About Blue Light & Sleep

What is blue light and why does it affect my sleep?

Blue light is a short-wavelength light (460-480nm) that's naturally present in sunlight and artificially emitted by LED lights, phones, computers, and TVs.

Your eyes contain specialized cells called ipRGCs (intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells) that detect blue light and send signals directly to your brain's master clock. When these cells detect blue light after sunset, they tell your brain: "It's still daytime—don't produce melatonin yet."

This suppresses your body's natural sleep hormone, making it difficult to fall asleep even when you're exhausted. It's not insomnia—it's your biology responding to the wrong light signal at the wrong time.

Is blue light actually harmful, or is this just marketing hype?

Blue light itself isn't harmful—in fact, it's essential during the day for alertness, mood, and regulating your circadian rhythm.

The problem is blue light at the wrong time. Evening and nighttime exposure to blue light disrupts your circadian system, which has been proven in hundreds of peer-reviewed studies.

We're not making this up. The science is solid and published in journals like Translational Vision Science & Technology, Chronobiology International, and Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms. We link to these studies throughout our site so you can verify the research yourself.

Don't my phone's "Night Shift" or "Night Mode" settings already fix this?

Night Shift and similar features help, but they're incomplete solutions for two reasons:

  1. They only affect one screen. They don't filter blue light from your TV, overhead lights, lamps, or other devices in your environment.
  2. They don't block enough blue light. Most night mode settings only shift the color temperature slightly—they reduce blue light by 20-40%, but research shows you need to block 90%+ of the critical 460-480nm wavelengths to meaningfully protect melatonin production.

Think of night mode as turning down the volume slightly. Our glasses are like noise-cancelling headphones—they filter blue light from your entire visual environment.

I thought blue light glasses were debunked. Didn't studies show they don't work?

There's confusion here because "blue light glasses" is an umbrella term that includes products with vastly different filtering properties.

Many studies that found "no effect" tested clear or lightly-tinted lenses that barely filter any blue light at all. Of course those don't work.

However, studies that tested amber or orange-tinted lenses with proper filtering strength (mDFD ≥1.0) have consistently shown benefits. A 2025 systematic review found that 100% of studies using properly-rated amber lenses showed improvements in sleep or circadian markers.

The glasses work—but only if they actually block blue light. Clear lenses marketed as "blue light blockers" are essentially ineffective.

How is this different from just sitting in a dark room?

Technically, sitting in complete darkness would work—your ipRGCs wouldn't detect any light.

But that's not practical. You'd have to avoid screens, turn off all lights, and sit in the dark for 2-3 hours every evening.

Our glasses let you continue your normal evening activities—watching TV, using your laptop, reading under a lamp, moving around your lit home—while filtering out only the specific wavelengths that disrupt sleep.

You get the biological benefit of darkness without actually sitting in the dark.

About Our Glasses

How do your glasses actually work?

Our lenses are engineered to selectively filter out blue light in the 460-480nm wavelength range—the exact spectrum that activates your ipRGCs and suppresses melatonin.

When light passes through our amber-tinted lenses, short-wavelength blue light is absorbed while longer wavelengths (yellow, orange, red) pass through. Your eyes receive a warm-toned spectrum of light that your circadian system perceives as "evening" or "darkness," even though you can still see clearly.

This allows your pineal gland to begin producing melatonin on its natural schedule, preparing your body for sleep.

Why are the lenses orange/amber instead of clear?

Physics and biology.

To block 90%+ of blue light in the 460-480nm range (which research shows is necessary for circadian protection), the lens must have a visible tint. A clear lens, by definition, cannot block a significant amount of any wavelength.

Clear "blue light glasses" typically filter less than 20% of biologically-active blue light—not enough to make a meaningful difference to your melatonin production.

The amber tint isn't a cosmetic choice—it's the filtering mechanism. Every clinical study showing sleep benefits has used amber or orange-tinted lenses.

What is mDFD and why does it matter?

mDFD stands for melanopic daylight filtering density—a scientific metric introduced in 2025 research to objectively measure how effectively a lens reduces circadian input.

  • mDFD < 1.0 = Not strong enough for meaningful sleep protection
  • mDFD ≥ 1.0 = Sufficient filtering to create measurable circadian benefits
  • mDFD 1.0-2.0 = The optimal range (effective protection + maintained vision)

Our lenses are engineered to achieve mDFD ratings of 1.0-2.0, which research identifies as the gold standard.

