Wellness > Health

Top 6 Best Light Therapy Glasses for 2025: Improve Your Sleep & Mood

Light Therapy Glasses are designed to help people manage their circadian rhythm (internal clock) by simply exposing their eyes to specific light wavelengths. But are they worth investing in? Let’s find out.

RedlightTherapyDigest Staff By RLTD Staff Updated December 10, 2024
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by: Dr. Shari Sperling
Advertising Disclosure: Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; we may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. You can learn more about our review process here.

Overview

Light therapy glasses are devices featuring revolutionary technology with so many health benefits to offer, making them worth investing your time and money in.

These wearables have been linked to plenty of health benefits. They have been shown to improve sleep, mood, cognition, and alertness, reduce jet lag, and manage seasonal affective disorders (SAD) via different mechanisms.

In the past, many travelers have battled and endured jet lag because there was no cure for this condition back then. Today there are plenty of cures on the market that you can use to manage jet lag and other issues like SAD and insomnia.

Ben Olsen, the Managing Director of Re-Timer, an entrepreneur who travels across different time zones for business trips says he uses light-based sleep aid to adjust his circadian rhythms.
Olsen further elaborates that wearing the UV-free glasses for the specified time, is able to suppress melatonin release, thus helping his body to adjust quickly to the time zone in different destinations without disturbances.

Join us and together let’s explore the science behind light therapy glasses, their benefits, possible side effects, and much more. We will also be looking at some of the best light therapy glasses reviewed and rated by our team of experts to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Top Picks: Best Light Therapy Glasses

What is a Light Therapy Glass?

Light glass therapy glasses have remarkable benefits. They help to improve sleep, enhance mood, reduce jet lag, enhance cognitive and alertness, and reduce Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) so that you can improve the quality of your life.

Light therapy administration has been linked to improved sleep through its ability to boost melatonin production, a hormone responsible for regulating the wake-sleep cycle.

A publication in Chronobiology International by Leena Tahkamo, Timo Partonen, and Anu-Katriina Pesonen looked into the effect of light therapy on melatonin synthesis. The results of the study show that light therapy sessions had an effect on melatonin levels.

SAD is a type of disorder people experience especially during winter, a period when people have limited exposure to natural sunlight. Administration of light therapy has been found to help in the management of this disorder.

Research published by Barbara L. Parry, MD published by Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience notes that light therapy is effective when it comes to managing seasonal affective disorder and has also been shown to have potential benefits on non-seasonal depression.

Light therapy glasses have been found to promote alertness, especially in night shift workers, and also improve overall cognition.

Research published in the Journal of Biology Rhythms by Las M Wu et al has linked light therapy to improved cognition, alertness, sleep, and circadian rhythm.

How We Picked Our List of the Top Light Therapy Glasses

  • Brightness Levels: Light intensity has an influence on light therapy glasses’ effectiveness. For this reason, we ensured to pick light therapy glasses that are comfortable with brightness quality benefits.
  • Session Duration: Light therapy sessions vary depending on what health aspect you are targeting to improve. Light therapy session length for sleep may not be the same for mood. So, we added to our list devices that have minimum session duration but are effective for addressing most needs.
  • Design and Comfort: When choosing our best light therapy glasses, we considered design and comfort. We looked at the weight, make, and users’ feedback on wearability, how they fit, and comfort level.
  • Battery Life: Wearables are supposed to be portable but where the device needs constant charging defeats convenience. So, during our selection, we evaluated each product’s battery life, to see how long each one lasts between charges.
  • Price: Most light therapy glasses are high-end products with superior quality. But since our aim was to ensure a good balance, looked and each product’s feature and their price to ensure that users, get value for their money.

Our Choices For The Best Light Therapy Glasses

AYO Premium Blue Light Therapy Glasses

1. AYO Premium Blue Light Therapy Glasses

Best For: Individuals with sleep issues

Price: $229

Features: Wearable Circadian Light Therapy, App Integration, Customizable Light Sessions, Red Light Therapy, Long Battery Life

RatingRead Reviews
Shop Now

AYO is a wearable device that helps you sleep better, feel more energetic, and improve your overall health. It works by aligning your daily activities with your natural body clock. Using advanced light therapy, AYO gives you personalized advice and sessions that easily fit into your daily life.


Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Effective Light Therapy
  • Portable and Lightweight
  • Safe and Non-Invasive

Cons

  • Individual results vary
  • Cost

Product details

Special Feature: Circadian light therapy using blue light | Light Source Type: LED | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth for app integration | Specific Uses: Improving sleep quality, boosting energy, managing jet lag, and supporting overall circadian health
Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses

2. Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses

Best For: Individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Price: $199

Features: Blue-Enriched White Light, Hands-Free Use, Adjustable Nose Rest and Foldable Temples, Micro-USB Rechargeable

RatingRead Reviews
Shop Now

The Luminette 3 light therapy glasses are designed to offer an effective and convenient way to benefit from light therapy without disrupting daily routines. By emitting blue-enriched white light, the device helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality, mood, and energy levels. The glasses are lightweight and designed to be worn over regular eyeglasses, allowing for seamless integration into everyday life.


Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to wear and carry
  • Effective Light Therapy
  • User-Friendly Design

Cons

  • Regular Use Required
  • Limited Effectiveness for Some Conditions

Product details

Special Feature: Blue-enriched white light therapy | Light Source Type: LED | Connectivity Technology: None (standalone device) | Specific Uses: Treating SAD, regulating sleep cycles, reducing jet lag, boosting energy and mood
PEGASI Light Therapy Glasses

3. PEGASI Light Therapy Glasses

Best For: Frequent Travelers

Price: $179.99

Features: Light Therapy, Closed-Loop Sleep Optimization, NASA Technology, Ergonomic Design

RatingRead Reviews
Shop Now

PEGASI Smart Sleep Glasses are designed to improve sleep quality by using light therapy to regulate the user’s biological clock. By wearing the glasses for just 30 minutes a day, users can experience better sleep patterns, reduced jet lag, and improved overall mood and energy levels. The glasses work by emitting a specific wavelength of light that influences melatonin production, helping to reset the body’s internal clock.


Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Effective Sleep Improvement
  • Advanced Technology
  • Multi-Functional

Cons

  • May be considered expensive by some users
  • Full benefits require regular use of the companion app

Product details

Special Feature: Closed-loop sleep optimization with app integration | Light Source Type: LED | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth for app integration | Specific Uses: Improving sleep quality, reducing jet lag, regulating circadian rhythms for shift workers, and enhancing overall mood and energy levels
Hooga Red Light Therapy Protective Glasses

4. Hooga Red Light Therapy Protective Glasses

Best For: Individuals Using Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy Devices

Price: $20

Features: Blocks wavelengths from 200nm to 1000nm, Durable Construction, Complete Coverage

RatingRead Reviews
Shop Now

Hooga’s Red Light Therapy Protective Glasses are specifically designed to protect your eyes during red and near-infrared light therapy sessions. These glasses block out a wide range of wavelengths, preventing potential damage while allowing enough light to benefit from the therapy. They are lightweight, durable, and comfortable, making them suitable for daily use.


Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Effective Protection
  • Affordable
  • Durable and Comfortable

Cons

  • Specific Use
  • Manual Use Required

Product details

Special Feature: Blocks wavelengths from 200nm to 1000nm, allowing 10% light transmittance | Light Source Type: Compatible with red and near-infrared light therapy devices | Connectivity Technology: None | Specific Uses: Prevent exposure to potentially harmful wavelengths
Mito Red Light Therapy Glasses IR5

5. Mito Red Light Therapy Glasses IR5

Best For: People Seeking Maximum Eye Protection

Price: $12.95

Features: IR5 Rating, Wraparound Design, Durable Construction

RatingRead Reviews
Shop Now

The Mito Red Light Therapy Glasses IR5 are designed to provide maximum protection for your eyes during red and near-infrared light therapy sessions. The IR5 rating ensures that your eyes are shielded from potentially harmful light wavelengths, reducing the risk of eye strain, dry eyes, and tension headaches. The glasses’ wraparound design and lightweight construction make them both effective and comfortable for daily use.


Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High Level of Protection
  • Comfortable Fit
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Specific Use Case
  • Gets out of stock

Product details

Special Feature: IR5 rating | Light Source Type: Compatible with red and near-infrared light therapy devices | Connectivity Technology: None | Specific Uses: Protecting eyes during red and near-infrared light therapy sessions, reducing risk of eye strain and discomfort
Re-Timer Portable Light Therapy Glasses

6. Re-Timer Portable Light Therapy Glasses

Best For: Shift Workers

Price: $179

Features: Utilizes four LEDs to emit a green-blue light, Adjustable Brightness, Wearable Design, Long Battery Life

RatingRead Reviews
Shop Now

The Re-Timer Light Therapy Glasses are an innovative solution designed to help users manage and improve their sleep patterns, mood, and energy levels. By emitting a green-blue light, these glasses mimic natural light exposure, which can be particularly beneficial during the darker winter months, for shift workers, or for those suffering from jet lag. Developed with 25 years of scientific research, these glasses are a practical and portable alternative to traditional light therapy lamps.


Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Effective and Safe
  • Portable and Convenient
  • Comfortable and Versatile

Cons

  • Manual Use Required
  • Limited Scope

Product details

Special Feature: Green-blue light spectrum at 500 nm wavelength | Light Source Type: LED | Connectivity Technology: USB rechargeable battery | Specific Uses: Managing sleep patterns, improving mood and energy levels, reducing jet lag, and supporting shift workers

How Do Light Therapy Glasses Work?

Light Therapy Glasses can be beneficial when it comes to managing circadian rhythm (wake-sleep cycle), mood, jet lag, and sleep disorders like insomnia and seasonal affective disorder. It has also been shown to improve cognition and alertness and boost energy in the mornings during the winter season.

Circadian rhythm is a scientific term that refers to the ability of the body to follow the same 24-hour cycle as the sun. When your eyes are exposed to light therapy which mimics light from the sun it helps to realign the circadian rhythm of the sun’s pattern.

Circadian rhythm is behind various bodily processes. It is the one that dictates when you should feel sleepy, fatigued, alert, or hungry.

During light therapy sessions, your eyes’ retinal cells are able to perceive light from the light therapy glasses, which affect two chemicals in the brain melatonin and serotonin, responsible for regulating circadian rhythm (wake-sleep cycle).

A research study published in the Journal of Athletic Training has linked an increase in melatonin levels to LED light therapy.

It is the perception of light delays in your brain’s melatonin synthesis that wakes you up and lifts your mood. People who experience circadian-related sleep issues usually have their internal body clock functioning behind the normal circadian rhythm.

Light is the strongest cue with the ability to train your circadian rhythm and light therapy has emerged as the most effective option for maintaining your wake-sleep cycle.

Research published in Frontiers in Physiology has pointed out light being the circadian rhythm’s strong central modulator with potential benefits on cognitive function and mood.

Caroline (Krauss) Bogart, a noted expert in photobiomodulation and author of Red Light Therapy for Dementia and Brain Injury, shares:

“These glasses act as a portable sunshine source, offering significant relief to many dealing with seasonal challenges. To see optimal benefits, consistency matters—aim to wear them for 20 to 30 minutes each morning.”

Benefits of Light Therapy Glasses

Enhances Sleep

Light therapy, especially the use of blue light wavelengths has been shown to prevent the disruption of melatonin production, a sleep hormone that peaks at night to enable us to fall asleep.
However, various factors like jet lag can affect the rhythm, hence causing dizziness during the daytime.

Using light therapy glasses in the morning hours helps to suppress this misaligned melatonin production and its peak realigned to nighttime.

Once the sleep-wake cycle has been restored, it helps improve sleep patterns and gets rid of conditions like insomnia.

Improves Mood

SAD most often appears with depressive symptoms during winter periods. Light therapy glasses are designed to replicate natural sunlight’s positive aspect.

They also help promote serotonin production; a crucial neurotransmitter known for its ability to influence mood. When the serotonin levels increase, they neutralize SAD symptoms and enhance overall mood.

Help Reduce Jet Lag

Circadian rhythm (the internal clock that commands our wake-sleep cycle) is usually disrupted when you travel across various time zones.

When you travel to a different time zone, your intern clock will remain synced to your original time zone, which misaligns with the day-night cycle of your destination. It is this misalignment that causes jet lag, a condition characterized by fatigue and insomnia.

Light therapy glasses come in handy, to emit specific light wavelengths that help to stimulate the body so that it can adjust its internal clock.

It is this recalibration that enables travelers to mitigate the jet lag-related exhaustion effect, helping them to adapt faster to new time zones.

Enhance Cognition and Alertness

Administering light therapy early in the morning may help boost cognition and alertness, especially if you are grappling with sleep deficiency.

According to several studies, light therapy appears to be a great intervention to offset the negative effects of sleep deficiency through its ability to energize neural systems allied to alertness.

So, light therapy may come in handy for night shift workers because it may help boost their work productivity and also ensure the overall well-being of their cognitive function.

Offers Convenient Portable Therapy

Unlike stationary light therapy boxes, light therapy glasses are designed for mobility and adaptability. They are custom-made to accommodate users on the go.

