Intrinsic photosensitive retinal ganglion cells

Naturally, our body is programmed to ensure that energy, alertness, concentration, and other aspects relating to mental and physical performance peak during the day. This programming is done in our internal biological clock centered in our brain.

Special receptors in our eyes (so-called intrinsic photosensitive retinal ganglion cells)  send information to this internal clock about the color and intensity of light. It helps the biological clock to keep it attuned to the natural alteration of light and darkness.

Blue morning light (wavelengths from 450 to 530 nanometre) is the natural sign for our body’s clock that the day has started. As a response, our brain signals our body to remain active. During night-time, the lack of 450 to 530 nm light normally promotes our brain to secrete melatonin.

Melatonin (the hormone of darkness) is a highly effective antioxidant and protects our cells and DNA from free radicals and oxidative stress. This hormone controls our circadian biology and affects mental and physical rest and recovery. Melatonin also helps to promote an optimal quality of sleep.

Although our body produces melatonin naturally, blue light during and prior to normal sleeping times hinders its natural production because it postpones the release of the night hormone melatonin. When worn prior to sleep, our blue light blocking Somnoblue glasses enables a more natural production of melatonin and promote a night of more natural sleep. Also, the orange glow of the glasses mimics an evening sunset. When used over a longer period of time, the glasses prime the brain (in the form of classical conditioning) for rest and sleep. Read more about the science behind the method. 

Somnoblue for shift work environments

In your life, you will sleep between 25 and 30 years. Good sleep is essential for your health, mood, and performance. By working night shifts you are exposed to artificial light at night and early morning, which affects your biological clock, resulting in a delay of melatonin production. For these people, it is not only harder to fall asleep, but if the melatonin level is suppressed for a longer period of time, it may have a negative effect on your health. The blue light blocking sleeping glasses that Somnoblue offers, filter the majority of light with a wavelength smaller than 530 nanometers. Also, these glasses filter all blue light from all directions. By doing this, our brains receive a signal that night has come. This results in an optimized production of melatonin and may help you achieve a better quality of sleep. Currently, our glasses are applied at 8 of the 10 largest hospitals in the Netherlands (e.g. Leiden University Medical Center, ACM and Radboud University Medical Center) 

WEARING OUR SOMNOBLUE SLEEPING GLASSES ON A REGULAR BASIS WILL:

1: CONDITION YOUR BRAIN FOR SLEEP

Wearing our glasses before bedtime simulates a natural sunset. Consistent use of the glasses in the evening conditions the brain "An orange glow, It's almost time to go to sleep". This helps your brain to do what it wants to do naturally at night. And that's sleeping.

2: HELP YOUR EYES TO RELAX

The blue part of light [wavelengths between 380 and 510 nm] is also known as high-energy visible light. Because the Somnoblue glasses filter this type of light, they prevent your eyes from getting tired or irritated. They also help your eyes to relax.

3: OPTIMIZE YOUR BEDTIME RITUAL

A bedtime ritual includes fixed behaviors before going to sleep that help you mentally and physically to prepare for a good night's sleep. The use of the glasses as part of your bedtime ritual improves the quality of your sleep.

4: INCREASE THE NATURAL SECRETION OF MELATONIN

Somnoblue makes it possible for you to secrete melatonin, 'the night hormone’ or ‘the Dracula hormone' even before you switch off the lights in the bedroom. Without the use of the glasses, it’s often only possible to secrete melatonin in the dark when the lights are switched off in the bedroom.

5: INCREASE THE PROTECTION AGAINST CELL DAMAGE

The extended and amplified natural secretion of melatonin is not only good for your sleep, but also for your health. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent damage to your DNA and cells. As an antioxidant, melatonin is even five times more powerful in protecting your DNA than vitamin C.

6: CORRECT YOUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM (WINTER BLUES)

Somnoblue can help you to advance the timing of your biological clock. This makes it easier to fall asleep in the evening and wake up refreshed in the early morning. It can also help to prevent the so-called 'Winter Blues'. See also the advice from the Knowledge Center Winter Depression. Avoid blue light at bedtime. In order to maintain your biological rhythm, we advise limiting blue light - from e.g. room light, laptops, and telephones - in the evening. You disrupt your biorhythm with this. This, therefore, contributes to the winter blues," "You better wear special glasses that block the blue light.

7: IMPROVE YOUR DIET

Too much blue light exposure in the evening has a negative effect on your sleep and affects your metabolism and hormone balance. It disturbs the production of the hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin, leading to a tendency to snack. Regular use of Somnoblue glasses will assist you in maintaining your healthy diet.

8: STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Both the quantity and quality of your sleep affects your immune system. For example, a period of poor sleep causes the number of white blood cells in your body to drop significantly. Regular usage of the Somnoblue glasses contributes to a more stable sleep/wake pattern and an increased natural secretion of melatonin. All of this contributes to a powerful immune system and a healthier body. 

9: CLEAN AND REPAIR YOUR BRAIN

Less blue light before sleep is related to higher time spent in deep sleep in the first sleep phase. This depends on your biological predisposition. Because 'the cleaning process’ of your brain takes place mainly during deep sleep, Somnoblue contributes to a cleaner and fitter brain.

10: INCREASE THE SECRETION OF GROWTH HORMONE

Approximately 70% of the human growth hormone is produced during deep sleep. This growth hormone is very important for physical recovery. Improved sleep quality with our Somnoblue glasses ensures a more optimal physical recovery and muscle growth.

11: IMPROVE FOCUS AND PERFORMANCE

Improved quality of sleep will immediately result in better focus and concentration. By improving sleep patterns with Somnoblue,  you will be more competent, productive and accurate.

SOMNOBLUE: MAXIMIZING HUMAN POTENTIAL 

More information about a workshop at your company -