[Product Review] AYO LIGHT THERAPY GLASSES

[srlevine1]

Introduction:  My sleep doctor, the director of the sleep disorders center at a prestigious teaching hospital, reviewed my ResScan data and has determined that my current sleep-wake cycle is unusually shifted leading to a diagnosis of DSPS (delayed sleep phase disorder).

"DSPS represents a circadian-rhythm sleep disorder thought to result from the endogenous circadian pacemaker being inappropriately synchronized and fixed at a later-than-normal phase, relative to the desired sleep-wake schedule."

"A potential mechanism for the development of delayed circadian timing in DSPD patients is an abnormal response to environmental light cues. It is hypothesized that patients with DSPD exhibit a greater phase delay and greater melatonin suppression in response to nighttime light exposure, compared to healthy controls."

To mediate this condition, he has recommended "melatonin at 0.5 mg (= 500 micrograms) 4 hours before bedtime" along with morning light therapy that effectively reduces the production of melatonin. He also recommended getting at least 45-min of morning sun. 

I have selected portable solution, AYO Premium Blue Light Therapy Glasses, rather than a larger lightbox device. The glasses are pricey -- $229 msrp without the coaching smartphone app, $299 with lifetime app access. Amazon purchase price was $199.00 without app. 

The manufacturer suggests that you can benefit in a number of medical areas (which is puffery), but I will concentrate on trying to establish a more normal sleep/wake pattern and move away from 8 - 9 hrs of sleep at variable times ranging from 3:35a to just past noon.  

I will be adding to this review after some experience with the device. Caveat: All impressions are anecdotal and may apply to my unique condition and experience.

Physical Details...

Manufacturer: ‎Novalogy Inc. Website: https://goayo.com/
Part Number: ‎AYOG
Item Weight: ‎1.1 ounces
Package Dimensions: ‎8.31 x 3.62 x 2.72 inches
Batteries: ‎1 Lithium Ion batteries are required and are included
Connectivity: USB-A (power source) to USB-C (glasses charging port)
Warranty:  60-day return policy.  2-year warranty in the EU, and a 1-year warranty in the rest of the world.
Adjustable frame and nose-piece -- snug fit (out of the box) with a medium head.
Typical session:  20 minutes with auto-shutoff
Output:  AYO emits blue-turquoise light of approximately 470 nm. AYO’s irradiance levels (i.e. light strength) are 150 µW/cm2 and can be considered as an equivalent to a 10,000 lux of bright light emitted by a typical light box.
Contraindications: As with any light therapy device, certain adverse reactions such as discomfort, headache, dry mouth, eye-strain, nausea or hyperactivity can be experienced in rare occasions. These reactions are generally mild and transient in nature.
Can be worn with glasses.
Must keep eyes open (DUH!) 

Noted life-hacker Tim Ferriss has an interesting video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUe3eWKeS4