This isn't marketing jargon—it's an objectively measurable standard that can be verified with spectrophotometry.

Can I get a prescription version of your glasses?

Not currently, but this is something we're working on. In the meantime, our glasses are designed to fit comfortably over most prescription eyewear, or you can wear contact lenses underneath. We're actively developing prescription options and will announce them as soon as they're available.

Will these work if I already wear prescription glasses?

Our frames are designed with a slightly larger fit to accommodate wearing them over most prescription glasses. Many of our customers successfully wear them this way.

Alternatively, you can wear contact lenses in the evening and wear our glasses over them.

How long do the glasses last?

With normal care, our glasses should last for years. The frame construction is durable for daily use, and the lens coating is scratch-resistant (though not scratch-proof).

We recommend:

  • Storing them in the included case when not in use
  • Cleaning with the microfiber cloth (not paper towels or shirts)
  • Avoiding extreme temperatures or leaving them in hot cars

If you experience any defects in materials or workmanship, we offer a 1-year warranty.

Do they block 100% of blue light?

No, and that's actually intentional.

Blocking 100% of blue light would require completely opaque red lenses, which would severely impair vision and color perception.

Our lenses block 90%+ of the critical 460-480nm wavelengths that suppress melatonin—the therapeutic threshold identified in research. This provides maximum circadian benefit while still allowing you to see clearly and function normally.

Using The Glasses

When should I wear them?

Wear them for 2-3 hours before your desired bedtime, every evening.

For most people, this means putting them on around 7-9 PM and keeping them on until you're ready to turn off the lights and sleep.

This timing gives your body enough time to build up melatonin to sleep-inducing levels by the time you get into bed.

Can I still use my phone and computer while wearing them?

Absolutely. That's the whole point.

You can continue all your normal evening activities—watching TV, using your laptop, scrolling your phone, reading under a lamp, having conversations, moving around your home.

The glasses filter the light for you, so you don't have to change your routine or sit in darkness.

Can I wear them while driving?

We do not recommend wearing them while driving, especially at night.

Here's why:

  1. They may affect your ability to perceive the colors of traffic signals quickly
  2. They reduce alertness (which is the goal for sleep, but not for driving)
  3. They may reduce visual acuity in low-light conditions

If you're commuting home in the evening and want circadian protection, we recommend:

  • Using public transportation while wearing the glasses
  • Wearing them as a passenger in a car
  • Putting them on once you arrive home

Safety first.

What if I work night shifts?

If you work nights and need to sleep during the day, our glasses can be incredibly helpful—but you'll use them differently.

Wear them:

  • During your commute home in the morning (to block the sunrise)
  • While at home preparing for bed during daylight hours
  • Anytime you're exposed to bright light before your daytime sleep

This creates "artificial darkness" so your body can produce melatonin even when the sun is up.

Many shift workers also benefit from getting bright light exposure at the beginning of their night shift to promote alertness.

How long does it take to see results?

Most people notice changes within the first week, but full circadian adaptation takes 2-4 weeks.

Typical timeline:

  • Days 1-3: Immediate visual comfort; feeling of relaxation when wearing them
  • Days 4-7: Falling asleep 15-30 minutes faster than usual
  • Days 8-14: Natural sleepiness occurring earlier; your circadian phase is shifting
  • Weeks 3-4: Consistent, deep, restorative sleep; stable sleep schedule

Consistency is key. Wear them every evening for best results.

What if I forget to wear them one night?

One missed night won't erase your progress, but consistency matters.

Your circadian rhythm responds to patterns. If you wear the glasses sporadically, you won't establish a stable rhythm.

Think of it like taking medication—occasional use is better than nothing, but consistent use is what creates lasting change.

Do I have to wear them forever?

As long as you're exposed to artificial blue light in the evening, you'll benefit from wearing them.

That said, once your circadian rhythm is stable, some people find they can be slightly less strict (e.g., skipping them occasionally when out with friends) without major sleep disruption.

But for most people, wearing them consistently continues to be valuable because modern life continues to expose us to circadian-disrupting light.

Think of them like sunglasses—you don't "cure" bright sunlight by wearing them once. They're a tool for managing your environment.

