Light therapy is already used, successfully, to treat several disorders including SAD, migraines, headaches, skin conditions (psoriasis and eczema), muscular pain and so on. Different light colors are used to treat different types of illness. Although light therapy is usually performed in the presence of a trained physician (as different light intensities might have side effects, triggering aggressive behaviors, anxiety feelings and nervousness), there are some harmless lighting solutions that you could use to lessen fatigue and increase alertness, particularly when you have to work at night.
This is where the power of blue comes into the scene. As you've probably noticed, blue is usually a very relaxing color and yes, it is one of the most popular of all the major colors. You'll find it everywhere: in interior decorations, clothing, lighting. If you want to inspire dependability when you go to a job interview - let's say applying for a position in a bank or other official business - wearing a navy blue suit will do the trick. But navy blue will not work when it comes to lighting. Obviously, lighting needs bright colors. When you use blue lighting, you'll need something to remind you of the color of the sky. This is the color that really relaxes you. A soft blue light will determine your body to produce calming chemicals. When you increase the brightness of the blue light you'll get another effect: alertness.
Studies show that blue light exposure is a powerful countermeasure against tiredness. People who work at night experience fatigue troubles that lead to headaches and even depression because of the absence of natural light in their working environment. According to the Harvard Medical School, short wavelength blue light (460 nm) will improve alertness in people who perform jobs that need sustained attention for long periods of time: pilots, long distance drivers, surgeons and much more. Even nightclubs started using blue light more and more (replacing fluorescent purple lights that leaded to tiredness).
If you plan to use blue light in your home, be warned that long-term exposure has important sight effects and could even damage the eyes. It's never wise to stare into the light - any light. You should use controllable lighting systems that will allow you to dim the brightness of the light or increase it as needed. Remember that it is not advisable to treat yourself against migraines using blue light. You should ask a trained physician to give you details about the light intensity you should use, correct wavelength, timing, duration, etc. There's nothing wrong to have blue light in a room every now and than, but it is wrong to over-expose yourself to it. We don't live in a monochromatic world. Even if you are color blind, there are other parts of your body sensitive to light. Monochromatic light might lead to depression. As you know, the already famous mood light panels are color changing. If you need light therapy, you might want to consider purchasing such a panel. They are usually controllable (you are able to program your own color and light effects) and the non-controllable versions have a correct light intensity calibration.
