THE MYTH ABOUT SUNGLASSES: DO THEY BLOCK "HEALTHY" LIGHT?
THE MYTH ABOUT SUNGLASSES: DO THEY BLOCK "HEALTHY" LIGHT? By Dr. Shamil Introduction Every so often, someone will tell you that wearing sunglasses is “bad for you” because they block the light your body needs for well-being. The idea sounds persuasive: after all, don’t we rely on sunlight for circadian rhythms, mood, and vitamin D? But here’s the truth: that argument is nonsense. What the Body Really Needs from Light It is true that our bodies depend on natural light. Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that governs sleep, wakefulness, and hormones. It also triggers vitamin D production in the skin. But sunglasses don’t stop any of that. • Plenty of light gets through . Sunglasses filter glare and block harmful UV radiation, but they don’t create darkness. You are still exposed to visible light, which is what your circadian system responds to. • Circadian rhythms are safe . Wearing sunglasses outdoors during the day doesn’t confuse your brain or ...
