The Effect of Blue Light Exposure on Sleep Quality and Mental Health among Adolescents and Young Adults

Sheetal AshokKumar Patil; Harshit Radheyraman Garg

The Effect of Blue Light Exposure on Sleep Quality and Mental Health among Adolescents and Young Adults

Author(s)	Ms. Sheetal AshokKumar Patil, Mr. Harshit Radheyraman Garg
Country	India
Abstract	The rapid proliferation of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other digital devices has substantially increased human exposure to artificial blue light, particularly during evening and nighttime hours. Blue light, characterised by its short wavelength and high energy, plays a significant role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm through its influence on melatonin secretion. While moderate daytime exposure improves alertness and cognitive functioning, excessive exposure during nighttime hours has emerged as a growing public health concern owing to its adverse effects on sleep and psychological well-being. Adolescents and young adults represent an especially vulnerable population because of their prolonged use of digital devices for educational, social, and entertainment purposes. This study investigates the effect of blue light exposure on sleep quality and mental health among adolescents and young adults, and further examines the relationship between nighttime digital device usage, sleep disturbances, and psychological outcomes such as stress, anxiety, mood fluctuation, and emotional well-being. The study additionally evaluates whether preventive measures, including blue light filters and digital hygiene practices, contribute to improved sleep quality. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to adolescents and young adults aged 15–25 years. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were computed using IBM SPSS Statistics to examine the relationships among the study variables. The results indicate that prolonged nighttime exposure to blue light is associated with significantly reduced sleep quality and poorer mental health, reflected in elevated stress, anxiety, and emotional instability. Conversely, participants who used blue light filtering technologies and practised healthier digital habits reported better sleep patterns and improved psychological well-being. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on digital health and offer practical recommendations for students, educators, parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers concerning responsible digital device use.
Keywords	Blue Light Exposure; Sleep Quality; Mental Health; Adolescents; Young Adults; Circadian Rhythm; Melatonin; Digital Devices; Smartphone Usage; Psychological Well-being
Field	Biology > Medical / Physiology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-17

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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The Effect of Blue Light Exposure on Sleep Quality and Mental Health among Adolescents and Young Adults

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