Sleep Better, See Better: Enhance Your Well-being with Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Have you ever experienced eye strain, fatigue, or difficulty falling asleep after a long day of staring at screens? You're not alone. The pervasive presence of electronic devices exposes us to blue light, which can disrupt our sleep patterns and put a strain on our eyes. Thankfully, there's a solution: blue light blocking glasses. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of blue light, its effects on our eyes and sleep, and how these specialized glasses can offer you a range of benefits to improve your eye comfort and overall well-being.

Blue Light, Sleep Patterns and Digital Eye Strain

The blue light emitted by electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This is due to the suppression of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. When exposed to blue light in the evening, our body's melatonin production is delayed, making it harder to fall asleep and adversely affecting sleep quality. By wearing blue light blocking glasses in the evening, we can reduce the exposure to blue light and support our body's natural sleep patterns.

Prolonged exposure to blue light (including Electromagnetic Frequencies emitted from electronic devices) can pose risks to our overall health. Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common consequence of excessive screen time. Symptoms include dry eyes, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches. 

The reason we get digital eye strain is that we blink less when we stare at our devices. Normally, humans blink around 15 times per minute—but this “blink rate” can be cut in half when staring at screens or doing other near work activities (like reading). 

Moreover, research suggests that long-term exposure to blue light may contribute to more serious eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Blue light blocking glasses can act as a shield, reducing the amount of blue light reaching our eyes and potentially mitigating these risks.

Related Source: Digital Devices and Your Eyes

Reducing Eye Strain and Fatigue and Improving Sleep Quality

One of the primary benefits of using blue light blocking glasses is the reduction in eye strain and fatigue. These glasses are designed to filter out a significant portion of blue light emitted by screens, easing the strain on our eyes. By wearing them during extended periods of screen time, we can alleviate common symptoms like dryness, redness, and tiredness. Many users report feeling more comfortable and less fatigued after incorporating blue light blocking glasses into their daily routine.

By minimizing blue light exposure before bedtime, blue light blocking glasses can significantly improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that wearing these glasses in the evening leads to an increase in melatonin production, facilitating the onset of sleep and improving sleep duration. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep or who work night shifts, as it helps to regulate their sleep patterns and promote a more restful sleep experience.

The advantages of blue light blocking glasses extend beyond eye health and sleep quality. By reducing eye strain and improving sleep, these glasses contribute to enhanced overall well-being. With reduced eye discomfort and improved concentration, productivity levels can increase during work or study sessions. Users also report experiencing fewer headaches and an overall uplifted mood, which can positively impact their daily lives.

The Vision Council recommends that adults – and children – visit an eyecare provider annually to discuss their screen habits and digital eye strain solutions.  Only 20.5 percent of American adults confirm having an annual eye exam and discussing digital device usage, and about 30 percent report the same regarding their children.

Related Source: The Vision Council Shines Light on Protecting Sight – and Health

Tips to Reduce your Exposure to Blue light

In a world where we are surrounded by screens and exposed to blue light for extended periods, protecting our eyes and sleep patterns is essential. Blue light blocking glasses offer a practical and effective solution to mitigate the potential risks associated with blue light exposure. By reducing eye strain, enhancing sleep quality, and promoting overall well-being, these glasses have become an indispensable tool in maintaining a healthy digital lifestyle. 

Aside from using blue light blocking glasses such as these here, there are several other effective ways to reduce our exposure to blue light. Here are a few strategies:

• Adjust Display Settings: Most electronic devices have settings that allow you to adjust the color temperature of the screen. By reducing the blue light emitted from the display, you can minimize its impact on your eyes and sleep. Look for options such as "Night Shift" on iPhones or "Night Light" on Android devices.

• Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Avoid using electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, for at least one to two hours before bedtime. This allows your body to naturally wind down and prepare for sleep without the interference of blue light exposure.

• Use Night Mode or Dark Mode: Many apps and operating systems offer a "Night Mode" or "Dark Mode" feature that reduces the brightness and blue light emitted by the screen. Activating this mode can be easier on the eyes, especially during evening hours.

• Install Blue Light Filtering Apps: There are various applications available that can help filter and reduce blue light emitted by screens. These apps typically adjust the color temperature of your device's display to a warmer, less blue-toned spectrum.

• Use Ambient Lighting: Ensure that your environment is well-lit with soft, warm lighting. This can help to counterbalance the effects of blue light and create a more soothing atmosphere for your eyes and sleep.

• Take Breaks and Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: When using screens for extended periods, take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your eyes and reduces continuous blue light exposure.

• Wear Blue Light Filters on Prescription Glasses: If you already wear prescription glasses, you can consider getting blue light filters added to your lenses. These filters can block or reduce the amount of blue light reaching your eyes.

• If you do not wear prescription glasses - invest in quality lenses that incorporate anti-blue light coating.

Remember that while these strategies can help reduce blue light exposure, they may not completely eliminate it. Blue light is present in natural sunlight as well, so it's important to strike a balance between minimizing exposure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.