If - And - Then Why Not? Blue Light from Devices

[Bolt_Upright]

If: You are not supposed to watch TV late at night because your body mistakes the blue light for sunlight and disrupts your circadian rhythms.

And: You really should get up in the morning with the sun and get 15 minutes of sunlight to reinforce your circadian rhythm.

Then Why Not? Set your alarm clock to wake you at sunrise, and then just stay in bed and watch TV to reset your circadian rhythm.

[Boscoejean]

interesting thoughts on that

[Juliegrace]

good question.

[Grammy80]

.....I agree, why not!!! I had one doctor tell me...."it isn't about getting to bed at night to get enough sleep; if you get up at 7-8 am EVERY day, stay fairly busy, no naps, I guarantee you will be able to sleep by 9:30 pm, if not before." I haven't tried it yet. I now get 9 hours, or more per night...to bed usually at midnight, I get up anywhere from 9-10 am. It works for me.💞

[Esperanto]

Your assumption have some misconceptions. While blue light from screens disrupts circadian rhythms, watching TV in bed after waking at sunrise lacks the benefits of natural sunlight.

Morning sunlight contains a full spectrum of light and wavelengths. It regulates your internal clock, boosts mood, and supports vitamin D production, unlike artificial light. Sunlight is also much more intense than TV light. about 100,000 lux or more on a clear day, while TV screens generally emit around 100 to 300 lux. This means that sunlight can be up to 1,000 times brighter than the light emitted from a TV. So it's better to enjoy the morning sunlight for a healthier start to the day. 💪

[JMDean in reply to Esperanto]

I agree, it’s the “light“ equivalent of taking a supplement versus getting the nutrients from food. And the blue light really primarily affects the production of melatonin, which helps people stay asleep. There aren’t many other cofactors involved, as opposed to the full spectrum light enjoyed by exposure to sunlight. And that doesn’t get into the benefits of movement and mobility while getting outside versus sitting in bed passively watching television.

[FawnLily in reply to Esperanto]

Then I guess I need to move some place with more sun. I live in the Pacific Northwest of the USA where it’s cloudy and rainy most days from October through May.

[Esperanto in reply to FawnLily]

Even on those overcast days in the Pacific Northwest, natural light is still more beneficial for your mood and circadian rhythms than the light from a TV screen. It’s worth stepping outside for a few minutes to soak up whatever sunlight you can find. A little natural light can make a difference, helping you feel more energized and improving your overall well-being, even when the weather isn’t ideal.

[Grammy80 in reply to Esperanto]

I've been told the same thing by physicians (I'm in Indiana up North) ...."get out for 15-30 minutes per day, no matter the weather." I feel the value in that...I used to have a scooter and carried dog treats; it was a bumpy ride but the air felt great...rain or shine. After selling it, I'm contemplating purchasing another....4-wheeler.💞

[Bracondale]

Good point, but my understanding is that natural daylight / sunlight has the full spectrum of blue wavelengths, whereas our electronic gadgets with man made EMFs do not and are MUCH less intense for morning light purposes, and in addition have a 'damaging' strong wavelength peak. Natural sunlight also has beneficial red / infra red light which opposes the not always beneficial blue light effects on the mitochondria.....> more ATP / energy and less oxidative stress / inflammation.

I wrote this before I read Esperanto's much more eloquent explanation!

[Ghmac]

Why not?