches from a person’s face, that can be a problem. From eye strain to weight gain and depression, studies link blue light overexposure to MULTIPLE health conditions The eye is not very efficient when it comes to blocking blue light. As blue light enters the eye, it passes through the lens and cornea to the retina. Retinal cells convert the light and send impulses to the brain that turns light waves into images. Essentially, the eye is wide open to receiving blue light, so it can be too much of a good thing when it is exposed via a device screen that is inches away. Health problems related to continued exposure to blue light (especially via LED screens) include: Eyestrain Damaged retinal cells Eye conditions like macular degeneration Myopia and nearsightedness Disrupted sleep patterns Sleep deprivation Inhibited production of melatonin Blurred vision Headaches Weight gain Decreased fat oxidation Depression (nighttime exposure) Changes in skin cells that speed the aging process Decrease in the hormones leptin and cortisol (stress hormone) Increased blood sugar levels (due to disrupted circadian rhythm) Decreased metabolism Scientists are only now beginning to connect the dots regarding the far reach of overexposure to blue light. It has traditionally been believed that it disrupted sleep patterns, which is true, but researchers now understand that it is only the tip of the iceberg. So how can you protect against the harmful effects of blue light exposure? Here are 5 simple solutions for you to try Anyone who uses a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other digital devices on a regular basis can benefit from decreasing their exposure to blue light. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to give your eyes a break and your health a boost. Shut down devices well before bedtime – Exposure to blue light before going to bed tricks the brain into believing it is daylight. In response, it does not produce melatonin which induces sleep. This can lead to insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns. By shutting down all devices at least two hours before bed, the body has a chance to make adjustments and transition from daytime to bedtime by producing the melatonin the body needs. Blue light glasses – More studies are shedding light on the effectiveness of blue light glasses. In response, more doctors and researchers agree that the glasses do indeed help people reduce their exposure to blue light and get better sleep. 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Place interesting objects and pictures at different points around the room, 20 feet or more from you, to have something interesting to look at, and you will be more motivated to look longer. Blue light reduction apps – An app like f.lux adjusts a computer’s display color to reduce blue light. It can be set to change automatically at dusk or at a specific time, such as a few hours before bed. Control exposure to screens – Most people have some control over the lighting and glare on their screens. Move the device further away, so it isn’t as close, bring the device to a more posture-friendly height and level, and adjust the light in the room to reduce glare. Blue light filters for devices – Blue light filters for computer screens, tablets, smartphones, and other devices. These filters act as a barrier between the screen and the eye, so the exposure is greatly reduced. Opt for OLED lit screens – Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a kinder, gentler light source that quietly overtakes LED-lit screens. More televisions, computers, phones, and other devices are beginning to use OLED because it does not produce as much blue light as LED screens. In fact, OLED exposure actually shows better physiological function, including higher metabolism and higher production of melatonin when compared to LED exposure. We all love our devices, but there can come the point where we no longer have our devices, but they have us. Your device is not more important than your health. You can replace a screen or smartphone. You can buy a new computer. Your body and mind are much more precious — and irreplaceable. There are so many options out there to make your screen time safer and more enjoyable. Take some time to find the right one for you. Sources for this article include: Nature.com UCDavis.edu Stanford.edu NIH.gov AAO.org JustGetFlux.com To read the original article click here.

