How does light affect us?

We all know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but have you ever wondered how this natural phenomenon affects us? In this article, we will explore how light impacts our mood, sleep patterns, mental health and much more.

The Science of Light

Let’s start with some basic science. Light is a form of energy that travels as electromagnetic waves or particles called photons. Our eyes perceive this energy through cells called cones and rods that are present behind the pupil.

Types of Light

There are different types of light such as:

  • Visible light: This is what we can see with our naked eye.
  • Invisible light: Examples include ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, X-rays used in medical diagnosis etc.

Wavelengths

Each type of light has a unique wavelength which determines its color on the visible spectrum ranging from red to violet. Red has longer wavelengths while violet has shorter ones.

Fun fact: Did you know that technically black isn’t a color because it absorbs all wavelengths without reflecting any back?

Effects of Light on Mood

The phrase “sunshine makes me happy” isn’t just an empty statement – there’s scientific evidence to prove it!

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to changes in seasons typically experienced by people living in areas with long winters or minimal sunlight exposure. As days become shorter during winter months, people with SAD experience symptoms like fatigue, irritability, weight gain among others associated with low mood.

Research shows that increasing exposure to bright lights (at least 10 times brighter than regular indoor lighting) helps to alleviate these symptoms by suppressing melatonin secretion – i.e., regulating circadian rhythmicity leading to improved sleep quality.

However,light therapy must be done right! Excessive, uncontrolled exposure to UV light poses a risk for skin cancer and other health concerns.

Blue Light

Blue light refers to the wavelength of visible light that is emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, computers among others.

Excessive exposure to blue light has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns making it harder for people to fall asleep leading to increased daytime irritability or fatigue. It’s recommended avoiding screen time 90 minutes prior bedtime if you have trouble sleeping.

Effects of Light on Mental Health

Light therapy isn’t just limited to treating SAD; it can impact our overall mental wellbeing too!

Schizophrenia Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by disordered thinking, changes in perception and behavior. Studies indicate that bright-light therapy has shown promise in improving cognitive impairment (i.e., difficulty with concentration) but further research is necessary before definitive conclusions are drawn.

  • Light influences our mood through its effects on melatonin secretion.
  • Blue light from electronic devices negatively impacts sleep quality.
  • Bright-light therapy may benefit individuals with schizophrenia.

Lowering Hyperglycemia Risks With Light Therapy

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. It’s one of the most prevalent ailments related to blood sugar regulation. Researchers are now exploring how light could have a potential role in reducing hyperglycemia-associated risks – this article explains why:

Hyperglycemia involves high glucose levels within your bloodstream over an extended period resulting from various genetic or environmental factors like obesity or unhealthy diets —typically leads either prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels) or type II diabetes mellitus (an inability of cells in the body using insulin produced).

One way proposed by researchers suggests lowering hyperglycaemic effects would be photobiomodulation via low-intensity laser beams.

So far studies remain preliminary however results do show promise in terms of blood sugar level reduction.

  • High-risk patients of hyperglycemia may benefit from photobiomodulation by low-intensity laser beams.

How Light Affect Our Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythm refers to the body’s natural biological processes that regulate sleep and wake cycles.

The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a tiny part of your brain’s hypothalamus responsible for regulating normal timing functions like hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. Your SCN receives light signals through your retina when you’re exposed to sunlight which regulates how it communicates with other parts of the hypothalamus – this synchronizes set timings like waking up or falling asleep.

Exposure to blue light disrupts melanopsin cells present within our retinas altering information sent towards the SCN responsible for higher arousal levels leading to difficulty sleeping if received during nighttime. Hence subduing blue-light exposure at night leads to gathering enough Melatonin—in turn encouraging good quality restful nights.

  • Exposure to bright lights synchronizes our internal 24-hour clock known as circadian rhythm.
  • Disruptive use of electronic devices before bedtime causes difficulty getting good quality rest oftentimes producing daytime fatigue instead.
  • Avoidance of high-intensity blue light sources prior bedtime can improve one’s well-being over time.

Effects on Skin Health

We all love spending time under the sun but are there any long-term effects?

UV Radiation & Cancer Risk

When we go outside without sunscreen or protective clothing, our skin is subject to harmful radiation caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from solar energy emitted by sunrays (SM). Under such circumstances direct too much UV exposure can increase risks associated with cancerous cell growth

Many melanomas (the most severe type)of skin cancers have been linked back primarily due to UV exposure with symptoms of unusual mole growth or spreads. To keep melanoma at bay from overexposure proper skincare routines such as wearing protective layers or lotions should be adopted to limit chances of cancer

Preventative measures include diligent adoption and adherence to sun-care techniques, being mindful during outdoor activities, product use application times all have proven instrumental in maintaining healthy skin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, light plays a critical role in our physical and mental wellbeing – ranging from setting circadian rhythms to reducing hyperglycemic effects. With the right kind of light exposure cultivated through meaningful adjustments via extensive research & personal changes related to proper productive lifestyle habits, we can ensure better health outcomes for ourselves and those close to us.

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