Blue light emitted by devices like smartphones, computers, and televisions is becoming a major factor disrupting our sleep cycles. Research reveals that a significant number of Americans use electronic devices close to bedtime, contributing to poor sleep quality. Reducing exposure to blue light, particularly in the evening, is a simple yet effective way to help your body prepare for restful sleep.

What Is Blue Light?

How Does Blue Light Impact Circadian Rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that control essential bodily functions, including sleep. Light is the primary factor that aligns these rhythms with day and night. Historically, exposure to sunlight during the day helped set our body clocks, signaling when to be awake and when to sleep. However, the widespread use of artificial lighting and electronic devices has introduced more light exposure after dark, disrupting these natural cycles.

Blue light, in particular, has the strongest impact on circadian rhythms. During daylight hours, blue light helps us feel alert by stimulating the brain, raising body temperature, and increasing heart rate. But in the evening, exposure to blue light can confuse the body’s internal clock, suppressing melatonin—the hormone responsible for making us feel sleepy. As a result, our brains may remain in “daytime mode,” preventing us from winding down for the night.

Health Consequences Of Disrupted Sleep

Persistent disruption of circadian rhythms can lead to a range of health issues, including metabolic disorders, poor mental health, and increased risk for conditions like depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the inability to sleep well at night affects cognitive performance, mood, and overall well-being. Chronic exposure to blue light in the evening may significantly contribute to these negative health outcomes.

Devices That Emit Blue Light

Many common devices in our daily lives emit blue light, including:

- Smartphones and tablets

- Computer monitors and laptops

- Televisions and e-readers

- LED and fluorescent lighting

- Video game consoles

How To Minimize Blue Light Exposure

To reduce the effects of blue light on your sleep, here are some practical strategies:

1. Turn off screens before bed: Try to avoid using electronic devices at least two to three hours before bedtime. Reducing screen time helps prevent blue light from interfering with melatonin production.

2. Adjust your lighting: Dim your home’s lights or switch to warmer-toned lighting in the evening. You can also use lamps with red or orange light, which are less likely to impact your circadian rhythms.

3. Night mode settings: Many smartphones and computers have a "night mode" feature that reduces blue light emission. Make use of these features to limit exposure in the hours leading up to bedtime.

4. Blue light-blocking glasses: Special glasses designed to filter out blue light may be helpful for some individuals. These glasses can block or reduce the melatonin-suppressing effects of blue light.

5. Apps for blue light reduction: There are several smartphone and computer apps available that reduce blue light emission, allowing you to use your devices before bed without disturbing your sleep.

6. Create a sleep-friendly environment: If you can’t control light sources in your bedroom, consider using an eye mask to block out ambient light and promote better sleep.

Parents are the root of every family and the silent pillars who spend their lives nurturing, protecting, and supporting their children through every stage of life. But as they age, the roles slowly begin to reverse. Ageing often brings with it a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, including reduced mobility, memory decline, weakened immunity, chronic illnesses, dependency, and loneliness. In many ways, growing older mirrors the vulnerability of infancy, where simple daily activities such as eating, walking, speaking, or maintaining personal hygiene may require support and patience from others in the family.

At this stage of life, caregivers step into the role of protectors, offering the same compassion, reassurance, and care that parents once gave selflessly to their children. It is equally important to acknowledge the unwavering efforts of caregivers who devote themselves to ensuring their ageing parents live with comfort, dignity, and love despite the emotional, physical, and financial challenges.

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Eliza Pereira, Founder—Florina's Angels (a senior citizen daycare and dementia care centre), Bangalore, explained the consequences of overlooking oral health in the elderly.

India’s Growing Elderly Population and the Overlooked Oral Health Crisis

India has a massive elderly population, making elder care an important healthcare priority. According to population estimates, the senior citizen population in India is witnessing significant growth. As per Census 2011, the population of senior citizens (people aged 60 years and above) in the country stood at 10.38 crore, while projections estimate this number will rise to 17.32 crore by 2026. These figures highlight the increasing need for accessible and inclusive elder healthcare services. While conversations around ageing often focus on mobility, cardiovascular health problems, or mental wellbeing, oral healthcare remains one of the most overlooked aspects of elderly care.

Age-related conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, and weakened immunity can significantly affect oral health. Many seniors struggle with tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth caused by medications, difficulty chewing, oral infections, bad breath, and poor-fitting dentures. Reduced dexterity due to arthritis or neurological disorders can make routine brushing and flossing difficult, increasing their dependency on caregivers for basic oral hygiene maintenance. Poor oral health can also impact nutrition, speech, confidence, and overall quality of life, making timely oral care support even more critical for ageing individuals.

Supporting Caregivers Through Better Oral Care Practices

Addressing oral care accessibility for ageing parents requires a collective and compassionate approach. Caregivers can play a crucial role by encouraging timely dental check-ups, creating simple oral hygiene routines, ensuring dentures are cleaned properly, monitoring medication-related oral side effects, and helping seniors maintain hydration and a nutritious diet. Using age-friendly and specialised oral care solutions such as swallow-safe and non-foaming toothpastes, fluoride-free and remineralising formulations, therapeutic mouthwashes, and no-rinse oral care wipes for dependent or bedbound individuals can help make daily oral hygiene routines easier, safer, and more comfortable for senior citizens. Additionally, products designed with easy-open caps and clear, user-friendly packaging can further improve accessibility and encourage independent oral care among elderly individuals facing mobility, dexterity, or age-related vision challenges.

