Scientists Improve Sleep Disorders with "Blue-Blocking" Glasses

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University Heights, OH— Scientists at John Carroll University, working in the Lighting Innovations Institute, have developed an affordable accessory that has been shown to improve sleep patterns among people who have difficulty falling asleep. The John Carroll researchers have created glasses designed to block blue light, therefore altering a person’s circadian rhythm. How the Glasses Work: Jumpstarting Melatonin Production The individual puts on the glasses a couple of hours ahead of a bedtime, advancing the circadian rhythm. The special glasses block the blue rays that cause a delay in the start of the flow of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Normally, melatonin flow doesn’t begin until after the individual goes into darkness. *There is persuasive data that night shift workers, who spend more time under artificial light, have much higher rates of breast cancer. Alternative Uses: Better Sleep / Depression Relief / Cancer Prevention Major uses of the blue-blocking glasses include: Providing Better Sleep Avoiding Postpartum Depression Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder Reducing the Risk of Cancer An alternative to the glasses has also been developed in the form of night lights and light bulbs with coatings that block the blue light. Instead of wearing the glasses, an individual may simply turn off ordinary lights and, instead, turn on the ones with filters that remove the blue rays. The night light is a convenient “plug-in” device. The cost of the items ranges from approximately $5 for light bulbs and night lights to $40-$60 for glasses. Background Dr. Richard Hansler is the lead John Carroll University researcher in the development and uses for the blue-blocking glasses. He is one of the principle owners of a company that makes these new products available via the web site: www.lowbluelights.com. Dr. Hansler can be reached at 216.397.1657 or rhansler@jcu.edu

Scientists Improve Sleep Disorders with "Blue-Blocking" Glasses

November 30, 2007