Blue light improves mental alertness

A recent study published in the journal Sleep has suggested that blue light exposure could improve mental alertness and performance.

Researchers at Brigham’s Women Hospital have developed specialized light equipment with short wavelength (blue light). The effects of blue light were compared with the effects of green light. The researchers have observed that exposure to blue light during the daytime may increase the alertness and mental performance. The study involved 16 participants who were exposed to both lights over 6.5 days, every day. The mental alertness rate, reaction time and brain activity patterns were assessed. 

When compared to green light exposed participants, quicker reaction time, fewer attention lapses, fatigue, increased alertness and optimal brain activity patterns were observed in the blue light exposed individuals.

Natural light is ideal for human health; however, controlled lighting settings including schools and work place may affect the daylight access and natural exposure to sunlight. 

Yoga could reduce breast cancer complications

Practicing yoga could reduce the breast cancer complications such as fatigue and inflammation, a recent study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology has suggested.                                                        

Randomized-controlled clinical trial was conducted for six months involving breast cancer patients. The participants were divided into two groups, one group received formal yoga therapy for three months, and the rest were on normal routine activities. The participants have practiced yoga twice weekly for 12 weeks. All the breast cancer patients were yoga novices, and completed breast cancer therapy before the start of the study.

After six months, reduced fatigue and inflammation was reduced by 57% and 20%, respectively, in the yoga-practiced patients. Modest yoga practice for several months could improve the symptoms among breast cancer survivors, the researchers have suggested.