Your Brain on Blue Light: Understanding the Science

For most of us, blue light is unavoidable.  We stare at our screens, zip around on our phones, and when it’s time to unwind, often kick back with our laptops and televisions. Even when we do go out and about, away from the tech, it’s hard not to resist the temptation to ‘plug back in.’  This is the modern age – a digital age – and while it may be virtually impossible to completely detach from technology, there are plenty of reasons to at least reduce our dependence. Blue light from the sun is one thing, but the artificial blue light that comes from our devices is another. And the negative health consequences can be quite dramatic. From the effects on your neurochemistry to the effects on your physical well-being, it’s never too late to start ‘detoxing’ from blue light.  Let’s break down the science behind blue light, and how it affects you.  What Is Blue Light? You’ve probably heard the term, but what exactly is blue light? To put it in more technical terms, blue light is a short-wavelength, high-energy visible (HEV) light. As mentioned, it does come from the sun, but many of us are getting the majority...