Does Night Shift Remove Blue Light?: 1 Minute to Understand Blue Light and Night Shift Features

Night Shift is a display feature available on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Its primary purpose is to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your device’s screen during evening and nighttime hours by adjusting the display’s color temperature to warmer tones. By shifting the colors toward the yellow and red spectrum, Night Shift attempts to minimize potential disruption to your circadian rhythm—a process influenced by blue light exposure that can affect your sleep patterns.

But does Night Shift actually remove all blue light? The answer is: not entirely. Night Shift significantly reduces blue light, but it doesn’t block it completely. The screen will still emit some amount of blue wavelengths, just at a lower intensity than usual. Scientific studies suggest that while features like Night Shift can help, they are not as effective as other methods, such as wearing blue light-blocking glasses or utilizing dedicated software designed specifically to filter out blue light more aggressively.

As a designer, I always recommend considering not just the color temperature shifts provided by software solutions, but also the overall ambiance and ergonomic setup of your space. For example, if you’re planning a reading nook or a home office, you might look into warm ambient lighting and thoughtfully positioned screens. And if you’re envisioning spaces where screen exposure is inevitable—like home offices—tools like an effective home office layout can help you balance design and wellness, creating a work environment that’s both productive and mindful of your health.

Tips 1:

Consider adjusting both your device settings and your room’s lighting. Combining Night Shift with low-intensity, warm-colored ambient lighting can further decrease blue light exposure in the evening.

FAQ

Q: Does Night Shift block 100% of blue light?

A: No, Night Shift reduces blue light but does not block it completely. Some blue wavelengths will still reach your eyes.

Q: Is Night Shift the most effective method for blocking blue light?

A: Night Shift helps but is less effective than blue light-blocking glasses or specialized filtering software.

Q: Can using Night Shift improve my sleep quality?

A: Using Night Shift may help reduce sleep disturbances caused by blue light exposure at night, but results can vary from person to person.

Q: Should I use Night Shift during the daytime?

A: Night Shift is designed for evening use. Using it during the day may alter color accuracy, which could affect activities such as photo editing or design work.

Q: Are there other design solutions to minimize blue light exposure?

A: Yes! Positioning screens thoughtfully, using warmer room lighting, and incorporating adjustable lighting controls are all effective ways to manage blue light exposure in interior spaces.