Modern life is full of different kinds of lights that are necessary for us, but at night are detrimental to our well-being.
Although the benefits of natural sunlight are well known, few people understand how exposure to artificial light affects the body.
In this article, we will look at why it is important to reduce our intake of excess light in the evening and how it affects us even in the middle of our sleep.
The challenges of artificial blue light
Studies show that artificial blue light interferes with melatonin production. Interference with the secretion of this sleep hormone at night can disrupt natural sleep patterns. This phenomenon causes insomnia during sleep, but also fatigue in the morning if the alarm clock rings in the middle of a critical phase of sleep.
Effects of night-time light
Great, now you know not to look at any artificial blue light at night or alternatively make use of night vision goggles (Enhanced blue light glasses).
What if you sleep in a brightly lit environment? Reducing blue light only in the evening is not enough if you need uninterrupted sleep through the night.
Many people don't realise that any bright light (TV screen, room light, morning sun) in the middle of sleep interferes with sleep quality. This phenomenon is why we all wake up on a summer night to the morning sun outside.
Even a small amount of light in the sleeping environment can prevent us from achieving deep sleep, preventing our bodies and minds from recovering properly. In addition, exposure to light at night can lead to repeated awakenings, breaking the sleep cycle and undermining the restorative effect of sleep.
Simple solutions to pitch-black sleep
The first thing people think of is a good quality blackout curtain. However, they can be difficult to find in every room to block out all the light. The second challenge comes from travelling: if you're visiting a friend or sleeping in a tent or car, for example, it's impossible to keep your surroundings completely dark.
One of the most effective ways to combat night-time light is a 100% light-blocking sleep mask. A sleep mask provides complete darkness, which helps the body maintain optimal melatonin levels throughout the night.
By wearing a sleep mask, we can reduce wakefulness, improve sleep quality and thus promote both our physical and mental well-being.
A quality sleep mask (e.g. Oscar Blue's Mask 01) is a simple but effective tool that helps us effortlessly manage our light exposure without even knowing it exists.
Summary
We live in an environment where we are exposed to artificial light around the clock. By reducing blue light in the evening and protecting ourselves from light at night, we can easily improve our overall well-being. Investing in quality sleep is the single most important investment in our health and well-being.
