Do you leave a lamp on before going to sleep or do you get your ZZZ's in total darkness? According to Science Daily, your answer may have an effect on your mood.
In a study initially published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers from Ohio State University exposed hamsters to different kinds of nighttime conditions: no light, dim red light, dim white light (commonly used in white light bulbs), and dim blue light. The animals were then tested for symptoms of depression.
Researchers found that hamsters that slept with no light on drank more sugar water, showing that they were content and internally balanced. Exposure to red light resulted in slightly less consumption, while blue and white light seemed to have the worst effect on the hamsters.
According to the study, lights are actually wavelengths which could trigger physiological responses. This is due to photosensitive cells in the eyes known as ipRGCs, which help in maintaining and regulating your body clock. As such, certain kinds of light may switch on and off certain reactions. Exposure to the wrong wavelength, like blue light, before going to sleep may not only cause sleeping problems, but also lead to darker moods.
To help you sleep better, researchers recommend little to no exposure to light before going to bed. Light color should also be taken into consideration. "If you need a night light in the bathroom or bedroom, it may be better to have one that gives off red light rather than white light," says study co-author Tracy Bedrosian. Lessening your exposure to screened devices such as tablets, smart phones, computers and televisions may also help you get a good night’s sleep.
(Photo by lobo235 via Flickr Creative Commons)
Do you leave a lamp on before going to sleepor do you get your Zzz's in total darkness? According to a study featured on Science Daily, your answer may have an effect on your mood.
In a study initially published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers from Ohio State University exposed hamsters to different kinds of nighttime conditions: no light, dim red light, dim white light, and dim blue light. They were then tested for symptoms of depression.
Researchers found that hamsters that slept with no light on drank more sugar water, showing that they were content and internally balanced. Exposure to red light resulted in slightly less consumption, while blue and white light seemed to have the worst effect on the hamsters.
|According to the study, lights are actually wavelengths which can trigger physiological responses. This is due to photosensitive cells in the eyes known as ipRGC’s, which help in maintaining and regulating your body clock. As such, certain kinds of light may switch on and off certain reactions. Exposure to the wrong wavelength, like blue light, before going to sleep may not only cause sleeping problems, but also lead to darker moods.
To help you sleep better, researchers recommend little to no exposure to light before going to bed. Light color should also be taken into consideration. "If you need a night light in the bathroom or bedroom, it may be better to have one that gives off red light rather than white light," says study co-author Tracy Bedrosian. Lessening your exposure to screened devices such as tablets, smart phones, computers and televisions may also help you get a good night’s sleep.
