Sunday, November 3, 2013

Night Lights Can Affect Our Moods




Our homes glow at night. Light bulbs, TVs, and now computers, e-readers, tablets and smartphones expose people to an increasing amount of light after dark. And the color of that light may influence mood and brain function. That’s according to a study in The Journal ofNeuroscience. [Tracy A. Bedrosian et al,Nocturnal Light Exposure Impairs Affective Responses in a Wavelength-Dependent Manner]
Researchers looked at the role of specialized photosensitive cells in the retina. The cells, called ipRGCs, are responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. And recent evidence suggests these cells may also play a role in mood and cognition.
To test how nocturnal lighting color affects mood, the researchers exposed hamsters to nighttime conditions of no light, red light, white light or blue light for four weeks each. 
Hamsters exposed to red light at night had the fewest brain changes associated with depression in humans, while blue and white light had the worst effects on mood.



Beware:  late-night work email may not be the only thing ticking you off—the blue glow of your machine may also be getting you down. The best bet: shut down and get some shuteye.
Article by Annie 

Color, even in small items, makes a difference. I have some old red Christmas light bulbs which I will use to replace the white light bulbs now in our nightlights. BBL

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