{"id":4713,"date":"2024-09-03T20:02:07","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T18:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T22:41:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T20:41:18","slug":"can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Can glasses that filter blue light make you sleep better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Content:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #003f73;color:#003f73\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #003f73;color:#003f73\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#The_impact_of_blue_light_on_sleep_science_versus_marketing\" >The impact of blue light on sleep: science versus marketing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#What_does_science_say\" >What does science say?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Marketing_and_the_claims\" >Marketing and the claims<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#What_can_we_believe\" >What can we believe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Theory_versus_practice\" >Theory versus practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#What_does_this_mean_for_you\" >What does this mean for you?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Do_blue_light_glasses_affect_my_sleep\" >Do blue light glasses affect my sleep?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#What_color_of_light_makes_you_sleepy\" >What color of light makes you sleepy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Which_color_produces_melatonin\" >Which color produces melatonin?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Are_blue_light_glasses_useful\" >Are blue light glasses useful?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/can-glasses-that-filter-blue-light-make-you-sleep-better\/#Can_blue_light_glasses_help_you_sleep_%E2%80%93_Conclusion\" >Can blue light glasses help you sleep &#8211; Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_impact_of_blue_light_on_sleep_science_versus_marketing\"><\/span><strong>The impact of blue light on sleep: science versus marketing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blue-light-filtering glasses are increasingly touted as the solution to better sleep. But while marketing convinces us, many scientists remain skeptical. What do the studies really say and where is the balance between proven science and clever marketing?  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_science_say\"><\/span>What does science say?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500;\">Recently, a think tank of 250 experts, who have collectively published thousands of articles, concluded that blue light at night has a significant impact on our sleep. In fact, according to their findings, blue light disrupts our biological clock, suppresses melatonin production and increases the risks of obesity and diabetes. LED lights with a high factor of blue light are considered especially risky.   <\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/photonics\/articles\/10.3389\/fphot.2023.1272934\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">You can read the relevant article here.<\/a> The article concludes that there is a strong scientific consensus on the importance of lighting impacting circadian rhythms and its impact on our health. <\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500;\">The recommendations include increasing exposure to bright light during the day and minimizing exposure to blue light at night to prevent disruption of circadian rhythms, which are associated with various health risks. <\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500;\">The article also suggests that &#8220;circadian lighting&#8221; should be widely used and that blue-rich LED lights should carry warnings of possible health risks when used during the night.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500;\">People diagnosed with DSWPD (Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder) have been found to have increased sensitivity to the phase-delaying effects of light compared to healthy control subjects. This increased sensitivity leads to a greater shift in circadian phase when exposed to light. This may contribute to the delayed circadian timing observed in DSWPD patients. Treatments for DSWPD should therefore consider limiting light exposure in the late evening hours to prevent relapse.    <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30281150\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You can read about that in this article.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marketing_and_the_claims\"><\/span>Marketing and the claims<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, you will find a very wide range of products on the market, such as blue-light-filtering glasses, which promise to solve many light-related sleep problems. Marketing campaigns use impressive percentages to emphasize the usefulness of these glasses. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, some experts, such as the Dutch researcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/merijn-van-de-laar-6a5617202?originalSubdomain=nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Merijn van de Laar<\/a>, argue that evidence for the effectiveness of these glasses on sleep quality and duration in clinical studies remains limited. This raises the question of whether these glasses actually contribute to a better night&#8217;s sleep or if we are dealing with a clever marketing trick. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/werken-op-de-pc-met-bril.webp?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"working on the PC with glasses\" class=\"wp-image-4699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/werken-op-de-pc-met-bril.webp 640w, https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/werken-op-de-pc-met-bril-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 640px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_we_believe\"><\/span>What can we believe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reality often lies somewhere in the middle. However, current clinical tests do not yet demonstrate this. While the impact of light on our sleep is clear, the evidence that blue-light-filtering glasses significantly reduce this impact is not yet convincing enough.