The Shocking Reason You Can’t Sleep
By
Natalie Moore
Posted August 2, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
These days, it seems like everything comes on a screen — the news, your plane tickets and even your bank statements.
And while all of these electronic conveniences may make your life a little easier, they could destroying your health.
Because Texas scientists have just found that the weird blue light emitted from your digital devices can wreck your sleep and set you up for some serious health problems.
Fortunately, there’s an easy, cheap way to block this dangerous light and get the deep sleep you deserve.
Blue light-blocking glasses are the dead-simple solution I’m talking about. And they can help you get your Zzz’s because they shield you from the damage done by artificial light.
You see, blue light is so dangerous because it disrupts our circadian rhythm. Any interruption in this 24-hour cycle can greatly decrease melatonin levels, a hormone key for good sleep.
And research tells us that without good, restful sleep, we can become sitting ducks for deadly illnesses like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, dementia and even depression.
Because of this, scientists from the University Of Houston College Of Optometry were curious to see if blocking blue light could help preserve your melatonin levels and help you get the sleep you need.
For the study, researchers had participants wear blue light-blocking glasses 3 hours before bed, while still watching T.V., reading on phones or tablets and even looking at computer screens.
At the end of the two-week trial, the participants saw a whopping 58% bump in their nightly melatonin levels!
Plus, they fell asleep faster and slept longer when they wore the glasses!
Experts believe blue light-blocking glasses are so effective because they help block light from getting to special parts of the eye that can slow melatonin production.
Blue light-blocking glasses look just like regular glasses and are available in all sorts of different frames, including clip-ons for folks who wear glasses.
You can get blue light-blocking glasses online from retailers like amazon.com. Click here to learn more about the pair I use at home.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Struggle to nod off? Don’t take your phone to bed: Electronic devices reduce sleep-hormone levels
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...