Blue Light Filters, Color Therapy and Their Impact on Mental and Physical Health

Introduction to Color Therapy and Blue Light filtering

At the intersection of wellness and technology, color therapy and blue light filtering emerge as effective elements in enhancing mental and physical health. Colourtherapy activates or inhibits complex physiological, biological and biochemical processes in the human body. 

This article explores, in a brief form, the important role blue light plays in modulating critical neurotransmitters, melatonin and serotonin, and their profound implications for sleep, mood, and overall health. We also address how to manage blue light with effective tools, such as our unique blue light blocking color therapy glasses.

Why blue light matters so much

In our technologically driven era, blue light is omnipresent, emanating from various sources like digital screens, LED lighting, and, of course, the sun. We live surrounded by screens and are on average spending almost nine hours a day in front of digital devices. As a result, many humans are almost continuously and often unconsciously exposed to artificial blue light.

While beneficial in moderation, this high-energy light frequency (380-500nm) poses significant health risks when overexposed to, especially at night.

Understanding blue light's dual nature is essential for leveraging its advantages and minimizing its adverse effects.

The Dual Facets of Blue Light: Daytime Ally, Nighttime Foe

- Daytime benefits: During daylight hours, blue light is a boon, enhancing alertness, mood, and cognitive function. It's pivotal in maintaining our circadian rhythm, the body's natural timekeeper. We need blue light to wake up and get active. Hence it is very important to get natural sunlight exposure in the morning.

- Nighttime risks: In contrast, nighttime exposure disrupts our circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin production which can lead to sleep disturbances and potential health issues like diabetes and heart disease, ADHD, depression and more.

An American Medical Association's 2012 press release underscored the health risks associated with LED lighting, a major blue light source.

Harvard studies have shown that blue light suppresses melatonin more effectively than other wavelengths, impacting sleep quality and circadian alignment.

The influence of blue light on neurotransmitters

• Serotonin and happiness

Blue light exposure, especially in the morning is important for us. It increases serotonin levels and promotes well-being and alertness. This effect is also leveraged in blue light therapy to address depression. Serotonin is known as the happiness neurotransmitter.

• Melatonin and Sleep Regulation

Conversely, blue light exposure at night suppresses melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles and overall circadian rythms with potentially serious implications on our body’s functioning and overall health. A lack of melatonin has serious effects on many bodily biochemical reactions.

Blue light - the science

Two Harvard papers state that minimising the exposure to blue spectral light range is beneficial for the regulation of the natural sleep-wake cycle and for the protection from a possible degradation of the retina and thereby eyesight. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/weekend-catch-up-sleep-wont-fix-the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-on-your-waistline-2019092417861

The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research (Volume 34, 2017 - Issue 7) states that ‘Evening light exposure to computer screens disrupts human sleep, biological rhythms, and attention abilities.’

Further studies on sleep disorders, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggested that symptoms, signs, and biologic markers associated to these psychiatric disorders are due to marked alterations in melatonin and serotonin levels. 

How to manage Blue Light

Adjusting our blue light exposure up or down to help regulate melatonin and serotonin levels offers relief for conditions such as depression, SAD, and even ADHD, showcasing the therapeutic potential of color therapy and blue light filtering.

Night time blue light

Can be effectively blocked with our unique color therapy blue light blockers and blue light blocking reading glasses, that come in our soothing light colors Rosa and Orange skies. Orange is an extra beneficial color as it aids with visual processing and concentration. Rosa stimulates serotonin pathways and thereby increases a feeling of wellbeing.

We should get at least 10-15min of direct sun exposure every day. Preferably in the morning. In addition, day time blue light exposure can be increased with our blue Color Therapy glasses that also increase awakeness and alertness.

In areas with little natural sunlight, blue light exposure can also be enhanced with electric high lumen (light intensity) SAD light therapy management devices that have a proven track record in the management of seasonal affective disorder.  

 

SUMMARY

Benefits of filtering blue light for general wellbeing

Regulation of melatonin and serotonin

Filtering blue light helps regulate the release of melatonin, thereby maintaining natural circadian rhythms and influencing serotonin release. Seratonin is required by the body to make melantonin. The right balance of these neurotransmitters is crucial for our wellbeing. Night time exposure to blue light suppresses the release of melatonin. Day time exposure to blue light increases the release and production of Seratonin and thereby melatonin levels.

Reduction of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms

Blue light can mitigate the effects of SAD, a form of depression prevalent during seasonal changes, grey skies, and reduced sunlight, affecting an estimated 5% of the US population. People suffering from SAD actually need more blue light exposure to limit the release of melatonin.

 

Protection of the eye’s macula

Filtering blue light reduces the risk of premature degradation of the eye’s macula, which can be crucial for preventing potential vision loss or blindness.

 

Reduction of eye and mind Irritation

LEDs and strong blue light can cause eye and mental irritation. Blue light filters, particularly color therapy filters like orange and pink, are effective in aiding visual processing, improving concentration, and reducing eye strain.

 

Relieving Irlen syndrome and improving visual processing

Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing disorders most of us have to some degree. It causes letters and imagery to slightly move or blur as the brain processes the visuals. Blue light filtering, orange-tinted glasses can be filter out the specific wavelengths of light

that are problematic, reducing symptoms like glare and visual stress that can in extreme cases lead to ADHD and dislexia.

 

 

Sources:

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/weekend-catch-up-sleep-wont-fix-the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-on-your-waistline-2019092417861

• The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research (Volume 34, 2017 - Issue 7)

• Effect of Light on Human Circadian Physiology Czeisler, C. A., et al. (2009). Sleep Medicine Clinics

• Blue Light and Melatonin Suppression Lockley, S. W., et al. (2010). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

• Adverse Health Effects of Nighttime Lighting: Comments on American

• Medical Association Policy Statement Richard G. Stevens PhD a, George C. Brainard PhD b, David E. Blask PhD, MD c, Steven W. Lockley PhD d, Mario E. Motta MD e The American Journal of Preventive Medicine