How does blue light exposure affect mental alertness in the evening?

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How does blue light exposure affect mental alertness in the evening?

Asked on Dec 30, 2025

Answer

Blue light exposure in the evening can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, potentially reducing mental alertness and making it harder to wind down for sleep. This is because blue light can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

Example Explanation: Blue light, emitted by screens and electronic devices, mimics daylight and can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime. This can delay the release of melatonin, making it harder to feel sleepy and affecting your ability to relax and prepare for rest. As a result, using screens before bed can lead to difficulty falling asleep and decreased alertness the following day.

Additional Comment:

Consider reducing screen time at least an hour before bed to minimize blue light exposure.
Use "night mode" settings on devices to reduce blue light emission in the evening.
Incorporate relaxing activities, such as reading a book or meditating, to help transition to sleep.

✅ Answered with digital wellbeing best practices.

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