SCREEN LIGHT COLOR TEMPERATURE AND ATTENTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ADOLESCENTS: A PILOT EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n3-129Keywords:
Screen Light, Correlated Color Temperature, Visual Attention, Reaction Time, Adolescents, Circadian RhythmAbstract
Artificial light exposure from electronic screens is a significant environmental modulator of circadian rhythms, alertness, and cognitive functioning, particularly in adolescents, a population characterized by heightened sensitivity to light and delayed sleep phase tendencies. This exploratory pilot study investigated the effects of different screen correlated color temperature (CCT) conditions (1950K, 2400K, 4500K, and 6400K) on subjective sleep indicators, daytime sleepiness, and attentional performance in eight adolescents (mean age = 15.25 ± 1.7 years) using a repeated-measures experimental design. To minimize circadian variability and learning effects, all sessions were conducted at a standardized time of day, with randomized exposure to lighting conditions, in a controlled laboratory environment. Cognitive performance was assessed באמצעות a computerized visual reaction time (VRT) task performed binocularly at a fixed viewing distance of 0.40 m from the screen, with constant monitor luminance (42 cd/m²) across all experimental conditions. Results showed significantly shorter VRT (faster attentional processing) under the 6400K condition compared to 1950K, 2400K, and 4500K exposures. Additionally, greater electronic device use was positively associated with increased daytime sleepiness and delayed sleep timing, particularly on weekends, suggesting behavioral patterns consistent with circadian misalignment. These findings indicate that screen light CCT may modulate alertness and attentional performance in adolescents, potentially through non-visual photobiological pathways related to circadian regulation. However, the small sample size, absence of spectral light characterization (e.g., spectral power distribution and melanopic EDI), and reliance on predominantly subjective sleep measures limit causal inference. Therefore, the results should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating, supporting future studies with objective monitoring of light exposure, circadian rhythms, and standardized photobiological metrics.
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