In today’s hyper-connected world, blue light exposure has become a daily reality. From our phones and computers to LED lights and TV’s, artificial blue light surrounds us.
For many in the UK, especially during these long, dark winters, these artificial sources play a significant role in our daily routines. However, this constant exposure to blue light can leave us feeling overstimulated, sleep-deprived and “wired”, impacting both our physical and mental health.
But what if a natural solution like chiropractic care could help restore the balance?
Blue light is a high-energy visible light with short wavelengths, found naturally in sunlight and emitted by digital devices and LED lighting. While exposure to blue light during the day helps regulate our circadian rhythms and keeps us alert, excessive exposure – especially in the evening – can disrupt this delicate balance.
In the UK, this issue is particularly pronounced:
Short Winter Days: With limited natural sunlight, we spend more time indoors, relying on artificial lighting and screens.
Evening Screen Time: The rise of remote work and streaming services means longer hours glued to screens, often late into the night.
Impact on Sleep: Blue light suppresses melatonin, the hormone that prepares our body for sleep, leading to difficulty falling asleep or restless nights.
The result? People feel perpetually “wired”, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, poor focus, and even heightened stress levels.
Beyond sleep disruption, excessive blue light exposure can have cascading effects on your overall health:
Digital Eye Strain: Staring at screens for long periods can lead to symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
Neck and Back Pain: Prolonged screen use often results in poor posture, particularly “tech neck”, where your neck and shoulders are hunched forward which strains our spines.
Stress and Tension: Constant stimulation from blue light keeps the nervous system in a heightened state, contributing to stress and tension in the body.
These effects can create a cycle of discomfort and stress that can feel difficult to escape from – especially if your body isn’t aligned and functioning optimally.
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring balance to the body by addressing spinal misalignments, aiding in nervous system function, and promoting overall wellness.
Here’s how it can counteract the effects of blue light:
Prolonged screen time often leads to poor posture, particularly a forward head posture and rounded shoulders. We perform spinal adjustments to realign the spine, reducing tension and discomfort in the neck, shoulders and back.
Blue light exposure can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to heightened stress levels. Chiropractic adjustments help improve communication between the brain and body, calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.
By relieving physical tension and optimising nervous system function, chiropractic care can help your body transition more easily into a restful state, combating the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light.
Chiropractic care promoted better circulation, reduced inflammation, and improved posture, all of which contribute to a greater sense of well-being. Paired with good lifestyle changes, it can help you feel more balanced overall.
In addition to your chiropractic care, incorporating healthy habits can help mitigate blue light’s effects:
Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens 1-2 hours before bed to allow your body to produce melatonin naturally.
Use Blue Light Filters: Enable night mode on your devices or invest in blue-light blocking glasses.
Take breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Incorporate Natural Light: Spend time outdoors during the day to regulate your circadian rhythm.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Dim the lights in the evening and keep your bedroom free of screens.
While blue light exposure is an unavoidable part of modern life, its impact doesn’t have to control your health. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to relieve the physical and neurological strain caused by excessive screen time. Combined with mindful lifestyle changes, chiropractic can help you feel more grounded, less “wired”, and better equipped to navigate the challenges of daily life in the UK.