So, you are bound to benefit from the light therapy glasses in varied contexts; during morning commutes or late-night work sessions.

Are Light Therapy Glasses Safe?

With the growing scientific research-based evidence, there is no doubt that light therapy glasses do offer multiple benefits to the user.

However, if the user does not focus on optimizing their usage and instead becomes over-dependent on them, there are chances that they may cause undesirable outcomes likely to impact your health.

Possible Discomforts of Wearing Light Therapy Glasses

Eye discomfort or strain

Generally, exposing your eyes to bright light may strain the eyes or discomfort. Light therapy glasses are UV-free meaning that the risks might be minimal.

However, it is still vital to follow the usage guidelines of the manufacturer, especially the exposure duration to avoid eye strain or discomfort.

Skin sensitivity

Though very rare, some people may experience skin reactions or sensitivity due to light exposure.

This is highly possible especially if you are taking medicine known to increase photosensitivity.

Headaches

It is common for some people to experience headaches when starting with light therapy. It happens mostly during the first session.

However, this side effect should subside after a few sessions when your eyes are able to adjust to the light.

If this side effect persists, it is recommended that you stop using the glasses and reach out to a healthcare professional for help.

Irritability and Mood Changes

In rare cases will you experience mood changes or irritability during light therapy, especially individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.

However, should this happen you can reach out to a mental health professional for support if need be.

Aggravation of certain conditions

Though light therapy is known to offer benefits for conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it may not be suitable for individuals taking medication or with certain eye conditions that increase their sensitivity to light.

Who Should Use Light Therapy Glasses?

The following individuals might benefit from light therapy glasses

  • Individuals suffering from insomnia or persistent sleep disorders: Sleep-wake pattern that is irregular can be the cause of some health issues. Light therapy can help restore a balanced circadian rhythm to keep irregular sleep-related health issues at bay.
  • Individuals experiencing jet lag due to frequent travels across time zones: Light therapy glasses can help individuals traveling across time zones adjust to new times faster.
  • Shift Workers: Working night shifts usually disrupts natural sleep cycles. Using light therapy glasses can help the affected individual remain alert during work and get restful sleep later.
  • Individuals Struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression brought about by seasonal changes. It is usually common during short winter days, a period when people have limited exposure to sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 3 Types of Light Therapy Glasses?

Q: Do Light Therapy Glasses Work?

A: Various research reports indicate that light therapy glasses are effective when it comes to regulating circadian rhythm targeting conditions like jet lag and SAD.
While their efficiency may vary by individual, the majority of users have reported improved mood patterns and sleep.

Q: What Brand is Best for Light Therapy Glasses?

A: People’s preferences and tastes vary. What I may consider best might not be best for you or the other person.

So, the best brand will always depend on an individual’s preferences and needs. There are diverse light therapy glasses from different brands.

So, before making a purchase decision, we recommend doing in-depth research first until you find a product that will adequately address your needs.

Q: Can I Use Light Therapy Glasses if I Wear Glasses?

A: It will depend on whether the light therapy glasses are compatible with your glasses. Some brands design light therapy glasses that attune to your glasses in that you are able to enjoy the benefits of light therapy without impacting your comfort or vision.

So, before buying your preferred light therapy glasses, ensure you check whether your eyewear is compatible with them.

Q: Do Light Therapy Glasses Cause Any Harm to the Eyes?

A: Apart from the potential risks mentioned above, if used correctly the benefits of wearing light therapy glasses cannot be overlooked.

Also, there are no reported severe cases regarding the use of light therapy glasses, meaning that they are safe.

Conclusion

Light therapy is a revolutionary technology in the health industry and it is indeed making a difference in the lives of many people.

Whether you are traveling across different time zones, working night shifts, or entering winter seasons, light therapy glasses have got you covered.

People no longer have to worry about how they are going to deal with jet lag, insomnia, SAD, or how to remain alert and productive for those working night shifts.

Light therapy glasses and portable and convenient on-the-go devices are designed to help realign your circadian rhythm with the natural sun cycle and easily adjust to changes accordingly without disturbance.

By Dr. Shari Sperling

Shari Sperling, DO, is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology for adults and children.

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. No medical claims are implied in this content, and the information herein is not intended be used for self diagnosis or self treatment of any condition.

Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are "associate sales links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."

Footer Logo

Your privacy is important to us

Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin youtube pinterest tik-tok Thread