Katie Mant, Co-founder of Bon Charge, discuss the power of newfound technology, Red Light Therapy (RLT), to enhance and maximise sleep.
Sleep is a precious commodity. What is the impact of sleep deprivation and what factors contribute to poor sleep quality?
Beyond the usual fatigue and irritability, chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt vital bodily functions, compromise overall wellness, and ultimately impact our physical appearance (think dull skin, under-eye circles) as well as mental clarity. When you’re well-rested, you’re better equipped to handle daily challenges, make clear decisions, and exude confidence in both your personal and professional spheres. Quality sleep often takes a back seat when our lifestyles involve late-night socialising, excessive screen time, or unpredictable schedules. Whilst blue light from phones and other screens is a well-known culprit, many people overlook that artificial blue light is everywhere after dark – from standard light bulbs to gym lighting and even restaurant fixtures. This constant exposure can trick our brains into thinking it’s still daytime, delaying melatonin release and making it harder to drift off. In addition, stress and anxiety – whether work-related or personal – can keep the mind racing long after we’ve turned out the lights. Irregular routines from frequent travel or unpredictable family demands can leave our internal clocks perpetually confused. The sleep environment itself also plays a role: a room that’s too warm, noisy, or bright can disrupt deeper sleep stages. Combined, these factors create a perfect storm for poor sleep and daytime fatigue, prompting many to seek lifestyle adjustments and structured routines to reclaim their rest.
Katie Mant, Co-founder of Bon Charge
Who is at a high risk of sleep issues?
Although anyone can experience trouble sleeping from time to time, certain groups are especially prone to ongoing issues. Frequent flyers, for instance, deal with jet lag and shifting time zones that throw off the body’s circadian rhythm. Meanwhile, new parents or caregivers cope with nighttime awakenings and early starts, leading to significant sleep debt. High-powered professionals and entrepreneurs often find it tough to switch off mentally, with career pressures extending late into the evening. Shift workers, too, contend with irregular hours that clash with the body’s natural day-night cycle. For many, sleep is also impacted during menopause and perimenopause, when fluctuating hormones can cause hot flashes, night sweats, and restless sleep. All these scenarios underscore the importance of conscientious, holistic strategies – such as setting boundaries, establishing routines, and practicing mindfulness – to protect and nurture consistent, restorative rest.
For restless sleepers, what are other strategies and habits in mindfulness and fitness we can do to improve sleep quality?
Establishing a calming bedtime ritual is key to signaling to the body and mind that it’s time to power down. Incorporating regular exercise during the day naturally encourages deeper, more restorative sleep come nightfall. For an extra boost, it’s essential to focus on light hygiene – especially the light we’re exposed to in the evening. Even the slightest exposure to artificial blue light – whether from screens or light bulbs – can impact sleep, even with your eyes closed. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid all blue light after sunset, and studies have shown that even some green light wavelengths can disrupt sleep. To truly protect your rest, circadian-friendly lighting should be a priority. Our Blue Light Blocking Glasses and Blue Light Blocking Lighting are designed to eliminate not only the sleep-disrupting blue wavelengths but also the green wavelengths, ensuring a more restful environment in the hours leading up to bedtime. Additionally, getting outside in the morning to soak up natural sunlight helps set your body clock, aligning it with the natural day-night cycle and enhancing your sleep-wake patterns. When it comes to night-time, turn to innovations that promote relaxation and help put your mind in an optimal state for sleep. Our Infrared PEMF Mats support relaxation and stress reduction, laying the groundwork for an easier transition into slumber. Red Light Therapy (RLT) panels are another powerful tool – helping balance circadian rhythms, encourage recovery, and promote a sense of calm before bed. By integrating these technologies into your routine and prioritising light hygiene, you can transform your sleep quality, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the day.
“Red Light Therapy (RLT), for instance, has been shown to enhance melatonin production, helping cue the body toward relaxation and a smooth transition into slumber”
How can RLT aid in promoting sleep?
Though technology often gets a bad rap for disturbing rest, it can actually be harnessed to support sleep when used thoughtfully. One key factor is circadian-friendly lighting, engineered to optimise light hygiene throughout the day and night. Full spectrum lighting those transitions from daylight to soft, warm tones in the evening is crucial for maintaining natural rhythms. By removing disruptive blue light and even the sleep-interfering green wavelengths, this kind of lighting helps prepare the body for restful sleep by signaling that it’s time to wind down. In addition to adjusting lighting, other sleep technologies can support deeper rest. RLT, for instance, has been shown to enhance melatonin production, helping cue the body toward relaxation and a smooth transition into slumber. PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) technology can also play a role by promoting relaxation, further aiding the body’s natural sleep processes. At Bon Charge, we advocate for a holistic approach that integrates these technologies to optimise your environment and routines for better sleep. By aligning your lighting and incorporating sleep-enhancing technologies like RLT and PEMF, you can foster a sleep-friendly atmosphere that supports your body’s natural inclination toward rest, leading to more consistent, restorative sleep.
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