At the same time, caregivers themselves need emotional support, awareness, and access to the right healthcare guidance to manage caregiving responsibilities effectively. Families and healthcare systems must work together to create sustainable ecosystems where the entire cycle of caregiving and those being cared for feels supported beyond medical attention.

American radio personality Robin Quivers has announced being free of cancer after a 14-year journey battling the deadly disease.

Quivers, 73 — who has co-hosted The Howard Stern Show for over 40 years — first announced in 2012 that she had been diagnosed with stage 3 endometrial cancer.

She immediately underwent surgery, numerous rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation to treat the disease. After four years of remission, it returned in 2016.

Now, nearly 10 years later, Quivers is once again “cancer-free.” The radio personality shared the good news during the radio show, The Independent reported.

“Robin kicked cancer’s ass. They said it couldn’t be done,” Stern, 72, declared, calling it “a miracle.”

He recalled the moment Quivers called him with the news, saying, “I couldn’t believe it. And really, I’ve said this to Robin privately, but I would like to say it on the air. Like this is really a miracle.

“I’m gonna say this because this is really true. I’ve watched the whole thing. She took charge of her health. She started to do all the right things. She never deviated, and she really took it seriously.”

Stern and Quivers, who began their radio careers as newscasters at WIOO in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, have been together since 1981.

What Is Endometrial Cancer?

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Endometrial cancer begins in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. Most uterine cancers are endometrial cancer. If untreated, it can spread to nearby organs such as the bladder, rectum, or more distant organs through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

How Endometrial Cancer Occurs?

The endometrium is highly sensitive to hormonal changes, particularly the balance between estrogen and progesterone. When the body is exposed to excess estrogen without adequate progesterone, the endometrial lining grows excessively. Over time, this prolonged stimulation leads to abnormal cell changes and increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer or uterine cancer.

Poor Lifestyle A Major Risk Factor

Dr Fahad Afzal, Consultant Oncologist at Saifee Hospital, told HealthandMe that obesity, PCOS, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can contribute to hormonal imbalance and lead to endometrial cancer.

"Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors because excess body fat increases estrogen production. Women who are obese therefore have higher levels of estrogen, which stimulates the uterine lining,” the expert said.

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According to World Health Organization data, its incidence is steadily rising, particularly in urban populations where lifestyle changes are more pronounced.”

Dr Smit Sheth, cancer physician at MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Mulund, said, “Hormones play a crucial role in a woman’s reproductive health, but when they fall out of balance, they can also increase the risk of certain cancers, including endometrial cancer".

Can Endometrial Cancer Be Detected In Time?

The good news is that endometrial cancer typically grows slowly and is often detected early through regular gynecological exams.

Warning signs that should never be overlooked include

• postmenopausal bleeding,
• irregular periods,
• unusual discharge.

How To Prevent?

Simple lifestyle changes, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and timely medical check-ups can significantly reduce risk.

For years, moderate alcohol consumption, particularly a daily glass of wine, has been associated with potential health benefits, especially for heart health. However, in recent years, a growing body of research, including warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies, has highlighted that alcohol poses significant health risks from the very first drink.

A recent expert review published in the Journal of Hepatology reiterated this concern, concluding that there is no universally safe level of alcohol consumption.

No Universal Safe Threshold

After examining recent evidence on alcohol use and health outcomes, researchers from the University of Wisconsin concluded that excessive alcohol consumption is unquestionably harmful and that defining a universally "safe" level of drinking remains unsupported by current scientific evidence.

According to the authors, the health risks associated with alcohol vary considerably from person to person. Factors such as age, sex, genetics, underlying medical conditions, medications, and pregnancy status can all influence how alcohol affects an individual's health.

Rethinking The "Heart Health" Narrative

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The researchers also questioned the long-standing belief that moderate drinking provides significant cardiovascular benefits.

They found that recent evidence does not support recommending regular alcohol consumption for health purposes. Instead, the review suggests that any potential benefits must be weighed against known risks, including cancer, liver disease, and other alcohol-related harms.

Alcohol Linked To 62 Disorders

The review adds to a growing body of evidence linking alcohol consumption to an increased risk of several cancers.

A May 2026 study linked alcohol to 62 disorders, ranging from heart and digestive diseases to mental and neurological conditions and cancers.

The study, published in the journal Addiction, showed that the fully alcohol-attributable conditions are mainly grouped under non-communicable diseases and injuries.

These include:

• Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases
• Mental and behavioral disorders
• Diseases of the nervous system
• Diseases of the circulatory system, such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy
• Digestive diseases
• Alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis

The data also included psychotic disorders, gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, pregnancy- and perinatal-related conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, as well as external causes and injuries, including alcohol poisoning.

"These conditions are 100 per cent alcohol attributable, meaning these diseases would not even exist in the world without alcohol use," said Jürgen Rehm, senior scientist at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research in Toronto and part of the study team, according to CNN.

"There are another 30 diseases in which alcohol plays a role, such as breast and other cancers, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia," Rehm said. "These diseases would exist even without alcohol use, but alcohol use is responsible for a certain proportion of them."

Global Burden Remains High

The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the United States nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45 per cent of the country's GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol's safety to persist for decades.

In 2023, the World Health Organization reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health.