Electronic display light effecting the human brain process

Mr. Satish Siripini, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University

The day and night cycle has an impact on the human brain process, commonly called as circadian rhythms. The retinal cells are sensitive to light, including those released by the display of mobiles, TV and computer screens, independent to photoreceptors of rods and cone. These retinal ganglia sends the signal to the circadian pacemaker in the brain, i.e., supra chiasmatic nuclei. The melanopsin released by the retinal ganglia in response to light plays a key role in regulation of chiasmatic nuclie, which inturn regulates the biological clock. This biological clock influences various process like sleep, metabolism, immune system etc.,. Studies shows that sleep disturbance can impact hormonal rhythms, obesity, insulin diabetes, and appetite irregularity. The shift in the sleep cycle is also found to effect the cortisol flutucation that has impact on the immune regulation.  A study involving 19 youngster of mean age of 24.8 of both the genders have shown the impact of screen light on the biological clock between 9:00pm-11:00pm at night. The increased screen time during the night have a major effect on the melatonin secretion that regulates the biological clock. Melatonin also found to regulate the pituitary gland which is commonly called as a master gland of the body. This proves that uses of laptops, or mobile or any other screens till late night will show its effect in various body processes.  Slowly the health of the individual seems to be deteriorating causing metabolic disorder, immune disorders etc. The lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hyperlipidemia may be the effect of the change in circadian rhythm. Cardiovascular disease at younger ages might also be associated with the dysregulation of circadian rhythm. This even proves that ancient Indian traditional eating habbits in association with sleeping habits plays a crucial role in the increased immunity, strength, immunity and life span of the individuals. SO decreased screen time might retain Indian traditional health practices.

Reference

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