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Do Blue Light Glasses Work? Potential Benefits for Sleep & Eye Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:00:57 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Many experts tell us that when it comes to managing our health, including our body weights and moods, we should be careful not to underestimate the power of sleep. One reason why so many adults and children today are thought to be living in a sleep deprived state is because of high exposure to electronic devices that emit blue light. Because blue light is capable of disrupting our circadian rhythms, or “internal clocks,” blue light glasses are now recommended to improve sleep quality and other concerns. What are the benefits of blue light glasses? While more research on the topic is warranted, there’s some evidence that blue light blocking glasses can positively impact your metabolism, focus, appetite control and more. Read on to find out how to choose the best blue light blocking glasses for your needs, plus tips regarding when and how long to wear them. What Are Blue Light Glasses? Blue light glasses are a special type of eyewear that can block or filter blue light that is emitted from digital screens and electronics. If you regularly deal with issues like eye strain, blurry vision, headaches and trouble sleeping — which you believe may be tied to your use of electronics — then wearing blue light filtering glasses can be a worth a shot. What is blue light that glasses block? Blue light is a type of high-energy light that is bright and has a short wavelength. These are wavelengths of light between 420 and 480 nanometers on the visible light spectrum. While it mostly has a bad reputation, blue light also has some benefits, such as making us feel alert and awake. Most of our exposure comes from sunlight, but electronics also contribute to the amount of blue light that reaches our eyes on a daily basis. Electronics that give off blue light include televisions, smartphones, laptops, computer monitors and tablets, which many teens and adults now report spending multiple hours using every single day. How do blue light glasses work? These glasses are most often used at night to help block blue light emitted from LED devices from reaching the eyes. Studies have found that blue light exposure can suppress natural production of the hormone melatonin, which has sleep-inducing effects. Therefore it’s thought that too much exposure at night can keep you up and disturb your natural sleep-wake cycle. Wearing blue light filtering glasses is therefore a way to prevent sleep dysfunction and possibly to protect the eyes in other ways. Do They Work? Potential Benefits Do blue light glasses really work? Opinions regarding their effectiveness and findings from studies conducted thus far have been mixed overall. Research focused on the effects of blue light glasses is largely still underway. One reason it’s difficult to determine how well they work for the majority of people is because their use isn’t tightly regulated, since authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States do not consider these glasses to be medical devices. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association of Optometrists in the U.K currently don’t recommendthe use of blue light glasses for the general public, although they haven’t stated that they are dangerous or should be avoided. Their stance is that there isn’t enough high-quality research showing that they work, plus that symptoms like eye strain and headaches may actually be due to issues like squinting while using electronics and poor posture, not blue light exposure. That said, some experts and many people do report experiencing benefits from blue light blocking glasses. Potential benefits may include: Reduced eyes strain, dry eyes and blurriness Reduced headaches Improved sleep habits and decreased insomnia, especially having an easier time falling asleep Enhanced vision (including less blur) Possibly increased protection against development of certain eye diseases, although this is still being studied — it’s currently thought that blue light from devices do NOT damage the retinas or contribute to long-term vision loss, macular degeneration or glaucoma If blue light filter glasses are capable of helping you sleep better, then there’s reason to believe that their benefits can be far-reaching. Sleep deprivation can make it more likely that you’ll develop a range of serious health issues, such as obesity, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and others. Therefore getting more sleep can be highly protective and important for improving overall quality of life. What to Look for in Blue Light Blocking Glasses What is the best brand of blue light blocking glasses? It really depends on the filter strength that you require and how severe your symptoms are. In terms of where to buy blue light glasses, you can purchase either prescription or non-prescription blue light glasses from your optometrist, in drug stores, in stores that sell glasses/eyewear or online. If you’re dealing with vision-related problems, such as cataracts, or you’ve recently had eye surgery, it’s best to speak with your optometrist about his/her recommendations, since it may be possible you actually require contacts or glasses in addition to filtering glasses. Filters that block blue light can be added to prescription glasses at a relatively low cost, typically under $100. You