Sleep: Artificial Light Affects Our Circadian Rhythms


Weekends come and go way too fast. I know I say that every stinkin’ Monday but it’s true. My mom was in town to see the kids and that meant lots of eating out and off routine. It’s worth it but it can wreak havoc with my system. I totally went way off the deep end with my eating and had too much dairy. My eczema on my hands is back in full force –burning and itching. I need to remember how uncomfortable I am at this moment when I go and reach for ice cream. My memory seems to fail me at the moment of decision.

I am seriously in need of motivation lately. There is nothing inherently wrong with my life but for some reason, I can’t find the inspiration and mojo that I normally have to get shit done. It’s been really frustrating. I am hoping it was a symptom of the Winter blahs and it will start to lift in the weeks to come. I’m also about to head to San Fran with HB, so I am also hopeful that this trip, to a sunnier spot will boost my spirits.

Now, let’s talk about artificial light…

Circadian Rhythm FunctionDid you know that there are a bunch of theories that artificial light is one of the causes of sleep issues? And one of the biggest culprits in the last ten years or so of sleep issues is the use of electronics. How many people out there use their iPad, laptop, or tablet before they go to bed? I bet that a ton of people would raise their hand! Many of those same people suffer from insomnia or sleep that is less than ideal.  Research has shown that blue wavelength light emitted from our electronics can interfere with our circadian rhythm function.

Circadian Rhythms are “physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment. They are found in most living things, including animals, plants and many tiny microbes.”

What can you do to prevent artificial light from wrecking your slumber? Use amber glasses. Do you remember those Blue Blocker infomercials from way back when? Well, now we know what they are good for! You wear them for a few hours before bedtime – letting go of your ego because you will look odd- and continue on with your normal routine reading from your tablet etc — and it is supposed to help prevent the blue light from affecting you. Here’s a link to some inexpensive Amber glasses that can fit over regular glasses for those of us who are visually challenged/four eyed! I’m going to order a pair and will report back on its effectiveness.

Curious to learn more about it?  Blocking Blue Light Helps Sleep

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