The Science Behind Green and Blue Light Blocking Glasses

In our modern, screen-dominated world, exposure to artificial light has become unavoidable. Green and blue light (known as melanopic light) emitted by screens and indoor lighting, has a profound impact on our health, particularly on our sleep and circadian rhythms. Understanding the significance of green and blue light during the day and why it’s crucial to avoid them at night is essential for maintaining optimal well-being.

The Role of Green and Blue Light

Daytime Benefits of Green and Blue Light

During the day, exposure to melanopic green and blue light is beneficial. These wavelengths are part of the natural spectrum of sunlight and play a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms, the internal processes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle and influence our sleep-wake patterns.

1. Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Green and blue light are key players in maintaining our circadian rhythms. When our eyes (and even our skin!) are exposed to these wavelengths during daylight hours, they signal to our brain that it’s time to be awake and alert through OPN4 (melanopsin) stimulation.

2. Enhanced Alertness and Mood: Exposure to green and blue light during the day can improve alertness and cognitive function. It also helps in boosting mood by increasing the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.

3. Improved Visual Performance: These wavelengths contribute to better visual acuity and color perception, which are important for performing daily tasks effectively and safely.

The Negative Impact of Green and Blue Light at Night

While green and blue light are beneficial during the day, exposure to these wavelengths at night can have detrimental effects on our health. Melanopsin, or OPN4 is naturally stimulated by this light during the day, and stimulation at night throws off a natural sleep/wake cycle.

1. Disruption of Sleep Patterns: Green and blue light have a strong influence on the suppression of melatonin through stimulation of melanopsin (OPN4). Exposure to these wavelengths in the evening or at night can delay the onset of sleep, reduce sleep quality, and lead to sleep disorders.

2. Interference with Circadian Rhythms: Nighttime exposure to green and blue melanopic light confuses our biological clock, making it harder for the body to recognize when it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This can result in a misalignment of the circadian rhythms, leading to a cascade of poor health.

3. Increased Risk of Health Problems: Chronic exposure to green and blue light at night has been linked to a higher risk of developing health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

The Benefits of Carbonshade Green and Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Our green and blue light blocking glasses are designed to filter out these specific wavelengths, providing protection from their adverse effects in the hours after sunset before going to sleep.

1. Enhanced Sleep Quality: By blocking green and blue light in the evening, Carbonshades help to maintain natural melatonin production, promoting better sleep onset and quality. This leads to more restful and restorative sleep.

2. Protection of Circadian Rhythms: Wearing Carbonshade glasses helps to keep your circadian rhythms aligned with the natural day-night cycle, ensuring that your body functions as it is intended to.

3. Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue: These glasses also help in reducing eye strain and fatigue caused by prolonged screen use, making them beneficial for individuals who need to use their computers, smartphones, and other digital devices after dark.

4. Improved Overall Health: By supporting better sleep and circadian rhythm regulation, green and blue light blocking glasses contribute to overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with poor sleep and disrupted biological clocks.
   
   

A Match Made in Circadian Heaven!

Blocking melanopic green and blue light after sunset is a crucial step in maintaining healthy sleep patterns, but it's only one part of a comprehensive approach to optimizing your sleep health. Replacing white light use at night with red light can significantly enhance the benefits of green and blue light blocking glasses, creating a synergy that promotes better sleep and overall well-being.

The Power of Red Light

Red light is non-melanopic, meaning it does not stimulate melanopsin (OPN4) and does not suppress melatonin production. This makes red light an ideal choice for evening illumination to complement your blue and green light blocking glasses:

1. Promoting Relaxation and Sleep: Red light creates a soothing atmosphere that helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Unlike blue, green, and white light, red light does not disrupt melatonin production, allowing for a smoother transition into sleep.

2. Supporting Circadian Rhythms: By using red light at night, you can help maintain the natural progression of your circadian rhythms. This ensures that your body continues to function in harmony with its internal clock, promoting better sleep quality and overall health.

3. Reducing Eye Strain: Red light is gentler on the eyes compared to the harsh glare of white or blue light. This makes it more comfortable for nighttime activities such as reading or relaxing before bed.

The Sky Portal Device

One of the best ways to incorporate red light into your nighttime routine is by using our Sky Portal device, which emits light at an ideal 660nm deep red wavelength. This device offers several advantages:

1. Non-Melanopic Lighting: The Sky Portal provides the perfect non-melanopic light for nighttime use, ensuring that your melatonin levels remain unaffected. This allows you to enjoy your evening activities without compromising your sleep quality.

2. Versatile Application: In addition to being used at night, the Sky Portal can also be used for red light therapy (RLT) during the day. RLT has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing muscle recovery.  The device also features a highly stimulating hifi white channel for use exclusively during the daytime to promote wakefulness and focus.

3. Enhanced Sleep Environment: By pairing the Sky Portal's red light with your green and blue light blocking glasses, you create an optimal pre-sleep environment. This combination maximizes melatonin production and minimizes circadian disruption, helping you achieve more restful and restorative sleep.