The Difference Blue Light Glasses Can Make for Your Sleep

There has been a lot of talk about blue light glasses recently. These have become a popular item, especially during the last year when many people have been home in front of computer screens. The main point of these glasses is not necessarily to help you see more effectively. Instead, these glasses might have a link to improved sleep. If you are not getting enough rest, your optometrist may be able to help.

A digital world means violet-blue light problems

Today, more than ever, people use digital devices and are in front of screens. Items such as computers, smartphones, and tablets are a critical part of everyday life for just about everyone. Televisions also remain popular and well-used. Looking at these screens too long could have detrimental effects on a person’s eyes and vision. Sleep can also suffer as a result.

Understanding blue light

It was not long ago that blue light glasses were not even around. Today, people everywhere use them to block what is called violet-blue light, or known just as blue light. Screens emit this type of light. It has a short wavelength and the highest energy of any type of light on the spectrum. It does not usually have trouble passing through the lens and cornea and reaching the retina.

The impact on sleep

Many people who wear blue light glasses do this so they can continue to have screen time without worrying about the effects on the eyes. Other people believe wearing these glasses will improve sleep. Many researchers see a link between excessive screen time and poor sleep. The light may have an impact on sleep patterns, disrupting the person’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Studies show that blue light glasses can help the wearer have better nighttime sleep. The LED from electronic devices prevents the body from producing melatonin. Research shows that wearing these glasses can increase one’s melatonin levels by 58%. Blue light glasses can still be productive in the evening while being capable of sleeping when ready. Setting devices in silent mode and reducing screen time can also help a person sleep.

The consequences

An occasional poor night’s sleep may not have long-term effects. A person may feel groggy the following day or may even be in a bad mood. However, if an individual continually gets a lack of quality sleep, health and wellness can suffer. Inadequate sleep can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other concerning conditions.

What the glasses do

Because the eye is not good at blocking blue light, patients seek solutions to overcome this barrier. Optometrists can recommend blue light glasses to do this job. The glasses are adept at filtering the blue light, enabling a person to have exposure without suffering the effects. This may result in the individual having normal sleep patterns despite long periods of looking at screens.

People who should consider getting blue light glasses

Children, teens, and adults alike spend large amounts of time in front of screens. Anyone who looks at a computer, smartphone, or TV for multiple hours a day could benefit from the glasses. This is especially true for people who have screen time within an hour of going to bed. Office workers, students, and gamers are common wearers of these glasses.

Working longer hours

Spending a little more on blue light glasses can help increase one’s productivity, especially at night. Individuals who work in front of the computer can do so with more comfort and endurance. Many experience tired eyes after working for four to five hours. Wearing blue light glasses can improve this. Users of blue light glasses experience fewer headaches and better screen focus. Eyes do not get tired easily as well.

Resting the eyes

Vision-related groups stress the importance of moderate screen usage. Most of these organizations recommend looking at an object that is 20 feet away for 2 seconds every 20 minutes. Adjusting the position of the computer or sitting in a way that the computer is 25 inches or so from the eyes can prevent eye strain. The user should be looking a little downward whenever there is computer work that can prevent the eyes from opening wider than it needs to. This prevents dry eyes.

Increasing screen contrast relative to the room’s lighting can help relax the eyes. Applying artificial tears can prevent dry eyes. A matte screen filter on the computer screen can decrease glare. Taking a break from wearing contacts can also make the eyes more comfortable.

Rest well again with the right pair of glasses

You may not have connected sleeping to glasses before. If you find yourself looking at monitors and screens throughout the day, you may have trouble resting soundly at night. This could be because you have too much blue light exposure. Blue light glasses could be the answer to sleeping well once more.

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