[Innovation Connection, Russia].
Research by the Medical University of Tyumen in Russia has shown that exposure to blue light at night increases the likelihood of obesity. Researchers say that blue light emitted by smartphones, laptops, TV screens or coming in through windows can cause metabolic disorders. The study was recently published in Biology.
The researchers explained that the light in the blue part of the spectrum interferes with the production of melatonin, which plays the most important role in regulating the daily activity cycle (circadian rhythm) of all living things.
Excessive blue light exposure can affect not only sleep patterns but also metabolism. People with a mutation in the melatonin receptor gene have the most sensitive metabolism to blue light. In carriers of this gene, diurnal body temperature dynamics and daily average body temperature levels also change as the body mass index rises.
Studies have found that even during the night period between 21:30 and 01:00 (the most active time for melatonin production), any small amount of blue light is associated with an increase in body mass index.
The study was conducted in the spring. In the future, scientists intend to continue their research in other seasons. The results of the winter measurements are of the greatest interest, as in the Arctic it is the season when the light is most lacking.
Manuscript of this column**: Russian Satellite News Agency Edited and organized: Dong Yingbi, reporter of this newspaper in Russia).