The benefits of blue light glasses
Struggling to get to sleep at night? Well chances are it could be down to your device usage in the lead-up to bedtime, with laptops, mobile phones and TV viewing all proving a hindrance to successfully nodding off.
The reason is the blue light they emit, but now there’s a solution that may assist in the form of blue light glasses.
Some sleep stats
The average Australian adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep each evening, but statistics consistently indicate we’re not getting enough.
In fact an estimated 7.4 million Australians fail to get adequate sleep, affecting our mental health, productivity and wellbeing as a result.
One of the modern-day reasons for sleep deprivation is our stimulated lifestyle, where we’re switched on, plugged in, and viewing screens right up until the moment it’s time to go to bed.
It’s all about blue light
While the content on those screens might itself be stimulating, it’s actually the light they emit that poses the biggest issue.
Electronic devices including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, readers and even television screens all emit a short wavelength light known as blue light.
As the US Sleep Foundation explains, this blue light is also found in LED and fluorescent lights, and has “been shown to reduce or delay the natural production of melatonin in the evening and decrease feelings of sleepiness”.
“Blue light can also reduce the amount of time you spend in slow-wave and rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep, two stages of the sleep cycle that are vital for cognitive functioning,” they note.
That’s largely because our bodies associate blue light with daytime, so it stimulates us to remain alert.
How to reduce blue light exposure
Ideally, in order to enjoy a better sleep, you would reduce device usage in the lead-up to bedtime, but of course sometimes that simply isn’t feasible, particularly if you’re working or studying late.
That’s where new products like blue light glasses come in…
Blue light glasses
Blue light blocking glasses have specially crafted lenses that are designed to filter out the light given off by digital screens.
In the process they help protect your eyes from screen glare and may also help prevent the damage to your eyes that comes from staring at a screen too long.
That makes them a great option if you find yourself trying to meet that work deadline late into the night or cramming for an exam.
But of course, they’re not just for night-time, and may help reduce the eye strain associated with day-to-day screen use.
The final night cap
The bottom line is it’s best to avoid screen usage where you can in the lead-up to bedtime. It’s also a great idea to create a quiet, comfortable environment in your bedroom that is conducive to a relaxed and distraction-free sleep.
But should late night screen usage be unavoidable, new tools like blue light glasses may assist!