How Artificial Light Affects Us

Did you know that if you stare at your cell phone before bed, it can make it harder for you to fall asleep?

Our bodies follow a roughly 24-hour internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. The blue light suppresses melatonin production, tricking the brain into thinking it is daytime.

Research has linked excessive artificial light at night to disrupted sleep patterns, depression, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, all of which impact long-term health and overall well-being.

Just like us, animals' sleep schedules also get out of whack when they are exposed to ALAN... no, not your noisy neighbor-ALAN stands for artificial light at night. ALAN affects not only animal sleep cyles but also hunting, migration, and even mating.

Tips to protect yourself from blue light at night:

• Use dim red lights for night lights. Red light is less likely to shift the circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin.

• Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.
• If you work a night shift or use a lot of electronic devices at night, consider wearing blue-blocking glasses or installing an app that filters the blue/green wavelength at night.
• Use blackout shades or drapes when sleeping.
• Expose yourself to lots of bright light during the day, which will boost your ability to sleep at night, as well as your mood and alertness during daylight.

Keep an eye out for more International Dark Sky Week posts this week as we dive deeper into the impact artificial light has on wildlife.

“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me want to dream.”  — Vincent Van Gogh

Read more: Shining Some Light on the Vanishing Night