Blue light may be more important than previously thought, according to new research from the Australian Cooperative Research Center for Warning, Safety and Efficiency (Alertness CRC). It was understood that blue light has a great effect on biological clock and sleep patterns.
Neuroscientist and circadian rhythms expert Associate Professor Sean Cain says the research shows that the amount of blue light in a light source has significant effects on our biological clocks. “High light dosages at night can be negative for the body clock, leading to disturbed sleep that affects people’s health and mood over time.” “This is partly why long-time shift workers experience health problems. At the same time, people, especially those working in safety-critical roles, need to stay vigilant. Therefore, it becomes important for them to be exposed to more blue light.”
This project also aims to find new ways to ‘reset circadian rhythms’ by implementing a dynamic solution that can improve people’s sleep quality, alertness and productivity. The circadian is the rhythm our body has in its day cycle. While this rhythm controls the timing of many physiological processes, it also determines sleep, meal patterns, brain activities, hormone production and cell renewal.
The Sleep Health Foundation, a partner organization of the Alertness CRC, stated that in 2016-17 the cost of insufficient sleep to the Australian economy was $66.3 billion, $26.2 billion from lost productivity and $40.1 billion from adverse health effects.
As a result of the research, it may be possible to maximize human health and comfort with a lighting product whose blue light can be programmed. For this reason, blue light should be used regularly for people who work at night and to protect their sleep patterns.
Source: CRC for Alertness, Safety and Productivit