The Secret To Better Sleep

Ever listened to the Tim Ferriss podcast? If so, you’ve probably heard him ask this interview question – “What’s the best purchase of $100 or less you have made in the last 6 months that’s had the biggest positive impact on your life?” I luhhh this question. There’s usually a solid gold takeaway or tip. And even though I’m not a guest on the TF podcast this week, I’d like to take the liberty of answering the question.

“Well, Tim… THESE BAD BOYS.”

Yes. I’m so serious. These (admittedly super sexy) orange glasses have literally changed my life. So much so that I wear them religiously and I’ve gifted them to friends and fam at least a half a dozen times in the last year.

Why am I rocking these fabulous orange safety goggles you say? Other than the fact that they are just straight-up fabu-amazeballs, obvi? Clearly these are not the kind of fashion statement that I usually make, but wearing these UVEX Blue Blockers glasses every evening has drastically improved the quality of my sleep. I’ve always been the “eight-hours-sleep-or-you-don’t-want-to-know-me” kind of gal. But as a working mother of two toddlers, the value I place on a good night’s sleep has increased drastically over the past 4 years. These days, solid sleep is pretty much the most valuable commodity. In. The. World.

Doctor’s orders

After the birth of my daughter, I went to see Dr. Oscar Serralach, who specialises in post-natal depletion. (Sidenote for the Mamas in the house – check out this article he wrote for GOOP a while back. Must read material.) At our first appointment, Dr. Serralach asked me to give him a health wish list with three items. Numero uno on my list was BETTER SLEEP. His very first suggestion was to pick up a pair of these Blue Blocker glasses. I raised an eyebrow. Because, WOW. But I was so freakin’ tired that I was game to give them a go.

Here’s the drill

At sundown (or a couple hours before you head to bed) pop your Blockers on. Go about your evening business. Go to bed. Fall asleep quickly. Sleep. Like. A. Boss.

Why it works

Prior to the invention of artificial light, we spent our evenings either around the glow of a natural flame or, well, in the dark. And though the introduction of artificial light was a game-changer for civilisation, it’s wreaking havoc on our sleep.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that controls sleep and waking cycles – known as circadian rhythms. Scientific research has established that short-wavelength or “blue” light suppresses the production of melatonin. This blue light is primarily emitted by screens (TV, computer, tablet, cellphone, etc.,), which most of us are surrounded with all day and well into the night. But even lights and lamps can have an effect, so even if you religiously stick to a computer curfew, you can still be affected by blue light.

At risk of stating the obvious, Blue Blocking glasses do just that. They block the blue light which interferes with the production of melatonin, therefore ensuring a better night’s sleep. I’m here to say that they work a treat. The quality of my nightly slumber has improved by leaps and bound. But I’m not the only one singing the praises of these sweet night-shades.

A Psychology Today article reported that “a study of 20 adults who wore either blue-light blocking or ultraviolet light blocking glasses for 3 hours before sleep found that both sleep quality and mood improved among those in the group who wore blue-light blocking glasses, compared to the ultraviolet light blocking group.”

And if sleeping more soundly and feeling better doesn’t sound like enough of an incentive to slip on these groovy glasses, take note that chronic melatonin suppression has a whole host of other health consequences such as obesity and heart disease. Curious to read more about the science? Check out this Harvard Health Letter.

Give them a go

It can’t hurt to try, right? Especially because these glasses are less than $10. Yep. Cheap as chips. Scoop up a pair here. P.S. If you wear eyeglasses you want these which will fit on top of your specs.

Stay tuned, next up I’ll be sharing three more sleep tips that I use on the daily. Err…on the nightly. Until then, sweet dreams ’til sunbeams find you! xx

 UPDATE: These are my new favs. Still inexpensive but better quality: Wraparounds and clip-ons

P.S. Full disclosure: if you use the Amazon links in this post and make a purchase I get a little coin for my piggy bank. It’s a win-win because there is no added cost to you and it helps to support my work. 🙂 

About the author
Caitlin Cady sitting on the beach at dusk and smiling softly at the camera

Caitlin Cady is an author, meditation teacher, and mama of three, on a mission to help you tune into your highest self and live to your full potential.

With certifications in Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Somatic Stress Release, Caitlin’s work has been featured in Women’s Health, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Real Living and her positive perspectives and relatable, playful approach have inspired people across the globe to start living to their full potential.

Signed, Caitlin
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A visual display of the contents of the Morning Ritual bundle: The Morning Ritual Guidebook, the High-Vibe Day Planner, and a morning meditation

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guided meditations & 7-day planner.