Blue Light Blocking Treatment for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: Directions for Research and Practice

Abstract

Recent results from a small number of clinical studies have resulted in the suggestion that the process of blocking the transmission of shorter-wavelength light (‘blue light’ with a wave length of 450 nm to 470 nm) may have a beneficial role in the treatment of bipolar disorder. This critical review will appraise the quality of evidence so far as to these claims, assess the neurobiology that could be implicated in the underlying processes while introducing a common set of research criteria for the field.

Bipolar spectrum disorders among American registered nurses: a narrative literature review

“…Environmental modifications relating to artificial lighting, seasonal changes, and altered melatonin production present further opportunities to prevent depressive and manic episodes. Blue light-blocking glasses to prevent mania in night shift nurses may be simple, cost-effective interventions [28]. Mitigating metabolic health risks, such as poor cardiovascular health and obesity from shift work, may be significant for nurses with BSDs.…”

“…Additionally, RNs are continuously exposed to artificial light sources while on the job. Excessive artificial light exposure, mainly blue light, has been linked to depression, hypomania, and mania [23,28]. Interestingly, while depression correlates with shorter solar days, increased darkness exposure in the absence of either natural or artificial light decreased manic episode occurrences.…”

“…Dark therapy is a complementary treatment to prevent or abort a manic episode [27,29]. There is intriguing research regarding blue light-blocking glasses and the prevention of manic episodes in the general population [28].…”