Here's to better sleep and eye health. ~50% of people who struggle with dry eyes and digital eye strain will also struggle with sleep. With our modern day lifestyles, they are more intertwined then ever.
In honor of World Sleep Awareness Day, here are the FAQs I get about blue light, and 3 ways to be a Dream Team at home and at work! ✨🌙 Q: Why have I been hearing more about blue light recently? 🤔 A: An increasing body of research 📚 is highlighting how communication 📱 and work 💻 devices are keeping us awake at night. This is primarily due to the blue light emitted from man-made devices such as your phone and computer. Q: Do we see it in nature or just from screens? 🌳🖥️ A: Blue light occurs naturally from the sun 🌞 as it rises, helping you wake up in the morning by signaling a reduction of melatonin resulting in an increase in alertness. As the sun sets 🌇 each evening and hues of oranges and reds are emitted, this cues our body that bedtime is approaching and readies us for sleep. Q: Is blue light bad? 🚫 A: Blue light is not all bad by any means. It can help us wake up in the morning. Exposure to blue light at differing points in the day dictates whether it will be helpful or harmful to your circadian rhythm: the natural processes that regulate our sleep-wake cycle. This knowledge can be leveraged for optimal energy and sleep health. Tips for Teams: 🌟 1. Define “off the clock” to support team restedness 🕒 Clarify working hours and expectations with your team to support sleep. 2. Beat the blues: Support stipends and employee gifts including blue light blockers, especially for employees with evening hours. 🕶️💤 2. After Hours? Schedule that email for tomorrow. 📧⏰ 💡 Remember, parents and leaders alike are role models from sleep and #screentime! #digitalwellbeing #digitalwellness #sleephygiene Shoutout to Umay and Digital Wellness Institute graduate Sharmin Habib OD who created the first device of its kind to combat eye fatigue from screens!