The Light Signals We’re Talking About
Your body runs on a master clock called the circadian rhythm—a 24-hour cycle that’s heavily influenced by light. Specifically, natural light, and the amount of sunlight hitting your eyes, tells your body what time it is. This not only affects your sleep-wake cycle but also the production of key hormones, like melatonin (your sleep hormone) and cortisol (your stress hormone).
Here’s where things get interesting: sunlight, particularly in the morning, plays a crucial role in setting your circadian clock. When you’re exposed to blue light in the early morning hours (the light that’s abundant at sunrise), it tells your body it’s time to wake up, get going, and start producing cortisol. This sets the tone for your day. If you don’t get this natural light, it can throw off your rhythm, affecting your energy, mood, and even sleep later that night.
The Role of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are great for blocking UV rays and preventing eye damage. But they’re also blocking light that tells your body what time it is. When you wear them too early in the day, you could be dampening your body’s ability to sync up with the sun, which can disrupt hormone production.
When Sunglasses Help:
- Preventing Eye Damage: If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun (especially in places with high UV exposure), sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that can cause long-term damage and increase the risk of cataracts.
- Reducing Eye Strain: If you’re in a place with glare or harsh sunlight (hello, beach days), sunglasses can help reduce eye strain, preventing headaches or fatigue from squinting all day.
When Sunglasses Harm:
- Blocking Key Light Signals in the Morning: In the early part of the day, when sunlight is richest in blue light, wearing sunglasses can block these important signals. This disrupts your body’s circadian rhythm and can interfere with the production of cortisol and melatonin, throwing your hormones off balance. The result? You might feel sluggish, have trouble sleeping, or experience mood swings.
- Creating Misaligned Sleep Patterns: Your body needs that morning light exposure to kickstart your wakefulness. Wearing sunglasses and blocking that light can lead to a delayed cortisol spike, affecting your energy levels, focus, and ultimately your sleep at night.
The Verdict
Sunglasses are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can protect your eyes from the sun and improve comfort. On the other hand, when you block light that’s critical for setting your internal clock, you’re messing with your body’s natural rhythm—and hormones.
So, if you’re out in the morning or during the day and trying to set your circadian rhythm, ditch the sunglasses for a bit. Let the natural light in. But if you’re walking into a blazing sun in the afternoon or dealing with glare, go ahead and rock those shades to protect your eyes.
It’s all about timing. Sunglasses aren’t necessarily hormone blockers, but they sure can mess with your body’s natural signal system if you’re not mindful about when you wear them.
The Takeaway: Timing is Everything
Sunglasses aren’t bad for your health, but timing matters. If you’re outside in the morning sunlight, avoid sunglasses for a short while. Let your body absorb that natural light to set your circadian rhythm. However, if you’re in harsh sunlight later in the day, wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from damage and glare.
So, next time you step outside, think about the timing. Your body—and your hormones—will thank you for it.
Key Takeaways:
- Natural light is vital for setting your body’s internal clock.
- Sunglasses block important light signals, especially in the morning.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes but avoid them when you need sunlight for hormonal balance.
Remember, your body thrives on balance. It’s all about giving it the right signals at the right times.
If you missed our last blog on Sunscreen, watch it HERE. Or, watch our VIDEO on how to get better sleep.