Can Amber-Tinted Glasses Really Help You Sleep Better?

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Do you struggle with falling asleep at night, even after lying in bed for hours? You’re not alone. In today’s digital age, exposure to artificial blue light from screens can interfere with our sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep. But could a simple solution—amber-tinted glasses—help fix this issue?

The short answer: Yes, amber-tinted glasses can help you sleep better. Research shows that wearing amber lenses in the evening can block blue light, helping your body produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. This leads to improved sleep quality and better overall health.

Our Top Picks for the Best Amber-Tinted Glasses for Sleep

If you’re looking for the best amber-tinted glasses to improve sleep, here are our top three recommendations:

Swanwick Sleep Blue Light Blocking Glasses

These stylish glasses effectively block blue light and are backed by sleep experts. They are comfortable for extended wear, making them ideal for nighttime use.

Uvex Skyper Blue Light Blocking Glasses

An affordable yet highly effective option, these glasses offer a wraparound design for maximum light protection, making them perfect for screen users.

TrueDark Twilights Classic

Designed for maximum melatonin production, these glasses have a deeper amber tint and are perfect for those who want to optimize their sleep naturally.

How Do Amber-Tinted Glasses Improve Sleep?

Amber-tinted glasses work by filtering out blue light, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle. Blue light, emitted from screens, LED lights, and even indoor lighting, suppresses melatonin production—the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

The Science Behind Blue Light and Sleep Disruption

When the sun sets, your body naturally produces melatonin to prepare for sleep. However, exposure to blue light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, delaying melatonin release. This can lead to:

  • Difficulty falling asleep – Your body remains in an alert state instead of winding down.
  • Poor sleep quality – Even if you do fall asleep, blue light exposure can reduce deep sleep phases.
  • Daytime fatigue – Less deep sleep means you wake up feeling tired and sluggish.

How Amber-Tinted Glasses Help

Amber-tinted glasses act as a protective barrier against blue light by:

  • Blocking Blue Light Wavelengths – They filter out the most disruptive light waves, reducing melatonin suppression.
  • Enhancing Sleep Onset – Studies show that wearing blue light-blocking glasses in the evening can help people fall asleep faster.
  • Improving Sleep Quality – By maintaining melatonin levels, these glasses promote deeper, more restorative sleep.

Who Should Use Amber-Tinted Glasses for Better Sleep?

Amber-tinted glasses are beneficial for anyone struggling with sleep issues caused by artificial light exposure. However, certain groups may find them particularly helpful in improving their sleep quality and overall well-being.

People Who Spend a Lot of Time on Screens

If you frequently use smartphones, computers, or tablets in the evening, you’re exposing yourself to high amounts of blue light. This can disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep. Amber-tinted glasses can:

  • Reduce eye strain and fatigue.
  • Minimize blue light exposure from screens.
  • Help maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

Shift Workers and Night Owls

People who work late-night shifts or stay up past traditional bedtime hours often struggle with sleep disturbances due to artificial lighting. Wearing amber glasses during the night can help:

  • Simulate natural darkness, signaling the body to produce melatonin.
  • Improve sleep quality even when sleeping during the day.
  • Reduce the effects of irregular sleep schedules.

Individuals with Insomnia or Sleep Disorders

Those with chronic sleep problems, such as insomnia, may benefit from blue light blocking glasses as part of a natural sleep improvement strategy. Studies suggest that reducing evening blue light exposure can:

  • Decrease sleep latency (time taken to fall asleep).
  • Enhance overall sleep duration.
  • Improve mood and cognitive function the next day.

How to Use Amber-Tinted Glasses for Maximum Sleep Benefits

To get the most out of amber-tinted glasses, it’s important to use them correctly and consistently. Simply wearing them for a few minutes before bed won’t be enough to see significant results.

When to Wear Amber-Tinted Glasses

Experts recommend wearing amber glasses for at least 1 to 3 hours before bedtime. This gives your body enough time to reduce blue light exposure and start producing melatonin naturally. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Put on your amber glasses after sunset or at least 2-3 hours before bed.
  • Wear them continuously while using screens, watching TV, or under artificial lighting.
  • Remove them only when you turn off all lights and are ready to sleep.

Additional Tips for Better Results

To maximize the effectiveness of amber-tinted glasses, combine them with other sleep-friendly habits:

  • Dim the lights – Reduce exposure to bright LED or fluorescent lights in the evening.
  • Use night mode on devices – Many smartphones and computers have built-in blue light filters like “Night Shift” (iPhone) or “Night Light” (Android).
  • Avoid caffeine late in the day – Stimulants can counteract the relaxing effects of melatonin.
  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule – Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps regulate your internal clock.

Are Amber-Tinted Glasses Backed by Science?

Many sleep-related products make big promises, but do amber-tinted glasses truly work? Research suggests that they are an effective way to combat blue light exposure and improve sleep quality.

