Light from Screens Delays Sleep
August 28th, 2012Via: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:
A new study from the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute shows that a two-hour exposure to electronic devices with self-luminous “backlit” displays causes melatonin suppression, which might lead to delayed bedtimes, especially in teens.
The research team, led by Mariana Figueiro, associate professor at Rensselaer and director of the LRC’s Light and Health Program, tested the effects of self-luminous tablets on melatonin suppression. In order to simulate typical usage of these devices, 13 individuals used self-luminous tablets to read, play games, and watch movies. Results of the study, titled “Light level and duration of exposure determine the impact of self-luminous tablets on melatonin suppression,” were recently published in the journal Applied Ergonomics.
“Our study shows that a two-hour exposure to light from self-luminous electronic displays can suppress melatonin by about 22 percent. Stimulating the human circadian system to this level may affect sleep in those using the devices prior to bedtime,” said Figueiro.
Related: Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
It’s not perfect, but I find using f.lux helps a lot with this: http://stereopsis.com/flux/
whoah! Thanks for that f.lux recommendation, cheeba.
Yeah, thanks! I’m running it now and my screen kinda matches the light from my salt lamp in the corner.