Psychiatric Effects of Blue Light Exposure and Circadian Rhythm Disruption in the Digital Era: A Narrative Review

 Research Paper | 2026 | Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Page 74-82

1. Dr Shahan Layek, Independent Researcher, West Bengal, India

2. Dr Ravi Ranjan Shah, MD Internal Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Nepal

3. Argha Sen Assistant Professor, Hemnalini Memorial College of Engineering, Kalyani, West Bengal

4. Dr Pratibha Kaushik, MBBS, Medical Officer, Dali University, China

5. Subra Babu Kaushik Rajmata Shreemati Devendra Kumari Singhdeo Government Medical College, Chattisgarh, India

Corresponding Author:-

Dr Shahan Layek,

Independent Researcher,

West Bengal, India

Psychiatric Effects of Blue Light Exposure and Circadian Rhythm Disruption in the Digital .

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Abstract

The pervasiveness of digital devices in modern life has dramatically amplified human exposure to artificial blue light (BL) during the late evening and nighttime. Blue light is intrinsically involved in managing the circadian rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, hormone secretion, cognition and alertness. It is thus possible that supra-physiological stimulation of endogenous circadian signals, triggered by increased exposure to evening- and night-time BL emanating from smartphones, laptops, tablets, LED screen, etc and artificial lighting, may disrupt natural circadian physiology via inhibition of melatonin secretion and attenuation of suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) function, which is considered to be the body's master biological clock.^1,2 Evidence is accruing in supporting associations between disturbed circadian rhythm and sleep disorders, and a multitude of psychiatric disorders, e.g. Depression, anxiety disorders, stress and burnout, bipolar disorder, and ADHD and cognitive dysfunctions. It appears that modern behaviors such as social networking, binge viewing and playing video games for hours after sunset and the prevalence of long and continuous screen-based activities at bedtime have further exacerbated the widespread sleep disorders and mood disturbances across adolescents, students and even health professionals.^5,7 This narrative review covers aspects on physiology of the regulation of circadian rhythm and the mechanisms involved in BL-induced suppression of melatonin and the consequences of circadian disruption on psychological and mental health as well as modern lifestyle on mental health. Preventive strategies on maintaining circadian health, such as sleep hygiene, reduced nighttime screen-based activity, and role of digital health technologies and chronotherapy have also been discussed.^10,15

Key words

Blue light; circadian rhythm; sleep disorder; melatonin; mental health; depression; anxiety disorders; digital devices; sleep hygiene; psychiatry.