Scientific Studies Supporting Amber-Tinted Glasses

Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of blue light-blocking glasses. Here are some key findings:

  • A 2017 study published in Chronobiology International found that participants who wore amber-tinted glasses for three hours before bed experienced significantly improved sleep quality and duration compared to those who did not.
  • A 2018 study in The Journal of Psychiatric Research revealed that people with insomnia who wore blue light-blocking glasses in the evening fell asleep faster and had fewer nighttime awakenings.
  • Research from The Journal of Applied Physiology (2019) showed that blocking blue light at night increased melatonin levels by up to 58%, helping regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

How They Compare to Other Blue Light Solutions

While there are other ways to reduce blue light exposure, amber-tinted glasses stand out for their effectiveness:

Solution Effectiveness Best For
Amber-Tinted Glasses ✅✅✅ Blocks up to 99% of blue light Ideal for long-term screen users and night owls
Built-in Blue Light Filters (e.g., Night Mode on Phones) ✅ Reduces some blue light, but not all Good for casual users but less effective than glasses
Blue Light Screen Protectors ✅✅ Blocks moderate blue light Useful for office workers but doesn’t protect from room lighting

Choosing the Right Amber-Tinted Glasses for Sleep

Not all amber-tinted glasses are created equal. The right pair can make a big difference in blocking blue light and improving your sleep quality. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best amber-tinted glasses.

Key Features to Consider

Blue Light Blocking Efficiency

    • Look for glasses that block at least 90% of blue light for maximum effectiveness.
    • Some high-end options filter up to 99% of blue and green light, which further supports melatonin production.

Lens Tint and Color

    • Amber or deep orange lenses are most effective for sleep, as they block blue light wavelengths.
    • Avoid clear or lightly tinted lenses, as they may not provide adequate protection.

Comfort and Fit

    • Choose a lightweight frame for comfortable extended wear.
    • Wraparound styles provide additional protection by blocking peripheral light.

Prescription or Non-Prescription Options

    • If you wear glasses, look for fit-over blue light blocking glasses or prescription options.
    • Some brands offer clip-on filters for convenience.

Best Brands for Amber-Tinted Glasses

When selecting a pair, consider reputable brands known for their high-quality blue light blocking technology:

  • Swanwick Sleep – Known for stylish, high-performance sleep glasses.
  • TrueDark Twilights – Offers deep amber-tinted glasses for maximum melatonin support.
  • Uvex Skyper – An affordable, effective choice with high blue light blocking.

Conclusion

Amber-tinted glasses have gained popularity as a natural and science-backed solution to combat blue light exposure and improve sleep.

Numerous studies support their effectiveness, especially for people who use screens late at night, shift workers, and those struggling with insomnia. When combined with other good sleep habits—such as dimming lights, reducing screen time before bed, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule—amber-tinted glasses can significantly enhance sleep quality.

Ready to Buy? Here Is a Budget-Friendly Recommendation for You!

If you’re looking for an affordable yet effective pair of amber-tinted glasses, here are three great options to consider:

FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses

A budget-friendly yet stylish option that effectively reduces blue light exposure while being lightweight and comfortable for all-night wear.

J+S Vision Blue Light Shield Glasses

for maximum eye protection, these glasses offer a balance of affordability and high blue light filtering efficiency.

ANRRI Blue Light Blocking Glasses

A cost-effective choice with durable frames and amber lenses that help improve sleep and reduce eye strain.

FAQs

Do amber-tinted glasses really work for sleep?

Yes, multiple scientific studies confirm that amber-tinted glasses effectively block blue light, allowing your body to produce melatonin naturally. This leads to improved sleep quality, faster sleep onset, and fewer nighttime awakenings.

How long should I wear amber-tinted glasses before bed?

For best results, wear them for at least 1 to 3 hours before bedtime. This gives your body enough time to regulate melatonin levels and prepare for sleep.

Can I wear amber-tinted glasses all day?

While you can wear them all day, they are designed primarily for nighttime use. Wearing them during daylight hours may disrupt your natural circadian rhythm by reducing your exposure to beneficial blue light.

What’s the difference between amber glasses and clear blue light glasses?

  • Amber glasses block 90-99% of blue light, making them ideal for sleep improvement.
  • Clear blue light glasses typically block 20-40% of blue light and are better suited for daytime screen use to reduce eye strain.

Can amber-tinted glasses help with eye strain and headaches?

Yes! By reducing blue light exposure, these glasses can alleviate digital eye strain, reduce headaches, and prevent screen-induced fatigue, especially for people who work on computers for long hours.

Do I still need to turn off screens before bed if I wear amber glasses?

While amber-tinted glasses help significantly, it’s still recommended to limit screen use before bed and dim indoor lighting for the best sleep results.

Are there prescription amber-tinted glasses available?

Yes, many brands offer prescription blue light blocking glasses, and some companies allow you to customize your lenses with an amber tint. Alternatively, clip-on filters can be used over existing prescription glasses.

Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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