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How Does Blue Light Impact Your Sleep?

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Do you look at your smartphone, computer or tablet on a typical day? If you do, then you’re being exposed to digital blue light.

Blue light is any light that you can see with a wavelength between 400 and 450 nanometers. It’s less powerful than UV rays from the sun, and is made up of short, high energy waves. Although its name makes it sound like the light is blue, it can be seen as any color visible to the human eye.

It is a well-established fact that exposure to blue light emitted by digital screens is a common cause of sleeping problems that can leave you exhausted.

At Giddens Optometry we can help you block out blue light, to help you enjoy a good night’s sleep.

What is blue light and why is it bad?

Blue light is all around us, emitted by the sun and even light bulbs. While naturally occuring blue light doesn’t appear to pose a health risk, studies have shown that the blue light emitted by digital devices can disrupt a person’s natural sleep cycle.

Here’s why.

Our eyes constantly monitor the levels of light around us. Before we had electricity, our bodies began to prepare us for sleep almost as soon as the sun set. Once the sky turned dark the melatonin hormone was naturally released, which made us sleepy and allowed us to fall into a deep sleep.

Today, we’re bombarded with artificial light. In fact, digital devices that emit blue light before bed can decrease the amount of melatonin our bodies would ordinarily release by as much as 50%! No wonder being exposed to blue light before bed can negatively impact the quality and quantity of sleep.

In addition, research has revealed that blue light from digital screens may cause eye strain, resulting in any of these symptoms: sore or tired eyes, blurry vision, headaches and sensitivity to light. Eye strain isn’t just uncomfortable, it impacts productivity both at school and at the office.

How do you counteract blue light?

Since we have screens around all the time, what can you possibly do to help avoid the consequences of digital blue light?

Cutting down the amount of time you spend on screens is the obvious answer, but this is easier said than done. A simpler and more stylish solution is blue light glasses. We offer prescription and non-prescription glasses that block blue light.

Contact Giddens Optometry at Georgetown to learn how you can benefit from blue light glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How harmful is blue light?

  • A: Blue light is more of a concern than other light rays because it has more energy than other colors in the visible light spectrum. In addition, eye strain and the disruption of circadian rhythms can impact your daily performances, and scientists are also investigating whether the blue light emitted by digital devices is strong enough to affect eye health.

Q: Does blue light cause anxiety?

  • A: High levels of blue light can increase our cortisol and adrenaline hormones. The increase in these levels can leave us feeling anxious.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Giddens Optometry for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.


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a3ef93d0 34de 453f b5f4 5ffd895a5f85 (1)A Letter from Dr. Ben Giddens

Hello friends, I have retired!

I had 37 years of good fun in Georgetown and loved the gift of meeting so many warm and friendly people! I am very sorry that I didn’t have the time to chat with everyone about my exact plans, and felt guilty over that at times. It was not an easy task. If anyone wants, or needs to contact me, please send an email to my office and I will reply.

I am 66 years old and still feel like I am in good health. My wife died of cancer in 2021 but I have good friends and family and a fun life. I recently moved back to Toronto which is where I grew up as a teenager. I have an active outdoor life and have many ski trips and travel plans in front of me. Lots of interests and activities to explore with an overriding sense that I am a lucky guy. I am also a grandfather now.

I have always tried to employ staff and optometrists who have a heart. I think that is where the office is at today and I hope it continues. Everyone knows their work, and the heart matters.

Ben.