top of page

Worthy Knowledge

NutriSculpt wix booking.png
Writer's pictureRob Worthington

The Surprising Link Between Blue Light, Obesity and Other Long-Term Health : What You Need to Know

In today's digital age, it is almost impossible to avoid using electronic devices, whether it be for work or leisure. From smartphones to laptops, these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, the constant exposure to blue light emitted by screens may have adverse effects on our health and well-being.

Blue light is a type of light with a short wavelength that is found in natural sunlight, as well as in electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. While blue light can be beneficial during the daytime as it helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, excessive exposure to blue light during the evening can disrupt our sleep patterns and lead to insomnia.


Moreover, blue light can cause eye strain, which can lead to symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Long-term exposure to blue light may also contribute to the development of macular degeneration, a condition that causes damage to the retina and can lead to vision loss.


Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce our exposure to blue light. One of the most effective methods is to use blue light filters on our electronic devices. These filters can be installed on our smartphones, computers, and tablets to reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen.


Another way to reduce our exposure to blue light is to limit our screen time, especially in the evening. Experts recommend avoiding the use of electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime to promote better sleep.


In addition, there are several lifestyle changes that we can make to minimize the impact of blue light on our health. For example, taking frequent breaks when using electronic devices and practicing good posture can reduce eye strain. Eating a healthy and balanced diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants such as leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits may also help protect our eyes from the harmful effects of blue light.


Furthermore, research has shown that blue light exposure may have an impact on our overall health beyond just our eyes and sleep patterns. Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to blue light may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.


While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of blue light on our health, it is clear that taking steps to reduce our exposure is important. By using blue light filters, limiting our screen time, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can protect our eyes, promote better sleep, and potentially reduce our risk of other health conditions.



In conclusion, the importance of stopping blue light from screens cannot be overstated. From eye strain to sleep disruption and potential long-term health effects, excessive exposure to blue light can have serious consequences. It is essential to take steps to reduce our exposure, including using blue light filters, limiting our screen time, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. By doing so, we can protect our health and well-being and enjoy the benefits of technology without putting ourselves at risk.


  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Blue Light and Your Eyes. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/blue-light-digital-devices

  • National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). How Blue Light Affects Your Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-blue-light-affects-your-sleep

  • Stringham, J. M., & Stringham, N. T. (2019). Macular carotenoid supplementation improves visual performance, sleep quality, and adverse physical symptoms in those with high screen time exposure. Foods, 8(9), 384. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8090384

  • Tosini, G., Ferguson, I., & Tsubota, K. (2016). Effects of blue light on the circadian system and eye physiology. Molecular Vision, 22, 61–72. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4734149/

  • Wood, B., Rea, M. S., Plitnick, B., & Figueiro, M. G. (2013). Light level and duration of exposure determine the impact of self-luminous tablets on melatonin suppression. Applied Ergonomics, 44(2), 237–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2012.07.008

  • Falchi, F., Cinzano, P., Elvidge, C. D., Keith, D. M., & Haim, A. (2011). Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health, environment and stellar visibility. Journal of Environmental Management, 92(10), 2714–2722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.06.029

  • Navarro, R., Betancourt, J., Candia, V., & Yañez, M. (2021). The association between exposure to artificial light at night and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 22(7), e13227. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13227

  • Wu, Y., & Swaab, D. F. (2007). The human pineal gland and melatonin in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Pineal Research, 43(3), 319–324. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-079X.2007.00473.x

24 views

Comentarios


bottom of page