can purchase non-prescription blue light glasses for around $30 to $100 as well, although more expensive brands are also available. If you’re concerned about also blocking UV light, look for glasses that have a filter providing 100% protection from UV light. When to Wear Them How do you know if you need blue light glasses? If you regularly use electronic LED devices at night, particularly once the sun is down, you may benefit from trying them. However, if you don’t want to invest in these glasses and are skeptical about their effects, experts suggest simply decreasing your evening screen time and/or setting all of your devices to “night mode,” which helps automatically result in less blue light exposure. Is it OK to wear blue light blocking glasses all the time? This may not be necessary, but it shouldn’t be harmful either. Some people find that wearing the glasses while they work helps their eyes feel better and allows them to work longer more comfortably. If you spent a couple of hours on electronics daily, especially during the daytime when you’d be getting blue light exposure anyway from the sun if you were outdoors, it’s probably not a problem to skip the glasses. Some blue light exposure during the day, particularly from natural sunlight, is even beneficial for regulating your circadian rhythm, so don’t be worried about a normal level of exposure. Overall, the best time to wear blue light glasses is at night, during the hours leading up to bedtime when your body is producing more melatonin. But if your eyes feel less strained when you wear them during the day too, then experts say this is fine to continue doing. Risks and Side Effects Blue light glasses may be capable of taking stress off of your eyes and helping you sleep better at night, but they aren’t the only way to take care of your vision of circadian rhythm. Here are other steps to take if you wish to sleep better and avoid eye strain, headaches and other issues: Get sunlight exposure during the day by going outdoors. Just be careful about too much UV-A and UV-B light reaching your eyes, which may be damaging — therefore consider wearing sunglasses if you spend lots of time in the sun. Avoid alcohol and nicotine, especially close to bedtime. Exercise regularly, which can improve sleep quality. Develop a relaxing nighttime routine that helps you cope with stress and unwind. Ideally this routine shouldn’t involve electronics — instead try reading a book, stretching or taking a warm bath. If you do use electronics at night, switch them to night mode. Keep the temperature in your room low, and wear clothes that don’t make you too hot. Limit the amount of hours you spend on electronics if possible. Invest in a good ergonomic chair to support your posture, and make sure your screens are at the right height so you’re avoiding forward head posture. Ideally have your eyes be about 25 inches from the screen and looking just slightly down. When working on a computer or device, take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Conclusion What is the benefit of blue light blocking glasses? They help filter/block bright blue light that is emitted from electronic devices. Too much blue light can contribute to issues like sleep dysfunction and possibly eye strain and headaches. What are the best blue light glasses? It depends on why you’re wearing them. If you have severe symptoms or are recovering from eye surgery, you may need a prescription and should speak with a doctor. Otherwise you can purchase them at drug stores or online. Research focused on the effects blue light filtering glasses is overall lacking, and opinions differ about whether or not they are necessary. However, some people find they reduce symptoms like eye strain, dry eyes, blurriness, tension headaches and trouble falling asleep — especially among people using electronics for many hours daily and at night. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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6 Reasons You’re Not Getting Good Sleep & Why It’s Dire

AHA Publisher — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 07:00:07 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – It’s estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans have problems with getting good sleep. Are you one of them? Or, are you getting enough sleep each night; at least 7 hours, with much of it being deep sleep? If not, here’s what you need to know. A new study was recently published about the effects of insufficient sleep and rapid eye movement (REM). Plus, we have 6 reasons you may not be getting enough, and what you can do about it. Not Getting Good Sleep? It May Be a Dire Situation It’s no secret that lack of sleep has negative effects on your body. If you’re not getting good sleep each night, at least 7 hours, you likely also get less REM. This can increase cortisol levels, depressed moods, and irritability while decreasing reaction times, focus, and overall wellness. But, do these effects have dire consequences? New Study Links REM and Mortality A new study published in July in JAMA found an association with less REM percentage and an increased risk for death in middle-aged and older adults (1). Investigators at the University of California, San Diego, studied insufficient REM percentage and its consequences. They found that each 5% reduction of REM over a 12-year period was associated with a 13% increase in mortality rate. The primary study included 2675 men (mean age, 76.3 