H&M’s £11.99 Blue Light Glasses Are All I Want to Wear This Season

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably glued to a screen all day – whether it’s your laptop, phone, or even the TV at night. With so much of our lives happening on screens, blue light blocking glasses have become more appealing than ever; they’re practically a necessity.

I’ve just picked up a pair from H&M (my first ever) that has quickly become my go-to for everyday wear. The chic, retro seventies-inspired glasses not only add instant cool-factor to every outfit but also promise to protect my eyes.

H&M says, “The lenses have a special coating to filter out harmful blue light from digital screens.” But what does that actually mean? Do blue light glasses really help, and are they worth it, especially for better sleep? Here’s what the experts say…

Blue light glasses, £11.99 – H&M

MORE: Spending too much time online? How to digitally detox

RELATED: Review: This smart alarm clock will help you hack your beauty sleep

Can Blue Light Glasses Really Help?

Blue light, which is emitted by screens, can cause digital eye strain, with symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. According to the Vision Council of America, around 70% of U.S. adults experience digital eye strain due to increased use of digital devices. Blue light blocking glasses, help to reduce this strain, making them a practical addition for anyone who spends long hours on screens.

Experts agree on the benefits of blue light glasses for reducing digital eye strain and preventing symptoms of computer vision syndrome. So, if you’re feeling the effects of staring at a screen all day, blue light glasses might just be the relief you’re looking for.

Blue Light Glasses And Sleep:

One of the most significant advantages of blue light glasses is their potential impact on sleep. Blue light is one of the worst things you can expose yourself to before bed because it disrupts melatonin production, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. “Blue light is one of the worst things you can expose yourself to before settling down for the night as it blocks the brain’s ability to recognise it is night,” an expert from SoulFactors tells The Modems. “Not only does it place a strain on your eye to be using a screen so late, but some studies have found that blue light may result in worsened retinal damage. Getting yourself blue light glasses, designed specifically to avoid this, can prove a great addition to your beauty night routine.”

Khaled Bentoumi, co-founder of anyIP, adds, “The blue light emitted from a phone’s screen can interfere with sleep patterns. If your phone is charging near your bed, notifications and alerts can disrupt your rest.” By wearing blue light glasses in the evening, you can reduce the negative impact of screens on your sleep quality, helping you wind down more naturally.

Do You Need Blue Light Glasses?

If you’re constantly dealing with dry eyes, headaches, or find it hard to fall asleep after screen time, you might benefit from blue light glasses Bed Kingdom explains, “Using technology before bed can significantly interfere with our sleep patterns. The reason for this is the blue light emitted by screens, which reduces our production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle.”

This habit of late-night screen use is widespread. According to research by Mattress Next Day, 74% of Brits and 60% of Americans sleep with their phones. This statistic is concerning, as blue light emitted from phones disrupts sleep quality. Poor sleep is directly linked to skin health, with even one night of deprivation affecting hydration, elasticity, and texture.

This habit affects millions, with approximately 50 million Brits sleeping with their phones. “Three-quarters (74%) of a YouGov study stated that they took their phone to the bedroom at night, unable to part with it. This impacts your sleep due to the blue light emitted tricking your brain into thinking it is time to wake. This then affects your circadian rhythm and releases cortisol, which keeps you awake and alert.”

Some studies have found that blue light may result in worsened retinal damage

Is Blue Light Filtering Bad for You?

There’s a common question of whether filtering out blue light is harmful in any way, but experts generally agree that it’s beneficial. Sleep expert Adeel Ul-Haq from Bunk Beds shares, “All electronic devices are banned from my bedroom, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production which disrupts our sleep. I did try using blue light glasses in the past, but I have the best sleep when I don’t use my phone before bed.”

While blue light glasses are helpful, they’re most effective when combined with other habits, like reducing screen time before bed. Meditopia also advises students in particular, “To maintain a healthy sleep schedule [while at university], make sure to wind down at the end of each day. If you have had a full day of lectures and socialising, spend time in your room reading or doing something that relaxes you. But try to avoid screens if you can, as the blue light can disrupt your sleep.”

With my new H&M glasses, I’m making an effort to limit blue light exposure, especially in the evenings. The benefits are already noticeable: less eye strain during the day and a smoother transition to sleep at night. Whether you’re after better sleep, less eye strain, or just a stylish accessory, blue light glasses have you covered. And in a world where screens are inescapable, a little extra protection feels like the ultimate fashion statement.