AYO Circadian Health

Nick’s insights:

It is very well presented as a value product, easy to get started and feel you are making a difference straight away. Unlike many other devices it is supported by credible science so you know it works, however in use it is an overall subjective feeling but reinforced when combined with the App.

The key here is that it enforces that positive feeling of doing something human centred that is worth doing, rather than not. 

The advice from the App is to use natural light ideally, which again makes the user be more aware of the power of daylight to maintain a natural circadian rhythm. At the same time emphasising that we do need some help as we transition through every 24 hours, the seasons and if DST (daylight saving time) is in play.

When advising my clients it is very important that they have adopted the R90 Technique, developing a natural sleeping approach with practical tactics and habits in play. Important because you need to be aware of when to use light interventions and when you should not.

In principle part of your post sleep routine, using the device as you prepare for the day. To get a short boost, late morning, afternoon and or early evening, referenced as an R90 MRM (micro reset moment) in particular during long periods based inside and as part of the midpoint R90 CRP (controlled recovery period).

The autumn, winter transition is the key period to help protect us from a reduced daylight exposure and the potential onset of seasonal affective disorder: SAD

When travelling through multiple timezones the correct light exposure helps to reset before and during a flight for example and readjust on arrival.

Science based light therapy tools when used correctly can be a key performance factor helping to maintain our hormone Serotonin levels which pretty much controls how motivated and functional we are.

Northern and Southern hemisphere daylight factors will be in play for some, so adjustments to usage is key.

Your light awareness will continue to develop in use, as long as you always remember that daylight exposure is your natural ideal.

Some Insights:

Using them at home in private is easy, away from home not so much, because it is introducing something that others can comment on and or judge you by. Acceptance in public spaces, combined with an intervention device you need to remember to take with you and use it every day, is a tricky behaviour change.

First phase usage is high, but thereafter can easily become a re-boxed device, unless something triggers a clear need to lighten up. So if you invest in this intervention you need to establish why you need it, how your are going to use it and when.

AI-emerging technologies are developing new normals at an unprecedented pace and will continue to enhance what these products can do for us and what they look like.

Go to the companies website for more information and product specifications
https://goayo.com/?ref=64

What’s worth knowing:

AYO presents blue-light emitting (470 nm) light therapy wearable in combination with the AYO app, focused on circadian health. AYO is taking part in over 20 research projects with institutions such as the US DoD, Mt Sinai, City of Hope, Memorial Sloan Kettering Centre, University of Arizona, and others. Two of the studies have been finalized (one published) showing AYO to be beneficial for improving sleep quality, reducing sleep problems and increasing performance. The published study can be found here: 

https://academic.oup.com/sleepadvances/article/6/1/zpae097/7928924  

Released in 2017, the product is already enjoyed by over 100,000 people, from the likes of LeBron James, Novak Djokovic, NHL's LA Kings, Spanish National Female Football Team, and all the way to the general public and patients. I am also happy to share that AYO also won National Sleep Foundation's prestigious SleepTech Award.

Measuring the Effect
The benefits of AYO are typically assessed through both subjective experiences (e.g., increased energy, improved mood, and overall well-being) and objective sleep and performance metrics.

· In clinical settings, AYO is used alongside objective measures such as actigraphy, EEG, and blood/saliva samples.

· In commercial use, customers primarily rely on subjective feedback, sleep diaries, or data from sleep and health trackers.

Sleep Tracking
Many users report improvements in sleep quality, which can be monitored using sleep tracking devices. While AYO itself does not directly integrate with sleep trackers, users frequently observe changes in sleep onset, duration, and wakefulness patterns over time.

Clinical Evidence & Safety
AYO is based on scientifically validated circadian light therapy principles and has been fully tested and certified for ocular and photobiological safety. The wavelength and intensity used are within established safety limits, with numerous studies supporting the efficacy of blue light for circadian rhythm optimisation.

Notably, AYO’s light properties align with the reference values of one of the most widely studied blue light therapy devices

Additionally, AYO has been certified for photobiological safety by TÜV Rheinland (Germany) and meets three key safety standards:

· ANSI Z80.36

· ISO 15004-2

· IEC 62471

These certifications classify AYO as a no-risk device for ocular health, ensuring safe and effective use.

Go to the companies website for more information and product specifications
https://goayo.com/?ref=64

Published May 2025 Nick Littlehales