Sleep Better in One Night With This Method | Andy Mant

Shawn Stevenson (Model Health Show)
Shawn Stevenson (Model Health Show)Apr 13, 2026

Why It Matters

Effective light management can restore natural sleep cycles, boosting productivity and reducing health risks, making circadian‑aligned products a lucrative frontier for the wellness industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow the 3-2-1 rule: no food, fluids, devices before bed.
  • Blue light suppresses melatonin; proper glasses must block 480nm spectrum fully.
  • Modern lighting disrupts circadian rhythm, causing stress and metabolic issues.
  • Red light therapy can lower cortisol and boost mitochondrial function.
  • Custom circadian-friendly products improve sleep, weight loss, and overall health.

Summary

Andy Mant outlines a simple “321 rule” for nightly sleep optimization: stop eating three hours before bed, cease fluid intake two hours prior, and power down all screens one hour before sleep. He frames this routine as parasympathetic time, pairing it with breath work, red‑light therapy, yoga and stretching to prime the body for restorative rest.

Mant explains how artificial light—especially blue wavelengths around 480 nm—confuses the ancient circadian clock, suppressing melatonin and keeping cortisol elevated. He discovered that most off‑the‑shelf blue‑light glasses block only 50‑90 % of the melatonin‑disrupting band, prompting him to commission lenses that filter 100 % of that spectrum. The result was a measurable jump in REM and deep‑sleep percentages.

A pivotal anecdote involves a woman from Australia’s Northern Territory who had suffered insomnia for three decades; after using Mant’s custom glasses she reportedly slept for the first time in thirty years. Further research revealed melanopsin receptors in skin cells, meaning ambient indoor lighting also feeds the circadian system, leading Mant’s company to launch blue‑free bulbs and red‑light therapeutic devices.

The story illustrates a growing market for scientifically validated, circadian‑friendly wellness tech. By aligning lighting and sleep hygiene with human biology, businesses can tap into consumer demand for better sleep, metabolic health, and performance, while clinicians gain practical tools to mitigate chronic stress and sleep disorders.

Original Description

Most people are trying to fix their sleep with supplements, routines, or willpower… but they’re missing the most powerful lever: light. In this episode of The Model Health Show, wellness tech founder Andy Mant breaks down how your daily exposure to sunlight, artificial light, and blue light is silently controlling your sleep quality, energy levels, and even your long-term health. If you’ve ever struggled with fatigue, poor sleep, or feeling “off” despite doing everything right—this conversation reveals what’s actually going on beneath the surface.
You’ll discover how modern living has disrupted your circadian rhythm, why blue light is draining your energy, and how simple adjustments can dramatically improve your sleep starting tonight. Andy also dives into the science behind red light therapy, blue light blocking glasses, and emerging tools like PEMF—plus how to choose what actually works (and what’s just hype). Whether you want deeper sleep, better skin, or higher performance, this episode gives you practical, science-backed strategies you can implement immediately.
BON CHARGE carries the world’s largest selection of science-backed blue light blocking technology to enhance your sleep and overall wellness. Use my code MODEL at https://boncharge.com/model for 15% off blue light blocking glasses and more.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:21 The missing health factor most people ignore
03:15 How Sunlight Programs Your Hormones
04:02 Why your home lighting is confusing your brain
05:05 Signs Your Circadian Rhythm Is Broken
08:28 The Truth About Blue Light Glasses
13:44 Red Light Therapy Explained Simply
16:02 Why Your Skin and Body Sense Light
23:05 The Ideal Daily Light Routine
30:42 The 3-2-1 Night Routine Breakdown
37:04 Why Sleep Is Critical for Brain Health
44:57 How to Activate the Parasympathetic State
50:12 Why Red Light Therapy Is Trending
Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestsellers Eat Smarter and the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, as well as the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each year. A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, Good Morning America, ESPN, and many other major media outlets.
Get the Eat Smarter Book here: https://eatsmarterbook.com
Start the Fat Loss Code Course here: https://www.thefatlosscode.com
Order the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook here: https://eatsmartercookbook.com
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