Night light
Night light
Night light is a feature on electronic devices such as computers and smartphones that reduces the blue light emitted from the screen, helping to mitigate eye strain and improve sleep quality by reducing the suppression of melatonin production.
What does Night light mean?
Night light refers to a lighting technology designed to reduce the emission of blue light from electronic devices, particularly during nighttime usage. Blue light is a portion of the visible light spectrum that naturally inhibits the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep cycles. Excessive exposure to blue light before bedtime can interfere with sleep, leading to disrupted circadian rhythms and potential health issues.
Night light mode on devices alters the color temperature of the display to emit a warmer, reddish-orange hue. This Warm light composition contains less blue light, thereby minimizing its inhibitory effect on melatonin production. By reducing blue light exposure, night light mode aims to enhance sleep quality and promote restful sleep patterns.
Applications
Night light has gained significant importance in technology today due to the increasing prevalence of electronic devices and their widespread use before bedtime. The benefits of reduced blue light exposure extend beyond improved sleep; it is also linked to reduced Eye strain, fatigue, and improved cognitive function.
In smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices, night light mode can be activated manually or scheduled to turn on automatically at a specific time, such as dusk or bedtime. Laptops and desktop computers often incorporate similar functionality through software settings or dedicated hardware buttons.
History
The concept of reducing blue light exposure for improved sleep predates the widespread adoption of electronic devices. In the 1990s, research emerged demonstrating the disruptive effects of blue light on melatonin production. This led to the development of amber-tinted glasses intended for use in the evening hours to block out blue light and promote sleep.
In the early 2010s, with the rise of smartphones and tablets, technology companies began incorporating night light modes into their devices to address concerns about blue light exposure. Apple introduced Night Shift in iOS 9.3 in 2016, while Google followed Suit with Night Light in Android 7.1 Nougat in 2017.
Since then, night light mode has become a standard Feature in most Modern electronic devices. It is widely recognized as a simple yet effective way to mitigate the negative effects of blue light exposure and promote better sleep hygiene.