The screens are now indistinguishable in human existence- work, education, entertainment, and social interaction become a subject of digital screens. However, the cost of this convenience is not obvious, but recycling blue lights in the background is quietly causing changes in hormonal balance, yawing, metabolism, mood, and long-term health.
The blue light produced by smart phones, laptops and tablets disrupts the release of melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep-wake schedule. The suppressed melatonin slows the time of sleep, disrupts the quality of sleep, and lowers the power of the body during the rest period. This hormonal effect, over time, does not only affect sleep but it also affects cortisol oscillations, raises stress and also affects emotional control.
The impacts do not solely impact on rest. Irregular circadian patterns affect the insulin sensitivity, appetite hormones (leptin and ghrelin), thyroid levels and sexual hormones. That is why there is the growing correlation between too much screen time and exhaustion, overweight, mood fluctuations, irregular cycles, poor concentration, and burnout particularly among students and busy workers.
The normalization of the blue-light burnout is what is so worrisome. A long-screen time and scrolling until late at night, as well as digital multitasking is suggested to be a normal thing to do, and the hormonal effects are not recognized until the symptoms grow severe. Advertisements tend to affect young adults and adolescents to a greater extent because hormonal systems are immature.
Hormonal health protection does not need to protect the technology, but it needs to be used reasonably. Screen-distraction before bedtime, blue-light filters, sleep routine, sunlight exposure outdoors, technological barriers can be extremely beneficial to minimize the dangers.
It is not only about blue light burnout affecting tired eyes but is a biological imbalance, which has long-time effects.
Do you believe that screen habits are one of the main aspects of sleep, stress, and hormonal health management nowadays?