We often think of light as something that helps us see. But research is showing it does far more, it can influence how we feel about ourselves. A new study from Monash University and Flinders University, using our Melagen lighting technology, has revealed that blue light may play a key role in reducing negative self-talk.
The Study
Researchers asked young adults to complete a task where they judged whether certain words described them, some positive (like good) and some negative (like terrible). This was done under two different light conditions:
Blue-enriched light (closer to natural daylight)
Blue-depleted light (warmer, amber tones)
Both lights were equally bright to the eye, but differed in how they stimulated special light-sensitive cells in the eye that send signals to mood and emotion centres in the brain.
SRET Responses by Light Condition – shows the percentage of times participants endorsed or rejected positive and negative words under blue-enriched vs. blue-depleted light.
What They Found
Under blue-enriched light, people were quicker and more likely to reject negative words as describing themselves.
In contrast, under blue-depleted light, participants found it harder to push away negative self-descriptions.
Interestingly, the effect was strongest for reducing negativity, rather than boosting positivity.
Reaction Times by Light Condition – shows how quickly participants responded to each type of word in each light condition.
Why This Matters
This discovery highlights that light is not just about vision, it is about emotion and self-perception. By changing the type of light we are exposed to, we can influence the way we think about ourselves in the moment. For people experiencing low mood or negative thought patterns, the right kind of light exposure could make self-critical thoughts easier to dismiss.
Light as a Tool for Wellbeing
In our modern world, where blue-enriched light is everywhere from daylight LEDs to smartphones, it is possible that people naturally seek out this type of light because it helps them feel better about themselves. At Melagen, we believe in harnessing this science to design lighting solutions that not only illuminate spaces but also support mental health and wellbeing.
Read the original study by the Sleep Research Society here.
