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There is growing evidence that computer technology affects humans biologically. Not only are humans becoming more addicted to technology, the technology seems to affect basic human circadian rhythms.
The addiction is obvious with many people who now claim — or admit –they cannot live easily without their smart phones. Many people act like Pavlovian dogs whenever their smart phone rings or buzzes.
The affects go deeper, affecting the sleep patterns of many people.
Most modern computer devices use liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. This includes smart phones, tablets, computer display monitors, TVs, and even the console displays on smart refrigerators.
An unintended consequence of this technology is the prevalence of blue light.
Humans are tied to the cycle of sunrise and sunset. Ask anybody who has to adjust to working an evening or night shift.
Blue light occurs naturally during the day time. This natural blue lighting is absent at night. This absence triggers chemicals in humans. These triggers prepare humans for slowing down and eventually for preparing to sleep.
The artificial stimuli suppresses melatonin production. This affects sleeping patterns and habits.
Blue light seems to disrupts those signals.
While research is ongoing and data still accumulating, there seems to be more than a little common sense in the observations.
Restoring basic human cycles is simple, but in this current age of computer technology addiction, many people will resist obvious solutions.
In short, during the evening and night avoid blue lighting, which simulates sunlight.
- Do not have a TV in the bedroom.
- Do not use any computer technology in the late evening or night.
- For early evening computer usage, use a “red shift” app that reduces blue lighting from the device.
- For avid readers, use an ebook reader that does not use any form of back lighting or LCD technology.
- Avoid clocks near the bed that use LCD technology.
Other sleep enhancing strategies include:
- Avoid fluorescent lighting, which uses blue light.
- No stimulants such as caffeine or coffee after lunch.
“Red shift” apps that reduce blue lighting is nothing new. Red lights long have been used to help human eyes adjust to night time light levels. Be forewarned when using these apps the first few times. With the reduction of blue light the display will look red. Hence the name. The good news is the reddish tint looks normal after a few evenings of use.
These “red shift” apps are synced to the local sunrise and sunset times. As sunset approaches, the red tinting will increase gradually. Similarly for early risers, as sunrise approaches the red tinting lessens.
Some people have found success using amber tinted eyeglasses that block blue light.
The data seem to indicate that blue lighting affects humans much the same as too many cups of coffee. Additionally, spending time on computer devices late at night discourages the ability to “wind down.” Instead minds are racing at full charge.
Conversely, during day hours get as much exposure to real sunlight as possible.
Is the data irrefutable? Not yet. Then again, turn off the computers, smart phones, and TVs. Sleep better. Could the solution be so simple?
Technical tip: Mainstream support from the Microsoft folks for the Windows Vista operating system ends April 11, 2017. Much like when Windows XP was declared end-of-life (EOL), this does not mean the operating suddenly stops working. The EOL means no further security updates or bug fixes for most people.
Family time: What is the line called between the two numbers in a fraction? Think you know? Search the web.
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