We took a guest break to chat about what we’re testing to improve our own sleep. Here are the products, studies and links discussed in the episode:

The Wink Hybrid Mattress.

Episode 1 with Jeremy Andra.

Josh: Study showing that cell phone use before bed doesn’t affect children’s sleep quality.

Product: Gunnar Optics Blue Blockers – better looking, blocking less blue.

Product: Biorhythm Safe Blue Blockers.

Harvard University: Blue Light Probably Bad for Sleep.

Alaska Sleep Center: the dangers and difficulties posed by the Midnight Sun.

More on the role of light regulating sleep via the optic nerve and suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Organic Tart Cherry Cherry Juice does it help with sleep? And How? This study (funded by Cherry Industry) gives a few theories on what makes Tart Cherry Juice effective for sleep.

Vladdit Blog Post: Who Am I Kidding?

Vonhaus HEPA vacuum.

Dyson v6 vacuum.

More about the Molekule technology.

Dyson Air Filter.

The New Purple Mattress.

And if you liked this podcast, please share with a friend and feel free to visit Vlad’s personal blog, vladdit.com

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If you’ve ever been to Times Square at night, you’ll notice one peculiar thing: it’s one of the few places on earth that has daylight around the clock. Millions of lumens of artificial light all day, every day. It’s a pinnacle of wonder and ingenuity, and a symbol of the blue-light excess that plagues the modern world.

But the rest of us should be fine, right? Even in modernities darkest corners, artificial light reaches our ancient brains: through screens and streetlights and a thousand little LED’s infesting our rooms. Over millennia our brains evolved to experience natural blue light in the daytime, and the warm amber light of flickering fires at night. Brains that grew to rely on those visual cues to signal to the body when it’s time to work, and when it’s time for restful sleep.

An inexpensive way to help mitigate this perpetual daytime is to sleep with a mask over your eyes. If you can’t be in the darkness, fake it.

But what makes sleep masks so effective? My eyes are closed anyway…

Eyes do more than see. They have sensitive photo receptors that detect light changes even through close eyelids. This change in light is then interpreted by the brain, which acts as the governor deciding when it’s time to wake and when it’s time to sleep. A sleep mask helps enclose your eyes in total darkness. A shield from modernities unintended consequences.

So how do I know which sleep mask to buy?

There are only a few simple rules to follow:

1. The mask should never touch your eyes. Most masks on the market sit flat over your eyes. A critical phase of sleep is REM sleep – Rapid Eye Movement. While science is uncertain why the eyes become active in this phase, we need to be mindful to not impede the natural function.
2. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Good enough works. You’ll wear it out, you’ll get it dirty, you’ll be buying a few each year. And you’ll probably want a spare for travel.
3. Look for a snug fit over your nose. That’s where the most light will bleed through to your eyes.
4. Watch out for the strap – some cheap masks will have a strap that cut into your ears.

Here are some good enough masks from Amazon:

(the one I use)

(For the fancy Sleepist)

Remind me why I need a sleep mask?

Darkness = Better Sleep

Eyes Sense Darkness

The Modern World = Too Bright

Sleep Mask = Faking Darkness

Keep it simple, find one that you’ll use consistently and embrace the precious darkness.

Good night!

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A weekly round-up of the hottest sleep-related links, news and finds.

-Blue light isn’t the reason your sleep is messed up. According to recent research, the over-stimulating effects of your cell phone are waking you up more than just the light they’re emitting.

-Plants that will help you sleep better. Some state that plants can act as natural and inexpensive filters to help freshen and oxygenate the air in your bedroom. I just purchased one such plant for my own bedroom – the easy to maintain Snake Plant.

-Weirdest treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: the Australian Didgederoo. There seems to be some statistically significant correlation between playing woodwind instruments and lower levels of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Another study here. 

-The best bosses are the ones that get the best sleep. The Harvard Business Review is awakening to the value of a good night’s rest in it’s October issue.

And remember:

“Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” -Thomas Dekker

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