Low blue light for better sleep?
Well, I’m always on the lookout for possible ADHD "solutions" — or more accurately, products and ideas that will support ADHD in a positive and encouraging light. So, I was de-LIGHTed to find a product that blocks the blue LIGHT waves that can suppress melatonin production, which in turn can make it difficult to go to sleep at night.
Short summary of the May ADDiva community call — melatonin surges through our bodies at regular intervals, helping us fall asleep and wake up again. Unless we’re glued to the TV or computer screen where blue light rays put the evil hex on melatonin, forcing it back to its lair in the SCN (OK, it’s the suprachiasmatic nucleus – satisfied?). What ensues is insomnia, a lack of feeling sleepy and lots of fallout in the morning. To find something that blocks the blue light waves means that I can work on the computer without my brain being fooled into believing that it’s actually dawn instead of 11 pm. And I might get to bed at a more reasonable hour.
The group (which has joined the capitalist surge for profitability) now sells blue light blocker glasses – some to be worn alone, others to be worn over your regular glasses – light bulbs, night lights and even TV and computer monitor filters. They’re not inexpensive – $10 for a light bulb and $45 for a filter. Glasses are upwards of $60 – $80. But the cost of losing sleep night after night is pretty high, too. In fact, lack of sleep is tied to diabetes, weight gain, heart disease and even early death in women (yikes – where’s my pillow?).
I ordered a couple of things to give them a try – I’ll let you know whether they work for me. Or not. In the meantime, if you’d like to check out the website, here’s their address: https://www.lowbluelights.com/index.asp They have links to articles and research about low blue light levels and depression, sleep, Seasonal Affective Disorder and even fertility. Sleep, I get. Cancer? Not so sure I’m convinced. But hey, I’m willing to be open about the whole thing. Maybe it’s just another … um….light idea…. (you now have permission to groan).
Can you let us know how the glasses worked out for you?
As far as I know the only place to buy them is on the Low Blue Light site at http://www.lowbluelights.com. The price for their glasses is pretty steep — almost $80. But when you consider the price of the loss of sleep, maybe it’s a bargain!
The spectrum of light that is blocked must be available somewhere else, though. The low blue light sunglasses are NOT the same so don’t waste your money on those ( usually too yellow). But surely someone else sells something similar…anybody know where?
Hugs
linda
would like to know where to purchase blue light glasses at a reasonable price – thanks.
The evidence is close to overwhelming that light at night is a carcinogen, and melatonin suppression is the prime suspect.
See http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22026660/ and http://www.skykeepers.org/lan-health/lan-health.html
Hi Jenna
Great to hear from you and yes, I did find the blue blocker products helpful, especially the computer monitor filter. It makes a huge difference in my “sleepiness” factor. Didn’t like it at first then realized I had turned down the brightness on my monitor trying to achieve the same effect (of dimming the light and calming my soul). When I turned the brightness back up and then attached the filter, I could SEE the screen again and loved it!
Hugs
linda
Hi Linda,
Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t know about this great site and community of yours until TODAY. It is wonderful.
I’d love to know if you found these products helpful.
Warmly,
Jenna