All this talk about eyes with the eclipse, I thought I'd share about what can happen to your eyes with prolonged night exposure to electronics.
A well-rested individual makes better decisions, has more energy, and maintains a more balanced mood. We've all experienced this.
A lack of sleep can contribute to a host of health issues, including a depressed immune system, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even some cancers! (We've all been sleep-deprived, too).
What does this have to do with your eyes?
When we view electronic devices (television, cellular phones, iPads, Kindles, etc.) it's the short wavelength light-- blue light -- that keeps us stimulated, alert, and ready for action. This is great during the daytime, but once the sun sets, our bodies are conditioned to wind down that alertness to prepare for bedtime. Melatonin production increases, which contributes to that deep, restful sleep.
If you're viewing a digital/electronic device at night (who doesn't?) the blue light interferes with your circadian rhythm and melatonin production and your sleep is disrupted.
Here's an excerpt from an article (linked below) that explains it better:
What happens in the body when our eyes are exposed to blue light on electronic devices?
"Recent studies have shown that short-wavelength [blue] light has a greater effect on phase shifting the circadian clock and on melatonin suppression. In 2014 my colleagues and I examined the effects of reading on a light-emitting device compared with reading a printed book. Participants who read on light-emitting devices took longer to fall asleep, had less REM sleep [the phase when we dream] and had higher alertness before bedtime [than those people who read printed books]. We also found that after an eight-hour sleep episode, those who read on the light-emitting device were sleepier and took longer to wake up. In the study all participants had to stop reading and turn off the lights at exactly 10 P.M., even if they did not feel sleepy. At home, I would expect people do not have the motivation to turn off their devices and go to bed, so they would stay up longer and experience even more circadian delay and shorter sleep times. The effects in the real world could actually be even greater."
Does this mean we have to abstain from electronics after sunset?
No.
Here are some ways you minimize your exposure and enhance melatonin production.
*Wear blue light blocking eyeglasses
http://www.zennioptical.com/beyond-uv-blue-blocker
*Install dimming software or filters to your computer/laptop/iPad/phone
https://www.ocushield.com/product/blue-light-filter-for-computer-laptop-screen/
*Stop using electronic devices once the sun sets... (Not gonna happen)
Google it to find out more for yourself!
Wishing you a wonderful day and deep, restful sleep tonight!