Ever since the invention of the lightbulb by Thomas Edison in 1879, individuals have had the ability to control the light environment around them. However, light is not just a tool for vision; in fact, it has a crucial role in affecting our psychological processes.
Firstly, light has a significant role in regulating our circadian rhythm: the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle that our body operates on. Without light, our bodies would be unable to internalize a mental clock and understand when to fall asleep or wake up. Natural light exposure helps one maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, often resulting in better sleep quality. Additionally, disruption to normal circadian rhythms can result in mood swings, depression, and in some severe cases, bipolar disorder.
In addition to their help in circadian rhythms, light also has a marked impact on individuals’ ability to focus. According to a study published by Lighting Research & Technology, blue light and other cool colors of light were found to significantly improve alertness and focus among individuals. Therefore, workplaces and school environments often utilize cool-colored lights to improve productivity.
However, the impact of light on our psychological patterns is not always positive. For instance, high exposure to blue light before bed is often associated with degraded sleep quality. Such factors can lead to insomnia and a lack of REM, or deep sleep. To combat such harsh impacts, you should aim to reduce exposure to blue and artificial light before going to bed, and expose your eyes to warm-colored lights, such as yellow or orange.
Works Cited
Greer, Stephanie M, et al. “The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Food Desire in the Human Brain.” Nature Communications, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763921/.
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