Blocking blue light is the answer to good night's rest, experts say

The latest tech trend has nothing to do with socializing or keeping you organized or even playing games. It's about helping you catch some zzz's.

Amber Caudle says she was struggling nightly, unable to get a good night's sleep when she turned to blue light blocking technology.

Caudle said, "I have blue screen blockers on all my electronic devices-day/night bulbs, night light bulbs in my bedroom at night. And then I also have some blue light blocker glasses."

Research shows blue lights, most often emitted by electronics and energy efficient light bulbs, can throw off the body's biological clock, potentially wreaking havoc on your sleep patterns.

Dr. Nate Watson from the Sleep Medicine Center said, "In today's day and age where light pollution is everywhere, in particular with smartphones and laptops and tv's, these wavelengths are causing problems."

But it does not stop at sleep.

The American Medical Association issued a warning report that nighttime lighting has "potential carcinogenic effects related to melatonin suppression".

And other diseases can be exacerbated by messing with circadian rhythm including obesity, diabetes, and depression.

"There's a number of things that people have tried to block blue light wavelengths in order to sleep better," Dr. Watson said.

In addition to the special lightbulbs and glasses, there are apps you can download and many smartphones now come with built-in blue blocker settings.

Sleep expert Doctor Watson says there is evidence reducing blue wavelengths can facilitate sleep onset.

However, not all the research is positive.

One study shows there is not enough evidence to claim blue blocking glasses work, but Amber says for her, they have been eye-opening.

While blue light-blocking techniques may help you sleep better, Dr. Watson also strongly encourages positive habits like a consistent bedtime routine, limiting caffeine after 2 p.m. and a cool, dark, quiet sleep environment.