Daily exposure to blue-enriched light may improve sleep quality and increase activity levels in older adults, in accordance with a study published online Jan. 17, 2025. Jero Science. Thirty-six participants aged 60 and older sat in front of a light-weight box emitting blue-enriched white light or control white light for about two hours each morning (before 11 a.m.) or two hours each evening (before 10 p.m.) for 3 weeks. They then moved to a different light for an additional three weeks. The light boxes were placed roughly 24 inches from the face at head height.
Participants recorded their sleep patterns, comparable to the time they went to bed, how long it took them to go to sleep, how repeatedly they woke up through the night, and the way long it took them to fall back asleep. They also marked the duration and frequency of naps through the day. The researchers recorded their every day movements with activity trackers. Results showed that morning blue light therapy improved increased activity, earlier bedtimes, regular sleep patterns, and sleep quality. However, the researchers noted that prolonged exposure to blue light within the evening (greater than two hours) made it harder to go to sleep and led to more restless nights. This suggests that early morning exposure to blue light could also be most helpful. According to researchers, blue light within the morning “wakes up” the brain, which increases alertness and synchronizes the sleep-wake cycle.
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