years), and followed them for approximately 12 years. A cohort study included 1386 individuals (54.3% men, mean age 51.5 years), with a follow-up of approximately 21 years. The investigators followed the sleep scores and mortality throughout the study. Self-report sleep measures were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire. This study did not show cause and effect but did establish the association of low REM percentage and increased mortality. Causes of Death in the Study The causes of death in the study were categorized as cardiovascular, cancer, or other. Approximately half (53%) of the participants in the primary study died during follow-up. The highest percentage of deaths was recorded among those in the lowest REM sleep percentage. After analysis adjustments, it was determined that there was a 13% higher mortality rate for every 5% reduction in REM sleep among participants. These findings were similar and significant for cardiovascular and “other causes of death” but not cancer-related death. Findings were similar in the cohort study. REM Percentage The percentage of REM was calculated throughout the study using polysomnography and evaluation with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. A “healthy” percentage of REM for most adults is approximately 20-25% (2). The mean percentage of REM sleep in the study was 19.2%. Within all causes of death, the mortality rate was greater for those participants who had <15% REM sleep per night than those with 15% or more. Those with <15% REM were generally older and also had higher rates of antidepressant use, cardiac events and conditions, and engaged in less physical activity. Dire Consequences Unfortunately, the answer is “yes,” the consequences of insufficient sleep and REM percentage may be dire. While this study shows increased mortality, the investigators are not sure exactly what connects it to REM. They do know insufficient REM percentage and sleep negatively affect the cardiovascular system, metabolism, brain, and overall quality of life. How can you get more REM and avoid the effects? 6 Reasons You’re Not Getting Good Sleep and REM 1. Stress Stress affects individuals in many different ways. It can affect digestion, emotional stability, the cardiovascular system, brain function, and for many, sleep quality (3). And there’s more. Recent studies have shown it may be associated with lower brain volume and memory issues in mid-life (5). If you’re going to bed with lots on your mind and feel that stress is negatively affecting your sleep, it’s important to take stress relief-steps. What to do: Do your best to get some stress relief before bed. Try exercising earlier in the day or getting outside with a walk after dinner. Take time to write in a journal before bed, prepare for your next day, and pray. For more tips to reduce stress and cortisol, see this post. 2. Artificial Light & Circadian Rhythms Many of us live in an artificial light world. We’re inside too much of the day, especially in the winter. Our circadian rhythms depend on the natural cycle of light in order to promote good sleep cycles. If we’re inside all day without much exposure to natural sunlight, this rhythm can suffer. If we experience excessive nighttime exposure to artificial light, our brains are signals that it is still daytime, and our rhythms suffer. A combination of lack of daylight, and too much artificial evening light, can lead to poorer sleep patterns. What to do: Make every effort to get out into natural sunlight in the morning, and throughout the day. Turn lights down and power screens off an hour before bedtime. 3. Busy Schedules and Late Nights The more we do, the less we likely sleep. And unfortunately, many families have very busy schedules. For those with kids and teens, scheduled activities can reach far into the evening, disrupting dinner and downtime. In fact, many kids and teens get inadequate sleep. What’s more, American adults often reach for their computers and put in work hours during the evening. Or, they spend time on screens, delaying sleep. What to do: If your schedule or your family’s schedule is negatively affecting sleep, it’s time to cut down on activities or choose those that can be finished early in the evening. Keep kids and teens at a consistent bedtime. Do your best to prioritize the whole family’s sleep schedule. 4. Too Much Caffeine If you’re not getting good sleep and feel fatigued during the day, you may start increasing your caffeine intake to perk up. This is often a band-aid used by sleepy adults, but it just makes the issue of insufficient sleep worse. In fact, if you feel you “need” caffeine after the morning hours to function well, it’s a strong indicator that you simply need more sleep. One study from Australia found that poor sleepers drank ~70-295 mg caffeine per day, while those who self-reported as “good sleepers” only drank ~60-190 gm per day. This study only included 80 people, but may indicate that >200 mg caffeine was associated with poorer sleep in this group (6). What to do: If caffeine is affecting your sleep, trying capping your caffeine intake at 200 mg or less per day, or 12 ounces strong coffee. Avoid caffeine after 2 pm. 5. Unhealthy Weight If you are overweight, it may negatively affect your sleep. Unfortunately, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, affects 17% of the total population and 40–70% of the obese population (7, 8). Studies have found that sleep apnea is associated with metabolic