Should I avoid wearing UV filtering contact lens, especially in the AM?

According to Andrew Huberman, getting morning sunlight is crucial for regulating your circadian rhythms, cortisol levels, and overall wakefulness throughout the day. This exposure sets a timer for falling asleep later at night by triggering hormonal and neural mechanisms essential for these processes. However, he mentions that it is fine to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, even those with UV protection, when viewing morning sunlight. The critical factor is to avoid sunglasses, as they block the necessary light wavelengths 1 2.

Jeffrey Goldberg also emphasizes that while UV-filtering contact lenses and glasses are standard and generally beneficial to protect against potential UV damage, these protections do not significantly impede the beneficial effects of natural light exposure needed for setting circadian rhythms 3 4. The key is to allow bright light to enter your eyes, which helps regulate circadian rhythms and boosts mood and mental health 5.

Therefore, while UV protection is essential for your eyes' health, wearing UV-filtering contact lenses in the morning should not prevent the benefits of sunlight exposure for circadian regulation and overall well-being.

Andrew Huberman has discussed several key components for an effective morning routine to optimize health. Here are the main points:

1. Morning Sunlight Exposure:

   • Viewing sunlight within the first 30-60 minutes after waking helps set your circadian rhythm, ensuring proper cortisol timing, which enhances wakefulness and immune function 1 2.
   • This practice also helps to suppress melatonin, making you feel more alert in the morning and aiding sleep later at night 3.
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       Optimizing Morning Routine

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       Morning Sunlight

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       Morning Sunlight Benefits

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       Morning Movement Benefits

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       Optimizing Morning Routine

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       Morning Routine

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       Timing Your Food

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2. Physical Activity:

   • Doing some form of exercise in the morning, such as walking, jogging, or skipping rope, increases your core body temperature, which helps you feel more awake. It can also be combined with sunlight exposure for maximum benefits 4.
   • Physical activity also supports mood and cognitive performance throughout the day 5.

3. Cold Exposure:

   • Taking a cold shower in the morning can help to further wake up your body and increase your core body temperature 4.

4. Consistent Wake-Up Time:

   • Aim to wake up at the same time every day and track your wake-up times to understand your body’s temperature minimum, the point at which your core body temperature is lowest. This can help optimize your wakefulness and sleep schedule 6.

5. Meal Timing:

   • While some people may prefer to fast in the morning, others might benefit from eating early to boost metabolism and make themselves more alert. Choose based on your personal preference and lifestyle 7.

In summary, a robust morning routine for health includes getting sunlight exposure, engaging in physical activity, considering cold exposure, keeping a consistent wake-up time, and choosing meal times that best suit your needs. Combining these practices can help set the day on the right path, enhancing both mental and physical health.

There doesn't appear to be any specific discussion or mention of pinhole glasses (stenopeic glasses) by Andrew Huberman or on the Huberman Lab. Therefore, it's not possible to provide an opinion or assessment based on their content.

For accurate and specific advice, it might be beneficial to consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist who can provide insights based on your individual vision needs.

There are no specific mentions or recommendations for alternatives to pinhole glasses by Andrew Huberman or on the Huberman Lab. However, general alternatives for improving vision typically include:

1. Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses tailored to your refractive error, prescribed by an optometrist.
2. Laser Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK that reshape the cornea can reduce dependency on glasses or contacts.
3. Vision Therapy: Exercises and practices designed to improve visual skills and processing, often suggested for specific vision problems.
4. Nutritional Supplements: Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals important for eye health, like vitamin A, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Consulting with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can provide personalized advice and appropriate solutions based on your specific vision needs.