Introduction
University of Basel’s chronobiologists recently conducted a groundbreaking study. They discovered that the colour of light has less of an impact on the adjustment of our internal clocks than was formerly believed. Their findings could have a broad influence on the development and use of lighting and display technologies.
In their research, the scientists found that the internal biological clock is mostly affected by the brightness of light instead of the colour. This contradicts the widely held understanding that the colour of light plays a substantial role in aligning our circadian rhythms. The researchers published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The Internal Clock
The body's circadian rhythm, or internal clock, is a system that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. It takes cues from environmental factors, most notably light and darkness. It was previously thought that the color temperature of light, which can range from warm (red) to cool (blue), significantly influenced our biological clock.
Blue light exposure in the evening, in particular, has been linked to sleep problems. It's seen as the enemy of a good night's sleep and is believed to mess with our internal clocks. This is why sleep experts recommend avoiding screens before bed, as they emit a lot of blue light.
New Learning from Basel's Study
However, the study from the University of Basel contradicts this accepted wisdom. The team found that when the brightness of light is controlled for, the colour of light does not play a significant role. This means that equally bright blue or green light has a similar effect on the internal clock.
The results differed significantly from the hypothesis that blue light has the strongest effect on the circadian rhythm. Instead, the research showed that the influence of light on the internal clock largely depends on brightness, less so on colour.
Details of the Experiment
In their experiment, the researchers exposed 33 people to light of different colours and brightness for two hours. Their internal clocks were assessed through the measurement of melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is released in greater amounts in darkness.
The subjects' internal clocks were most strongly influenced by light brightness with little difference between the colours. It contradicted previous theories that light's influence on the circadian rhythm was heavily weighted by colour.
Implications for Light Technology
These findings could have a significant impact on the design and use of lighting and display technologies. Current technology designs are based on the idea that blue light affects the internal clock more than any other colour. As a result, many devices offer a night-time mode, which reduces the blue light emitted.
If future studies corroborate Basel's findings, it could lead to a shift in this approach. Technology manufactures may start focusing on controlling light intensity more than its colour. Sleep technology could shift more towards regulating brightness rather than minimizing exposure to specific light colours.
Scepticism and Reconsiderations
Of course, like all research, these findings aren't definitive. Scientists worldwide will likely scrutinize them since they contradict widely held beliefs about the relationship between light colour and our internal clocks. Additionally, they only account for short-term exposure.
Reflecting this uncertainty, many scientists are hesitant to discount the impact of light color fully. Only with more research will it be possible to definitively know how our internal clocks respond to different lights.
Future Directions
This new understanding opens a path for future research on the relationship between light and our internal clocks. For instance, further studies could focus on how prolonged exposure to different colours of light affects the circadian rhythm.
Also, new research questions could investigate potential difference humans' age groups, or even between different animal species. It is just the start of a potential paradigm shift in our understanding of how light affects our internal clocks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Basel research provides compelling new insights about our internal clocks. Though blue light has been a prime suspect for disturbing our sleep cycles, it seems brightness may be more to blame.
As we continue to explore this area and solidify our understanding, the findings will undoubtedly factor into decisions about technology design and use, potentially improving our health and wellness.