At the molecular level, blue light primarily messes with your body's internal clock, the circadian rhythm.
Emerging research also suggests blue light exposure can trigger the release of toxic molecules in the photoreceptor cells of the eye, potentially contributing to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Biotechnology and Nanotechnology | Blue light is being explored and used in some exciting ways:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Certain drugs become activated when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, including blue light. These activated drugs can then target and destroy cancerous cells or harmful microorganisms.
Nanoparticles can be designed to deliver these photosensitizing drugs specifically to the target site. - Drug delivery: Blue light can be used to trigger the release of drugs from light-sensitive nanoparticles or hydrogels implanted within the body. This allows for controlled and localized drug delivery.
- Tissue engineering: Blue light can be used to cross-link biomaterials and create scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
It can also influence cell behavior and differentiation in engineered tissues. - Diagnostics and imaging: Blue light can excite certain fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles, allowing researchers and clinicians to visualize biological processes or track the movement of molecules within the body.
Now, imagine surrounding yourself with all shades of blue light for prolonged exposure. It's likely you'd feel pretty wired and potentially uncomfortable. Since blue light suppresses melatonin, your sleep-wake cycle would be significantly disrupted.
You might experience:
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep: Your body wouldn't be getting the natural signals to wind down.
- Increased alertness and restlessness: Even when you try to relax, your brain would be in a more active state.
- Eye strain and fatigue: Constant exposure to bright blue light can strain your eyes.
- Potential mood changes: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even depression-like symptoms.
Regarding detailed studies placing someone under only blue light for prolonged periods to observe their response, it's tricky. While the effects of blue light on circadian rhythms and melatonin suppression are well-established through controlled laboratory studies, ethically subjecting someone to an environment of only blue light for an extended time to see how they function would be questionable due to the anticipated negative impacts on sleep and well-being.
However, there have been numerous studies where participants have been exposed to blue light of varying intensities and durations, often from screens or specific light sources, and their physiological and psychological responses (sleep patterns, hormone levels, cognitive performance, mood) have been carefully monitored.
References: Blue Light, Circadian Rhythms, and Mitigation Strategies
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Screen Light Filtering Software Helps Night Workers’ Sleep & Performance
Kazemi, R., Alighanbari, N., & Zamanian, Z. (2019). The effects of screen light filtering software on cognitive performance and sleep among night workers. Health Promotion Perspectives.
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Systematic Review: Blue Light’s Influence on Sleep & Well-Being
(2022). The influence of blue light on sleep, performance and wellbeing in young adults: A systematic review. PMC.
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Blue Light Filter Improves Task Performance, May Reduce Fatigue
Usgaonkar, U. P. S., Dessai, S. P., & Shetty, A. (2023). Effect of blue light filter on visual and task performance. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.
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Narrative Review: Blue Light Ocular Hazards & Prevention
(2023). Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention—A Narrative Review. Ophthalmology and Therapy, 12, 755–788.
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Scoping Review on Artificial Blue Light Safety and Device Exposure
(2022). A review of the current state of research on artificial blue light safety as it applies to digital devices. PMC.
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Blue Light at Night Increases Stress & Aggression in Animals
(Year unspecified). Blue light at night produces stress-evoked heightened aggression by enhancing BDNF in the amygdala. PMC.
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Reducing Blue Light from Smartphones Improves Sleep Quality
(2023). Effect of reducing blue light from smartphone screen on subjective sleep quality among students. PubMed.
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Experimental Reduction of Melatonin Suppression via Display Settings
Schreiner, R. F. (2020). Dissecting the Response to Blue Light — examining Night Shift settings and melatonin levels.
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Blue Light Emissions from Screens & Effects of Blue-Blocking Lenses
(2020). Blue Light of the Digital Era: A Comparative Study of Devices. MDPI.
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Built-in Display Filters Like Night Shift Show Limited Sleep Benefits
(2021). Night Shift (software) — altering display color temperature shows minimal improvement in sleep outcomes.
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The Color of Light Affects Circadian Rhythms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – NIOSH. (n.d.). Module 2. The Color of the Light Affects Circadian Rhythms.
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Melanopsin and Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells
Lucas, R. J., et al. (2018). Melanopsin and the Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells: Biophysics to Behavior. PMC – US National Library of Medicine.
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Blue Light Sets the Human Rhythm
Münch, M., et al. (2010). The inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm. PMC – US National Library of Medicine.
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Circadian Rhythm and Melatonin Inhibition
Boivin, D. B., & Duffy, J. F. (1997). Dissociation of circadian and light inhibition of melatonin release through forced desynchronization in the rat. PNAS.
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Blue Light Phototoxicity in Retinal Cells
Marie, M., et al. (2018). Blue light-induced phototoxicity in retinal cells: implications in age-related macular degeneration. PMC – US National Library of Medicine.
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