ROKA and Andrew Huberman Launch the Wind Down Collection

Innovative eyewear designed to enhance sleep quality by filtering harmful blue light

ROKA and Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman have teamed up to create a new collection to improve sleep quality and overall mental and physical health. Bold claims, yes. However, as Andrew attests, light has a powerful effect on many aspects of our biology, and blue light has a dark side.

The new ROKA x Huberman Wind Down™ Collection is a blue light-blocking glasses designed to help individuals wind down at the end of the day, improve sleep quality, and support overall mental and physical health.

As the digital age continues to permeate our lives, exposure to blue light from screens and artificial lighting can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to difficulty falling asleep and maintaining a steady sleep pattern. The ROKA x Huberman Wind Down collection utilizes a red-tinted lens to block specific wavelengths of blue and green light that activate the retinal ganglion cells in our eyes—cells that signal to our brain whether it’s time to be alert or to rest.

Andrew Huberman, a prominent Stanford neuroscientist and advocate for optimal health practices, emphasizes the importance of light in regulating alertness and sleepiness. “One of the primary determinants of whether you feel alert or sleepy is light—particularly light perceived by your eyes,” says Huberman. “The Wind Down glasses are designed to be worn specifically in the evening and at night when you want to wind down, reducing the blue light inputs contradicting natural circadian rhythms and allowing you to transition to a calmer, sleep-ready state.”

In addition to promoting better sleep, these glasses help regulate cortisol levels. High cortisol levels at night can lead to increased anxiety and disrupt sleep quality. The Wind Down glasses help keep cortisol levels low in the evening, fostering a more relaxed state conducive to sleep.

“Research shows that maintaining low cortisol levels at night is beneficial for both physical and mental health,” Huberman adds. “These glasses provide an effective way to manage your light exposure in the evening, allowing you to optimize your body’s natural rhythms.”

ROKA is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its customers through innovative design and superior performance. ROKA consistently delivers high-quality products that meet the demands of active individuals. The Wind Down Collection exemplifies this commitment by addressing the critical need for better sleep and well-being through simple technological solutions.

“Our mission at ROKA is to help people unlock their full potential, and we believe that high-quality eyewear should not only enhance performance but also support overall health and wellness,” stated Rob Canales, Co-Founder and CEO of ROKA. “We’re extremely excited to partner with Dr. Huberman to combine his scientific expertise with our innovative eyewear to help athletes and active individuals optimize their well-being.”

Key insights from the Huberman Lab highlight the importance of minimizing blue light, especially during the evening hours:

• Blue Light and Sleep: Blocking blue light is essential for allowing the body to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. For example, when camping, the absence of artificial blue light leads to natural sleepiness as darkness falls, illustrating the body’s instinctive response to reduced light exposure.
• Wakefulness Management: For individuals who need to be awake during unusual hours, the focus should be on eliminating blue light rather than introducing red light. The Wind Down glasses filter out blue light to help maintain a natural sleep cycle without disrupting melatonin production.
• Cortisol Regulation: High cortisol levels in the evening can interfere with sleep quality. While red light has its benefits, the primary advantage of the Wind Down glasses lies in their ability to block blue light, thereby contributing to lower cortisol levels and a smoother transition to sleep.
• Photophobia Relief: For those sensitive to light that can lead to headaches and migraines, the glasses can help alleviate discomfort caused by harsh blue light, potentially leading to a more restful night’s sleep.
• Vision Health: While red light has its own advantages, the Wind Down glasses, with their orange-tinted lenses, primarily filter out harmful blue light to support overall visual comfort and well-being.

Helpful Links 

• Huberman Lab Podcast #68
  • Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health
• Simplified Blue Light Article
  • Harvard Health Publishing: Blue Light has a dark side

Key Eyewear Styles

The ROKA x Huberman Wind Down Collection is now available on ROKA.com across various non-prescription styles. Readers and prescription lenses for this collection will be available soon. For additional information about the collection and its benefits, please visit www.roka.com.

• Hero Styles – Rory 2.0, Oslo 2.0, Hunter 2.0, Barton 2.0, Bandera, Falcon Ti, SR-1x
• Secondary Styles – Estacado, Torino 2.0, Phantom, Braker 2.0, Lola 2.0, Cade 2.0, Lockhart, Mayfield, Hamilton, Cambridge, Palmer, CP-1x, Rory 1.0, Hunter 1.0, Oslo 1.0, Cade 1.0, Lola 1.0
• Not Offered – Matador Air, San Remo, AT-1, TL-1, Rio, Siena, Marfa, Zilker, Halsey, Kona, Matador, GP-1x, SL-1x