Could blue lights replace a daily cup of coffee? Scientists claim they could be more effective at keeping you alert than caffeine



Blue light is harmless to tissue but can trigger biological effects in the body

In a study, people exposed to blue light performed better at distraction tests

The same test, proved too much for caffeine users who performed poorly

It builds on research that has found blue light can improve cognitive abilities

Blue light has been getting a bad reputation lately for its role in disrupting sleep.

Smartphones and other gadgets used before bed can cause restless nights because their light causes melatonin suppression – a chemical which controls the body clock.

But there are some positives, according to a recent study, that looks at how blue light can make the brain more alert if it is used at the right time.

People exposed to blue light performed better on tests of brain function that included a distraction than those who had caffeine

Researchers at Mid Sweden University compared the effects of caffeine and blue light on the brain and found them both to have a positive effect.

Interestingly, people exposed to blue light performed better on tests of brain function that included a distraction.

The same distraction, however, proved too much for caffeine users, who performed poorly.

‘Blue light and caffeine demonstrated distinct effects on aspects of psychomotor function,’ said the authors of the report.

Smartphones and other gadgets used before bed can cause restless nights because the light causes melatonin suppression - a chemical which controls the body clock

‘It has the potential to positively influence a range of settings where cognitive function and alertness are important.’

The study builds on research that suggests blue light can improve cognitive abilities such as memory, alertness and reaction time.

Although harmless to tissue, blue light is strong enough to trigger biological effects in the body, and it’s being used increasingly for a range of medical treatments.

For instance, doctors at the University Hospital of Heidelberg have developed a patch that emits blue light to treat pain.

Researchers from the University of Montreal said they were 'stunned' to discover blind people can tell when a light has been turned on and off

Blue light may also help combat bad breath.

Just two minutes’ exposure to blue light from lamps used for tooth whitening was enough to kill bacteria in saliva associated with bad breath, according to one study.

Even blind people are able to get the cognitive benefits from blue light exposure, according to a recent research.

Research from the University of Montreal found that even when vision is impaired and objects can no longer be seen, changes in light still register in the brain and blind people can tell when a light is switched on or off.

The research could have far-reaching effects in the treatment of blind people, as well as in other cognitive disorders, because doctors can potentially use light to activate specific parts of the brain.