diseases and weight gain, and being overweight is associated with sleep apnea (9,10). Sleep apnea may affect glycemic control, insulin, and leptin levels (11). This is a problematic cycle for getting good sleep. What to do: If you are overweight or obese, consider reducing carbohydrates and getting into the Keto Zone. A ketogenic diet is associated with improved weight and fat percentage (11, 12). It also supports healthy blood sugars (13, 14). If you need help, try the FREE Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge and check out the Keto Zone Starter Kit including Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Diet Book. 6. Too Hot to Sleep If your environment is too warm at night, you may have trouble sleeping. In fact, many adults report waking up due to feeling overly warm. It may be due to the environment, or your own hormones. If you are experiencing hot flashes or warming at night, try these tips for natural hot flash relief. What to do: Ensure that your room is cool when you go to be by reducing any heat, using a fan, open window or air conditioning, and removing excess covers. If you are suffering from hot flashes, take steps listed in this post to find relief. Bottom Line Getting good sleep is important. And, an insufficient percentage of REM each night can have serious consequences. Thankfully, there are many steps we can all take to improve our hours of sleep and REM percentage. Take a look at your own lifestyle. What can you do to ensure you’re getting good sleep? To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

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How Artificial Light Can Increase Anxiety & How to Protect Yourself

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 08:00:27 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – By now, I am sure you have heard about the dangers of artificial blue light. Almost every day there is a new article talking about how you shouldn’t sleep near your smart phone, or how you should avoid spending more than several hours in a windowless, artificially lit room, or how you need to be careful how much time you spend in front of a computer screen. Is there any truth to all these warnings? Is artificial blue light really that bad for us? And what is it exactly? Is there anything we do about artificial blue light exposure in today’s 24-hour, technology-centered world? In this week’s podcast and blog, I sat down with Andy from BLUbox, a company that makes trendy, affordable glasses that inhibit the side-effects of artificial blue and green light. Why is this important? Light is made up of particles that travel in waves which emit energy. These particles range in length and strength, and affect us in different ways at different times of the day—the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light has a short wavelength, and therefore is a high energy light source, which can either be artificial or natural. Natural blue light from the sun is essential in regulating our sleep and wake cycles. When we see blue light from the sun, it tells our brain that it is day time and to make us feel alert and awake; it is kind of like a biological alarm clock. This can improve our focus and reaction times and create an overall sense of mental and physical wellbeing as we go about our day. When the sun sets, this kind of high-energy light goes away, telling our brain that soon it will time to go to bed. As a result, our brain starts secreting melatonin (the sleep hormone), while reducing our cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which prepares us for a good night’s rest. Blue light from the sun is also accompanied by all the other colors from the spectrum, making it a balanced and healthy light source. Notably, it contains red light, which helps repair and protect our cells and regulates our mood. When we don’t get enough of this balanced spectrum of natural light, such as in winter months when the sun does not shine for very long (or at all if you live in certain parts of the world!), people often get Seasonal Affective Disorder , which impacts their cortisol levels (the stress hormone). This, in turn, affects their mental health and increases their risk for depression and anxiety; no wonder it is called S.A.D. for short! When it comes to light exposure, it is all about balance. Artificial blue light, which is found in many of the devices we use on a day-to-day basis, has a lot of energy. In fact, the light found in devices such computers, televisions, smart phones, tablets, fridges, microwaves and LED light bulbs contains far more blue light than other colors in the light spectrum, which means our eyes are getting bombarded with a high-energy light source all day long, keeping us in a constant state of stress and inflammation. Over time, this can cause “digital eyestrain”, which, in turn, can lead to dry itchy eyes, headaches, depressed mood, fatigue and even macular degeneration (among other health issues). This constant blue light exposure also impacts our sleeping patterns. In today’s world, when the sun goes down, we still use our phones, computers and other devices, which means that our brains are constantly being told to “stay awake!” and our bodies remain in an active, high-stress state. Although our mind is infinite and tireless, our brains are finite and get tired. When tired, hormones and other chemicals don’t flow like they should, and the internal networks of the brain can get stuck or over-fire, which