Light and Circadian Rhythms
Exposure to sunlight in the morning is essential, but managing artificial light in the evening poses a challenge in modern life. Melanopsin cells in the retina play a crucial role in regulating light intake, and dimming screens or using desk lamps can help mitigate the impact of bright overhead lighting. While blue blockers can assist in reducing certain wavelengths, they are not a complete solution; it’s important to create a low-light environment to support healthy circadian rhythms.In this clip
From this podcast
Rich Roll
The Neuroscience of Optimal Performance: Dr. Andrew Huberman | Rich Roll Podcast
Related Questions
From a standpoint of ruthless neurobiological efficiency for setting the circadian clock, which is the lesser of two evils regarding eyewear during morning light exposure: blue-light blocking glasses or high-quality sunglasses? Does wearing any kind of filtering eyewear during the morning viewing protocol completely negate the benefits by filtering out the specific blue/yellow wavelengths needed to activate the melanopsin retinal ganglion cells, or is the sheer intensity (lux) of outdoor light sufficient to overcome the filter to some degree? Is it a binary 'works/doesn't work' situation, or is there a gradient of effectiveness?
To what extent does turning on the red light filter as Andrew Huberman explains minimize blue light exposure from screens in the evening to support circadian rhythms? Does it fully eliminate blue light?
Is blue light from screens problematic for our circadian rhythm, especially when used before sunrise in winter months, as discussed in the episode The Neuroscience of Optimal Performance: Dr. Andrew Huberman | Rich Roll Podcast and the clip Light and Circadian Rhythms?