Results & Effectiveness

Will these definitely fix my sleep problems?

Our glasses address one specific cause of sleep problems: circadian misalignment caused by evening blue light exposure.

If your sleep issues are primarily caused by this (which affects millions of people), then yes—research strongly suggests you'll see significant improvement.

However, if your sleep problems are caused by other factors (sleep apnea, chronic pain, certain medications, anxiety disorders, restless leg syndrome, etc.), our glasses may help but won't be a complete solution.

We recommend:

  • Using our glasses consistently for 2-4 weeks
  • If you see improvement, great—you've identified a key factor
  • If you don't see improvement, consult a sleep specialist to explore other causes

We offer a 90-day guarantee so you can try them risk-free.

I've tried blue light glasses before and they didn't work. Why would yours be different?

The most likely reason is that the glasses you tried didn't filter enough blue light.

Many brands sell clear or lightly-tinted lenses that look good but don't provide meaningful circadian protection. If the lenses were clear or barely tinted, they simply couldn't have blocked enough blue light to affect your melatonin production.

Our lenses are amber-tinted and achieve an mDFD rating of 1.0-2.0—the threshold research identifies as necessary for measurable sleep benefits.

Every clinical study showing positive results has used amber or orange lenses, not clear ones.

What if they don't work for me?

If you've used the glasses consistently (every evening, 2-3 hours before bed) for at least 2-4 weeks and haven't noticed any improvement in your sleep, we'll refund your purchase—no hassle, no questions asked.

We offer this guarantee because:

  1. We're confident in what the research predicts
  2. We know some people need the full 2-4 weeks for circadian adaptation
  3. We want you to feel comfortable giving them a genuine try

We'd rather have happy customers than dissatisfied ones keeping a product that didn't help them.

Can these help with insomnia?

It depends on what's causing your insomnia.

If your insomnia is related to circadian misalignment—difficulty falling asleep at your desired time, feeling "wired" despite being tired—then yes, our glasses address the root cause.

Clinical studies have shown that people with insomnia who wore blue light blocking glasses experienced significant improvements in sleep onset and quality.

However, if your insomnia is caused by other factors (chronic pain, anxiety, sleep apnea, medication side effects), our glasses may provide some benefit but won't be a complete solution.

We recommend trying them for 2-4 weeks. If they help, you've identified blue light as a contributing factor. If they don't, explore other potential causes with a healthcare provider.

Will these help me wake up less tired?

Yes—indirectly.

When your circadian rhythm is aligned:

  • You fall asleep at the biologically appropriate time (not forcing it)
  • You sleep more deeply and spend more time in restorative sleep stages
  • You wake up at a time when your body is naturally ready to wake

This means you wake up feeling actually refreshed rather than groggy and disoriented.

The glasses don't directly "make" you feel energized—they allow your natural sleep-wake cycle to function properly, which results in better daytime energy.

What if I forget to wear them one night?

One missed night won't erase your progress, but consistency matters.

Your circadian rhythm responds to patterns. If you wear the glasses sporadically, you won't establish a stable rhythm.

Think of it like taking medication—occasional use is better than nothing, but consistent use is what creates lasting change.

Comparisons & Alternatives

How are your glasses different from other brands?

Several key differences:

1. We only sell what works. We don't offer clear lenses or make exaggerated claims. Our glasses meet the mDFD ≥1.0 threshold that research identifies as necessary for circadian benefits.

2. We're transparent about the science. We link directly to peer-reviewed studies and explain exactly how and why our glasses work. No proprietary "secrets" or vague marketing claims.

3. We provide honest guidance. We tell you when NOT to wear them (during the day, while driving) even though this limits our potential sales—because accuracy matters more than revenue.

4. We focus on one thing. We specialize exclusively in evening circadian protection, which allows us to do it exceptionally well rather than being mediocre at many things.

5. We offer a genuine trial period. 90 days (not 30) because we know circadian adaptation takes time.

Are these better than taking melatonin supplements?

They address the problem differently.

Melatonin supplements provide exogenous (external) melatonin, which can help you fall asleep. But they don't address the root cause—your body's inability to produce its own melatonin on schedule due to blue light suppression.

