Morning blue light improves sleep quality in older adults

Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK have found that exposure to blue light in the morning can help older adults sleep better at night. This could lead to improved energy and activity levels during the day. The study involved 36 volunteers aged 60 and older. They were exposed to two hours of blue light and regular white light at different times over several weeks. The researchers focused on older adults because aging often reduces time spent outdoors and decreases the amount of blue light that enters the eyes. These factors can disturb sleep patterns. Chronobiologist Débora Constantino noted this study is among the first to explore how light therapy can aid healthy older people living independently. The findings revealed that morning blue light significantly improved sleep quality and increased daily activity. However, using blue light in the evening had the opposite effect, making it harder for participants to fall asleep. According to the researchers, morning blue light helps set the body’s natural rhythms. It teaches the body when to be awake and when to sleep. In contrast, exposure to blue light at night can disrupt these patterns. The study also found that getting natural daylight, similar to overcast light conditions, boosted daily activity and helped participants go to bed earlier. Daylight contains blue light, which can enhance mood and alertness. Previous studies have suggested that blue light therapy benefits older adults, particularly those with dementia. This new research offers a more realistic approach to how light therapy can work in daily life. Chronobiologist Daan Van Der Veen emphasized the potential of timed light exposure to improve sleep and daily activity in healthy older adults. The study shows that focusing on morning blue light and maximizing daylight can promote better sleep and a more active lifestyle. The findings were published in GeroScience.