Are Devices Making Us Old?
On average, Americans spend nearly 3 hours on their phones each day. And that doesn’t account for all of their screen time. When you add in the amount of time spent on a computer, tablet or other electronic device, screen time increases dramatically — especially for those who spend 8 hours a day on a computer for work. It’s a sign of the times, and you may wonder why it even matters. Turns out, it matters a lot. Daily exposure to the light emitted from devices can accelerate aging.
Computers, cell phones, tablets and other devices emit blue LED light. A recent study involving flies showed that prolonged blue-light exposure can impact longevity and may even disrupt natural functions, such as eating and sleeping. What’s more, scientists have yet to learn what the effects of blue-light exposure over a lifetime might be. The good news is that you can protect yourself.
Devices and Blue LED Light
Blue light, or high-energy visible light, is everywhere—and has some benefits. It's found naturally within sunlight and is emitted from LED screens and bulbs. It’s what makes the sky look blue and the mall feel bright. But it’s also emitted from cell phones, computers, TVs, tablets and other devices.
Generally speaking, it’s safe—in moderation. But daily use of devices has dramatically increased the amount of blue light that the average person is exposed to during the course of a day, a fact that has many health experts concerned. This has caused researchers to take a more in-depth look at the consequences of being constantly bathed in blue light.
Health Effects of Blue-Light Exposure
According to Harvard Health, blue light exposure can disrupt circadian rhythm, resulting in sleep problems. It can cause eye strain, and there has been some discussion about possible eye damage caused by blue light. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says there’s no evidence of blue light from screens causing eye damage, but new research suggests otherwise so the jury may still be out on this one.
A recent study exposed flies to daily cycles of 12 hours of blue light and 12 hours of darkness. Other flies were kept in darkness or in enclosures with no blue light exposure. The flies that were exposed to blue light showed damage to retinal cells. The flies from the blue light exposure group also experienced damaged brain neurons and more locomotion issues. What’s more, the flies also had shorter lifespans than the flies kept in darkness.
How to Use Devices Safely
You can limit the amount of blue light you’re exposed to without giving up all of those lovely devices. First, you can use an app that filters out blue light and/or wear blue light blocking glasses. No matter what, please don't spend hours staring at a screen. Take frequent breaks and try to turn off devices several hours before bedtime.
The constant exposure to blue light may accelerate aging and shorten life, even if the light doesn’t reach your eyes, so it may help to spend time away from artificial light altogether each day. Fortunately, blue-light exposure is optional. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce or eliminate the amount of blue light you’re exposed to—especially now that you know it's a potential problem.
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