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It would be more realistic to inform consumers about the limited evidence and encourage them to take a holistic approach to better <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/\">sleep<\/a>, such as getting enough daylight, being wise about light in the evening, reducing screen exposure, and improving <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/what-is-sleep-hygiene\/\">sleep hygiene<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theory_versus_practice\"><\/span>Theory versus practice <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It sounds logical that blocking blue light in the evening with filter glasses would help improve sleep, as the light signals to the brain that it is still daytime. Science also confirms that reducing bright blue light in the evening and using warmer light can be beneficial for the biological clock. While this is theoretically correct, practice reveals that blue-light-filtering glasses often do not have the expected effect on sleep duration and quality, according to Merijn van de Laar and others.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem lies partly in the gap between theory and practice. While it seems theoretically sensible, clinical research does not yet show a significant improvement when using these glasses. This may be due to the fact that other factors, such as the placebo effect, the amount of light you are exposed to during the day, and sensitivity to light in the evening, can influence the results. Therefore, it is recommended to absorb plenty of natural light during the day, limit the use of bright light in the evening, and switch to warmer light.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/theorie-en-praktijk-blauw-licht-bril-en-slaap.webp?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Theory and practice blue\" class=\"wp-image-5901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/theorie-en-praktijk-blauw-licht-bril-en-slaap.webp 640w, https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/theorie-en-praktijk-blauw-licht-bril-en-slaap-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 640px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_this_mean_for_you\"><\/span>What does this mean for you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, it is wise to be skeptical of claims made about blue-light-filtering glasses. Although it sounds logical, current research suggests that dimming lights and using warmer light is likely just as effective, if not more so. It is best to be aware of the difference between theoretical expectations and what has actually been proven in scientific studies.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725266671926\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_blue_light_glasses_affect_my_sleep\"><\/span>Do blue light glasses affect my sleep?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, although current research suggests that dimming lights and using warmer light is likely just as effective, if not more so. It is best to be aware of the difference between theoretical expectations and what has actually been proven in scientific studies. And keep in mind that not all glasses are created equal.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725266673859\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_color_of_light_makes_you_sleepy\"><\/span>What color of light makes you sleepy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>According to scientists from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nemokennislink.nl\/publicaties\/rood-licht-maakt-slaperig\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nemokennislink.nl\/publicaties\/rood-licht-maakt-slaperig\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience<\/a>, red light makes you sleepier than other colors. This is also why you can set red light filters on smartphones and tablets. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725266719302\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_color_produces_melatonin\"><\/span>Which color produces melatonin?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Researchers can demonstrate that blue light suppresses the production of melatonin. Red light helps you fall asleep faster, but the link to melatonin production has not been proven. Therefore, additional research is needed.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725266730443\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_blue_light_glasses_useful\"><\/span>Are blue light glasses useful?<br><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Blue-light-filtering glasses can play a role in improving our sleep, but it is important to understand that the scientific support for their effectiveness is still developing. Not all glasses are the same, so inform yourself thoroughly. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_blue_light_glasses_help_you_sleep_%E2%80%93_Conclusion\"><\/span>Can blue light glasses help you sleep &#8211; Conclusion:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blue-light-filtering glasses can play a role in improving our sleep, but it is important to understand that the scientific support for their effectiveness is still developing. Not all glasses are the same, so inform yourself thoroughly. It is always wise not to blindly trust marketing claims and to consider a broader approach to tackling sleep-related problems.  <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mtb-medische-melding has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f2f5f9;padding-top:1em;padding-right:1.25em;padding-bottom:1em;padding-left:1.25em\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> this article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Have you been sleeping poorly for a while or are you concerned about your health? Talk to your doctor.   <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/disclaimer\/\">Read our disclaimer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The impact of blue light on sleep: science versus marketing Blue-light-filtering glasses are increasingly touted as the solution to better sleep. But while marketing convinces us, many scientists remain skeptical. What do the studies really say and where is the balance between proven science and clever marketing? What does science say? Recently, a think tank&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4702,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-improve-my-sleep"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Blauw-licht-bril-dragen-beter-voor-slaap.webp?fit=640%2C359&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"J\u00fcrgen Swinnen","author_link":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/author\/victorys\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4713"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8750,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4713\/revisions\/8750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4702"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}