07/01/2026
BLUE LIGHT AND SLEEP DEPRIVATION
Blue light is high-energy visible light (380-500nm) from the sun (natural) and devices (artificial), crucial for daytime alertness but disruptive at night, suppressing melatonin and harming sleep by tricking the brain into thinking it's daytime.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side #:~:text=Blue%20light%20is%20beneficial%20during%20the%20day,lots%20of%20bright%20light%20during%20the%20day
Let's talk about the artificial blue light emitted from smartphones, tablets, computers, LEDs, gaming systems, etc.
1. Disruption of melatonin production - melatonin is released in response to darkness to signal the body that it's time to sleep. Blue light suppresses melatonin production, tricking your brain into thinking it's daytime. This delays sleep onset and reduces sleep quality.
2. Circadian rhythm interference - The body runs on a 24-hour internal clock known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. Artificial light shifts this clock, later making it hard to fall asleep at your usual time. Chronically causes insomnia, fatigue and mood disorders.
3. Increased stress hormones - cortisol, the primary stress hormone, stays elevated when you're not sleeping properly, increasing feelings of anxiety, tension and irritability.
Lack of restorative sleep affects the prefrontal cortex, which handles reasoning and emotional control. The amygdala (emotional center) becomes more reactive, leading to greater emotional sensitivity and less stress tolerance.
Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed. Better still, you can use blue light blocker lenses to prevent digital eye strain and insomnia.
Mental Illness And Su***de Awareness
World Health Organization (WHO)
Just Me Mental Health
Mental Health Movement
Africa CDC
United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
Mental Hygiene Initiative
Mental Health Matters Movement