happens when we are persistently exposed to high-energy artificial light that disrupts our natural circadian rhythm. This, in turn, can affect genetic expression, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and grow), production of hormones and our ability to sleep, which is essential for memory-building, recovery, detoxing and mood regulation. Research has even shown that this kind of sleep disruption increases our risk of type-2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, anxiety and cancer. When we do not sleep well and give the brain a rest, we upset our biological systems and throw the brain and body out of balance, which can lead to all sorts of health issues! Thankfully, there are many ways we can both manage and limit our exposure to artificial blue light: 1. Use blue-light filtering glasses: Although many of us have to work and live in environments where we are constantly exposed to artificial blue light, we can use blue-light filtering glasses (like those offered by BLUbox), which inhibit the negative side-effects that this kind of light has on our mental and physical health. Essentially, these kind of blue-light filtering glasses help us enjoy the benefits of technology in a healthy and safe way. They have really helped me feel better during the day and sleep better at night, and you can enjoy them to! Just use the code LEAF15 at checkout for 15% off your BLUbox glasses order. 2. Get as much natural light as you can throughout the day: Of course, one of the easiest ways to get all the light you need is to spend time outdoors! Going for a walk in the morning, when you can get the most from the sun’s infrared rays, can really help you feel your best throughout the day, but any time spent outside is great. I personally love going for walks with my children and pets in the morning, doing yoga outside in the sun and going for picnics on the weekends. Even going for a quick walk to clear your mind when you feel strained can work wonders! Yet there are times when, due to weather, seasonal changes or our work schedule, we don’t have access to natural light, which is why BLUbox offers other glasses that help balance the artificial blue and green light we are exposed to throughout the day. There are also many red-light devices that can help repair and protect our brains and bodies from the negative side-effects of artificial light; for more information see my recent blog and podcast on red light therapy. For more info on Joovv’s red light therapy devices and to get your special offer go to: www.joovv.com/drleaf. Infrared saunas are also a great source of healthy light, and help protect us from the negative side-effects of too much artificial blue light. For more on the many health benefits of infrared saunas, and what kind of sauna I use every day, see my recent blog and podcast. To get $100 of your Sunlighten infrared sauna mention Dr. Caroline Leaf here. 3. Limit the amount of time you spend around artificial blue light: Ideally, we should all try limit the amount of time we spend on our devices, not only to reduce our exposure to artificial blue light but also to give our brains and bodies a rest, especially before bed! Of course, this may not be possible during the work day, but you can try limit your exposure to artificial blue light when you get home, especially if you battle falling asleep. Instead of watching TV before bed, for example, go for a walk or read a book. You can also reduce the amount of time you spend scrolling through your apps and social media before you turn off the light–I personally make it a rule to avoid going on my phone before bed unless there is a family emergency. For more information on blue light and how you can manage and reduce your exposure to artificial light, listen to my podcast with BLUbox founder Andy. Also check out BLUbox’s community initiative. As a company, BLUbox believes that everyone should be able to see clearly and they envision a world where everyone who needs glasses can have access to them. There are 2.5 billion people in the world living with uncorrected vision impairment and further estimated 500 million people living in developing countries who simply need reading glasses to correct their vision. Through their partnership with RestoringVision, a non-profit dedicated to providing new, high-quality, reading glasses to those who would otherwise not have access, they help to give the gift of sight to people living in impoverished communities around the world. Their mission it to restore hope and the opportunity for a better quality of life in developing countries by restoring their ability to see clearly, work, read, learn, perform daily tasks and provide for themselves and their families. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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Daily Exposure to Blue Light May Accelerate Aging, Even If It Doesn’t Reach Your Eyes

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 07:00:14 +0000

Oregon State University via Science Daily – Prolonged exposure to blue light, such as that which emanates from your phone, computer and household fixtures, could be affecting your longevity, even if it’s not shining in your eyes. New research suggests that the blue wavelengths produced by light-emitting diodes damage cells in the brain as well as retinas, according to a new study in a model organism. To read the original article click here.

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