Most Americans rely on phones, computers, tablets, and other screens to interact with each other and the world around them. We also rely on sleep and getting enough of it. Recent studies have illustrated the negative impact of backlighting on our circadian rhythm, the cyclical pattern of waking and sleeping. It’s an important natural system that we rely on for good health and sleep – just think about the last time you were jet-lagged.
Recently, eyewear companies have taken note, creating blue light glasses – frames with lenses that protect our neural pathways from overstimulation – making it possible for us to keep up our screen time but still get a good night’s sleep.
To better understand this phenomena, CivicScience asked more than 3,500 U.S. adults about their experience with blue light-blocking glasses, daily levels of screen time, and sleep patterns.
The data shows only 7% of people have used these glasses and like them, and 11% are interested in trying them out. The rest of the respondents said they either weren’t interested or had never even heard of blue light glasses.
Social Media Users Are Considering New Frames
It appears that social media may play a role in the niche popularity, as those who have or want to try the blue light glasses consider themselves highly influenced to purchase based on what they see there. Interest in blue light glasses doubled for those who say social media is one of the top influencers of what they buy.
This suggests that social media contains untapped potential for blue light-blocking glasses to make an even bigger impression, and perhaps attract some users to finally give them a try. And worth noting, the lowest level of awareness shows up in the 35-44 age bracket at 55%.
Blocking Blue Light On the Job
While occupation also plays a role, the details may not be what you’d expect. To begin, those in the service industry and those with a career as a craftsmen, laborer, or farmer have a more favorable view of blue light-blocking glasses.
It is also worth noting that those in the technical and medical fields are the most likely to have tried and disliked blue light-blocking glasses. Could it be that they prefer the subconscious stimulation to help make it through grueling 12-hour days?
Ultimately, the popularity of blue light-blocking glasses is still in its infancy. But the people who were most interested or say they have and like blue light glasses, get an average of 6 or less hours of sleep each night. This suggests that, while what we are looking at may differ, the desire for a balanced circadian rhythm and long-term eye protection could be something that unites the masses.
