If you’re like most people, you browse through your computer or phone minutes before you close your eyes to rest for the night. Whether you didn’t have time earlier in the day to update your social media, or you use your computer to do work, you may be affecting your sleep cycles without even noticing. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found heavy technology before bed time in 95% of surveyed Americans.
The video below by Reactions explains how the light emitted by electronic devices keeps us awake later at night, and what this could mean for our health.
Studies have found suppressed melatonin levels in subjects who used electronic devices at night. According to The New York Times, this decrease in melatonin could be caused from our brain not being able to tell day from night when exposed to artificial light after dusk. It is important to note however, that sleep patterns may also be affected even if melatonin levels do not change. For example, one may come across a stressful situation while using a digital device, causing one to not be able to sleep due to worry, anxiety, or fear. It is also crucial to consider the duration one is exposed to “blue light” before bed, for it to have an impact on ones sleep. Experts suggest turning devices off an hour before going to bed.
Business Insider further discusses the impacts on sleep, and why using our phones tell our brains to decrease melatonin secretions.
These results are especially concerning for children and youth, where sleep is essential in their lives as their bodies are still growing.
All in all, the exposure to bright light given off by digital devices potentially reduces sleep duration by causing us to take longer to fall asleep. So try putting those phones or computers away before bed to get a better nights rest and avoid sleep-related fatigue!
-Daniela Castillo
