Biohacker Bryan Johnson has voiced concerns about the detrimental effects of modern travel on the human body, characterizing it as "barbaric." Johnson, known for his longevity pursuits, shared his perspective following a trip to Australia, highlighting research that links frequent travel and jet lag to negative health outcomes.
According to research cited by Johnson and from Columbia University, individuals who travel for business more than two weeks per month often report increased anxiety and depression. They are also more prone to sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and sleep disturbances. Johnson specifically noted that "repeated jet lag is linked to memory-region shrinkage in flight crews, and your immune system takes a hit." He attributes these effects to disruptions in the body's natural circadian rhythm, which is governed by sleep and sunlight.
To counter these effects, Johnson recommends limiting travel to once every three months. On his Blueprint website, he and his girlfriend, Kate Tolo, have outlined several strategies for reducing jet lag. One accessible suggestion is to avoid blue light exposure, which can interfere with melatonin production and mislead the brain into perceiving it as daytime.
Johnson advises wearing blue-light-blocking glasses, particularly on flights, to mitigate the impact of bright cabin lights and electronic screens. He suggests reading instead of using screens to signal to the body that it is time to prepare for sleep. Blue-light-blocking glasses are available from various retailers, with some options, like those from Sleep ZM, priced around $40 on Amazon following Prime Day promotions.
These glasses are designed with lenses intended to filter out a significant portion of blue light, thereby aiding the body's natural sleep signals. The SleepAid orange lenses, for example, are engineered to help users wind down for sleep. Some users have reported positive experiences with these glasses, noting reduced eye strain and improved sleep quality, with some specifically purchasing them for travel. The glasses often come with interchangeable lenses and accessories like cleaning cloths and carry bags.