*This post is in partnership with BARKLEYS Blue-blocking Glasses
Have you ever laid awake for hours, unable to fall asleep after watching TV or being on your laptop before bed? This is most likely due to the blue light emitted from the screens. Today, we are bombarded with blue light from our laptops, phones, tablets, oven clocks, traffic lights, store signs, video games and television. A person will view a screen for nearly 7 hours a day on average!Â
Maybe you have experienced some adverse effects of blue light after being on your phone before bed. For example, our eyes can become strained, and we may develop a headache or even have difficulty falling asleep.
Many people are exposed to artificial blue light for hours due to the nature of their job. Studies have shown that blue light can impact our daily energy.
WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?
Many colours make up the light spectrum, including blue light. Blue light has the highest energy of them all. Blue light is emitted from many electrical devices that we use on a daily bases. Non-incandescent household lights can also emit blue light. While the light from these devices and bulbs might not always look blue, the wavelength emitted corresponds with blue light.
WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF BLUE LIGHT?
I suffered from insomnia and migraines for years, and implementing blue-blocking glasses has been one of the tools that have helped me to overcome sleep issues.
A study showed that excessive blue light could alter the circadian rhythm. (LINK) Artificial blue light exposure can lead to a reduction in melatonin, inhibiting restorative sleep. Our eyes and brain cannot tell the difference between natural blue light in the daytime and artificial blue light. Blue light is quite stimulating and can make us awake and alert, which is not what we want right before bed. Blue light exposure before bed can cause insomnia, headaches and hormonal imbalances.
Excess artificial blue light can cause sleep disturbances and eye deterioration. The retina of the eyes can be most impacted by blue light as they can be at risk for macular degeneration. Excessive use of blue light can increase the risk for macular degeneration. Another issue is digital eye strain which can cause the eyes to become itchy and sore from being on a screen for too long. Blue light can increase free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress to the eyes. A study showed that blue light could be damaging to our photoreceptors in the eye. (LINK)
Some blue light is emitted from the sun during the day, but this form of blue light is normal, and comes at an ideal time when our body should receive some of it, to help us feel more awake, energized and alert.
ARE BLUE-BLOCKING GLASSES RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you work a job which requires you to be on a screen for most of the day, daytime blue-blocking glasses can help to reduce eyestrain, blurred vision, and headaches.
Blue blocking glasses were designed to mitigate exposure to artificial blue light. However, there is a difference between blue blocking glasses for daytime and nighttime. Glasses that are yellow or red will block 100% of harmful artificial light. During the day, clear glasses can be worn to soften blue light and the glare from computer screens. Daytime blue blocking glasses can filter 50% of blue light.
BARKLEY’S BLUE BLOCKING GLASSES
Barkley’s is an Australian-owned blue-blocking glasses small business. Barkley’s glasses are three-in-one, which includes a clear lens for daytime screen use, a yellow lens for extended daytime use at 100% of the blue light spectrum. Some individuals may want to use these lenses in the evening if they are still needing to work or be alert. The red lens is for evening use.
During the day, it is important not to block natural blue light as we do need some blue light exposure during the day to keep our circadian rhythm in balance. The best form of natural blue light would be from the sun. Daytime blue-blocking glasses will block approximately 50% (380nm – 420nm) of blue light and can be worn when using the computer to help protect your eyes and reduce eye strain, headaches and insomnia.
The yellow lens clips onto the clear daytime lens and is helpful for light sensitivity, eyestrain and migraines. Yellow lenses will block 100% of blue light and blue-violet light (380nm – 455nm).
The red lens also clips onto the daytime glasses and is ideal for evening use. These glasses will help the body release the melatonin needed for proper sleep. Red lenses block 100% blue and green light up to 500nm.
Barkley’s makes it convenient to have all three lenses at your fingertips. Find them HERE.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BLUE LIGHT
-Limit exposure to artificial blue light – television, phones, and video games, especially in the evening.
-Download the IRIS app to your phone and computer.
-Get natural sunshine first thing in the morning to help balance hormones.
-Wear Barkley’s blue-blocking glasses in the evening
-Dim the brightness of your screen to reduce the amount of light.
You can find Barkley’s blue-blocking glasses by clicking here. Code JAYDE10 saves 10% off your order.