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
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![AYO Light Therapy Glasses]()
Best for Individuals with sleep issuesAYO Light Therapy GlassesGo to Review - At Amazon
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![Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses]()
Best for Individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Luminette 3 Light Therapy GlassesGo to Review - At Amazon
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![PEGASI Light Therapy Glasses]()
Best for Frequent TravelersPEGASI Light Therapy GlassesGo to Review - At Amazon
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![Hooga Red Light Therapy Protective Glasses]()
Best for Individuals Using Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy DevicesHooga Red Light Therapy Protective GlassesGo to Review - At Amazon
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![Mito Red Light Therapy Glasses IR5]()
Best for People Seeking Maximum Eye ProtectionMito Red Light Therapy Glasses IR5Go to Review - At Amazon
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![Re-Timer Portable Light Therapy Glasses]()
Best for Shift WorkersRe-Timer Portable Light Therapy GlassesGo to Review - At Amazon
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
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
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effective Light Therapy
- Portable and Lightweight
- Safe and Non-Invasive
Cons
- Individual results vary
- Cost
Product details
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
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
3. PEGASI Light Therapy Glasses
Best For: Frequent Travelers
Price: $179.99
Features: Light Therapy, Closed-Loop Sleep Optimization, NASA Technology, Ergonomic Design
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
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
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effective Protection
- Affordable
- Durable and Comfortable
Cons
- Specific Use
- Manual Use Required
Product details
5. Mito Red Light Therapy Glasses IR5
Best For: People Seeking Maximum Eye Protection
Price: $12.95
Features: IR5 Rating, Wraparound Design, Durable Construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High Level of Protection
- Comfortable Fit
- Affordable
Cons
- Specific Use Case
- Gets out of stock
Product details
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
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Effective and Safe
- Portable and Convenient
- Comfortable and Versatile
Cons
- Manual Use Required
- Limited Scope
Product details
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.
