Impacts of Blue Light Exposure From Electronic Devices on Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disruption in Adolescent and Young Adult Students

Abstract

The excessive exposure of blue light, originated from electronic gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, may contribute to sleep problems. Long exposure to blue-wavelength light from these devices affects sleep by suppressing melatonin hormone and cause neurophysiologic consequences. This literature review highlights the most recent findings on the relationship between sleep disruption and blue light exposure among the high school and college student population. A variety of scientific studies have shown that blue light exposure, especially before bedtime, can create circadian disruptions and inhibit melatonin secretion in brain, which ultimately result in deteriorated sleep quality and duration. Sleep deprivation in duration and quality of sleep is reflected in negative effects on mood, learning memory, and academic performance of a student from middle school to college. In general, the accumulating evidence indicates that, to promote adolescent and young adult health, it is necessary to pay attention to the impacts of blue light exposure from modern technologies.