Welcome to this weeks episode of Health & Fitness Friday on The Essential Strength Podcast! This is your bite-sized podcast designed to make you a little smarter and a little stronger heading into the weekend!
This week we’re talking about the concept of Social Jetlag and whether or not Blue Light blocking glasses actually work to help improve sleep and recovery and prevent this new form of jet lag we are likely all suffering from to one degree or another. Today’s podcast is inspired by a recent research review from Tailored Coaching Method
So, what is social jet lag? It’s a newer term used to explain the issues that arise when our social clock - our normal times of socialization, work, school, etc. - gets increasingly out of sync without biological or circadian clock which controls hormone release, helps os wake up and wind down, etc.
Overall, the research on Blue Light Blocking glasses is split - some studies show an effect, some don’t. This research roundup cited a 2017 systematic review that found there is a lack of high quality evidence for a benefit from blue light blocking glasses on sleep quality, visual performance or eye fatigue.
What do we do with this information? Well, it seems to me that this is similar to the impact of dietary supplements. Is there potential for a positive impact -yes? Do there appear to be negative consequences when used conservatively - no. Are we better off simply shutting down our screens 2-3 hours before going to bed - absolutely. Sometimes the hard way is the right way, and no product or short cut will ever be as good. More research is needed, but it appears that is the direction the blue light blocking phenomenon is heading.
Hope you all have a great weekend! - catch ya’ll next week!
