by LED lamps and electronic devices emit blue light, which has been known to disrupt sleep patterns by affecting the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. While wearing tinted glasses or using devices in night mode can partially block the disruptive wavelengths, a team of researchers has now developed new LEDs that could potentially enhance drowsiness or alertness as desired, according to a study published in ACS Omega.
Humans have naturally evolved to be active during daytime and rest at night, relying on sunlight to regulate their sleep-wake cycle. However, with many individuals spending a majority of their time indoors away from sunlight, maintaining the optimal circadian rhythm has become a challenge. Artificial light, especially blue light, can exacerbate this problem by reducing melatonin secretion.
Blue light, in particular, has the reputation of interfering with melatonin production and disrupting sleep. Unfortunately, LED lamps, computers, televisions, phones, and other electronic devices that emit blue light are commonly used during nighttime hours. To address this issue, the researchers, including Changwook Kim and Young Rag Do, aimed to develop a light source that could support natural circadian rhythms irrespective of the time of day it is used.
Not all blue light is equal, as it varies in wavelength from 380 to 500 nanometers (nm). The wavelengths between 460 and 500 nm suppress melatonin production and promote wakefulness.
To create the new LEDs, the researchers designed two different bulbs emitting blue light at specific wavelengths. The first LED, suitable for daytime use, restricted its blue emissions to wavelengths close to 475 nm. The second LED, intended for evening use, emitted blue wavelengths near 450 nm, which are outside the range that disrupts sleep.
The two LEDs were incorporated into bulbs, which produced white light by converting some of the blue light into red and green using phosphors. These new LED bulbs were placed alongside conventional LED bulbs in fixtures installed in a windowless room furnished with a desk, treadmill, and bed.
Male volunteers stayed in the room for three days, during which a computer controlled whether the conventional bulbs or the new daytime and evening bulbs were turned on or off. This allowed the researchers to compare the impact of the different bulbs on melatonin levels.
Saliva samples collected from 22 volunteers revealed that the use of the new LEDs increased nighttime melatonin levels by 12.2% and decreased daytime melatonin levels by 21.9% compared to consistent exposure to conventional LEDs. The researchers believe that manufacturers of LED lamps and electronic displays can utilize these findings to help users enhance daytime energy and efficiency while also improving nighttime relaxation and sleep quality.
In conclusion, the development of these next generation blue LED lights offers a promising solution for those struggling with maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. By choosing the appropriate LED based on the time of day, individuals can potentially enhance their drowsiness or alertness as needed, improving productivity during the day and promoting better sleep at night.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