Our glasses allow your body to produce its own endogenous (natural) melatonin at the right time, which:

  • Is more aligned with your natural circadian rhythm
  • Doesn't create dependency
  • Addresses the cause, not just the symptom
  • Supports the full circadian cycle, not just sleep onset

That said, some people benefit from using both—especially in the first week or two as their circadian rhythm adjusts.

What about blue light blocking screen protectors or apps?

Screen filters and apps (like f.lux or Night Shift) can help, but they're incomplete solutions:

Limitations:

  1. They only filter light from one screen (not your TV, lights, or other devices)
  2. They typically reduce blue light by 20-40%, not the 90%+ needed for full circadian protection
  3. They don't filter ambient light from your environment

Our glasses:

  • Filter blue light from your entire visual field
  • Block 90%+ of the critical wavelengths
  • Provide comprehensive circadian protection

Think of screen filters as a good first step. Our glasses are the complete solution.

Can't I just use cheaper blue light glasses from Amazon?

You can try them, but be aware that most budget blue light glasses:

  1. Have unclear or false specifications. Many claim to "block blue light" without specifying how much or which wavelengths.
  2. Use clear or barely-tinted lenses. These look better but don't provide meaningful circadian protection (typically <20% blue light reduction).
  3. Lack quality control. Poor optical quality, scratches easily, uncomfortable fit.
  4. Provide no education or support. No guidance on when/how to use them effectively.

We've seen many customers come to us after trying cheaper options that didn't work. Often, they weren't actually blocking enough blue light—they just looked like blue light glasses.

Our glasses are tested, verified to meet mDFD standards, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

You're paying for effectiveness, not just appearance.

Safety & Side Effects

Are there any side effects?

For the vast majority of people, there are no negative side effects. The most common experiences are positive: feeling more relaxed in the evening and sleeping better.

Rare potential issues:

  • Mild color perception adjustment period: Some people need 1-2 days to adjust to the amber tint
  • Daytime sleepiness if worn incorrectly: If you wear them during the day (which you shouldn't), you may feel drowsy

If you have any concerns, start by wearing them for 1-2 hours before bed and gradually extend to 2-3 hours as you adjust.

Can I use these if I have an eye condition or take medication?

Our glasses are simply optical filters—they don't affect your eyes directly. However:

  • If you have any diagnosed eye condition, consult your eye doctor before use
  • If you're taking medications that affect sleep or circadian rhythms, check with your healthcare provider
  • If you have light sensitivity conditions (certain forms of migraine, photophobia), our amber lenses may actually be beneficial, but confirm with your doctor

Our glasses are not a medical device and aren't intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They're a light-filtering tool for circadian management.

Are they safe for children/teenagers?

Yes, in terms of safety—they're just optical filters.

However, consider this: if a child or teenager is experiencing sleep problems, the first priority should be reducing screen time and establishing healthy sleep hygiene, not compensating for excessive evening screen exposure.

That said, if evening screen use is unavoidable (homework on a computer, for example), our glasses can help protect their circadian rhythm.

We recommend consulting with a pediatrician for sleep issues in children under 18.

Ordering & Logistics

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We offer free shipping to most countries worldwide.

Shipping times vary by location:

  • US: 3-5 business days
  • Canada: 5-7 business days
  • International: 7-14 business days

What's your return/refund policy?

We offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

If you're not satisfied with your glasses for any reason, you can return them within 90 days of purchase for a full refund—no questions asked.

Why 90 days instead of the typical 30? Because circadian adaptation takes 2-4 weeks. We want you to experience the full benefits before deciding.

We only ask that you've genuinely tried using them as directed (consistently, in the evening) before returning.

See our refund policy for more information.

What if my glasses arrive damaged?

If your glasses arrive damaged or defective, contact us immediately at [email] with photos.

We'll send you a replacement at no cost—no hassle, no argument.

Quality control is important to us, but occasionally shipping damage occurs. We'll make it right.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. We offer a 1-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.

This covers:

  • Frame breakage under normal use
  • Lens coating defects
  • Manufacturing defects

This does not cover:

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Accidental damage (dropping, sitting on them, etc.)
  • Scratches from improper cleaning or storage

If you experience a defect within the warranty period, contact us and we'll repair or replace your glasses.

Can I buy these in stores?

Currently, we only sell directly through our website. This allows us to:

  • Keep costs lower (no retail markup)
  • Provide better education about proper use
  • Offer direct customer support
  • Control quality throughout the entire process