The University of Manchester scientists said that Night Shift and Night Light, by limiting users’ exposure to blue light, might be sending the body mixed messages. The researchers used mice for their test along with special lights that can change colors but not the brightness. What they found was that blue lights have a weaker effect on a mouse’s body clock than yellow light. The team’s Dr. Tim Brown said, “We show the common view that blue light has the strongest effect on the clock is misguided; in fact, the blue colors that are associated with twilight have a weaker effect than white or yellow light of equivalent brightness.”

If using Night Shift or Night Light makes it harder for you to fall asleep at night, your response is confirming what the researchers at the University of Manchester have found. Dr. Brown states, “Our findings suggest that using dim, cooler, lights in the evening and bright warmer lights in the day may be more beneficial. Research has already provided evidence that aligning our body clocks with our social and work schedules can be good for our health. Using color appropriately could be a way to help us better achieve that.”

Regardless of whether you use iOS or Android, give this theory a try tonight. Disable Night Shift or Night Light and see if you get a better night’s sleep.