Evning Exposure to Computer Screen Disrupts Sleep, Attention and Biological Rhythms
Abstract
Light exposure is on the rise in recent years. In large part because of unintentional illumination from screens that emit light directly into the eyes. Millions of computers, tablets, televisions, and smart-phones are sold worldwide every month and the usage time of these devices is increasing constantly. Today, people are exposed to ongoing light exposure from these device screens, emitting short wave length (SWL) during day and night hours, whether as active or passive users. In sum, artificial light at night (ALAN) seem to affect human circadian rhythmicity (melatonin and thermoregulation) and sleep, with two major factors. First, wavelength of light, with SWL being most detrimental to sleep and rhythms, when compared to LWL (Brianard et al., 2001). Second, a dose-response relationship exists between increasing light intensity and poorer sleep/circadian rhythms (Brianard et al., 1988; West et al., 2011).
Based on existing knowledge, we hypothesize that when compared to long wavelength LWL illumination, short wavelength SWL illumination from computer screen will have a more damaging effect on melatonin (MLT) production and secretion, interfering body temperature regulation and affecting sleep quality, efficiency and sleep architecture. In addition, we hypothesized that intensity of the screen illumination will play another important factor on these outcomes, we assume that high intensity compared to low intensity will have more damaging effect on: melatonin,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 19 participants or records.
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