C. Booth
Last Updated on January 7, 2021
We are all pretty aware of why getting 8 hours of sleep is important, the health benefits of getting enough sleep and the sleep deprivation effects. And sometimes when people are experiencing sleep deprivation, they won’t even try to find out what is causing it, they will go straight for the most basic solution – sleeping pills.
But what if we told you that the screens in your life are what is ruining your sleep? Your phone is with you every step of the day, sleeping with your TV on also has effects that are negative… But you really need to know how artificial lights are having a negative impact on your sleep and, by consequence, in your life.
#1 – It Will Take You A Lot Of Time To Fall Asleep
Studies have come to show that reading from an electronic device before bed, even if it’s one of those nice models that emit blue light, will result in you taking 10 minutes longer to fall asleep in comparison to a person who reads a regular print book.
So maybe this is the solution – go old school, read a real book, let go of Netflix and stop scrolling down your Instagram feed. The sooner you fall asleep, the more hours of sleep you will have.
#2 – Your Circadian Clock Rhythm Will Be All Messed Up
The importance of sleep is directly linked to the importance of healthy circadian rhythm. Our body functions depend on this, from our metabolism to our appetite for sweets or junk food, to our mood, making you more prone to anxiety or depression.
The health benefits of sleep translate into health benefits for the rest of your body, since regulating your circadian rhythms will prevent you from developing life-threatening diseases like diabetes or even cancer. Also, obesity is one of the sleep apnea causes, which is one of the worst sleep disorders. Artificial light at night will make your clock go coo-coo, so avoid them.
#3 – It Will Affect Melatonin Secretion
Melatonin is the hormone responsible for keeping your circadian rhythm “rolling”, and it will also protect the health of your brain as you age.
Avoid artificial lights during your sleep (meaning no nightlights) and avoid using your phone in the dark, because its light will shine directly into your eyes and suppress the production of melatonin. If you really need to look at a screen, choose the night shift option.
#4 – Less REM Sleep
In order to properly restore your body and your mind, you need to get to the REM sleep stage. This is where memory solidifies and this is directly linked to your creativity and your ability to solve problems.
If you experience difficulties concentrating or feel a little groggy, this might be the reason. Sleeping is super important in order to recharge, so try to get proper sleep.
#5 – You, Will, Want To Chill, But Your Brain Will Be On Alert
Being in bed scrolling down your feed might sound soothing and relaxing but it isn’t really! You might feel your eyes getting tired, but the light is actually waking you up, so you will feel more alert when you actually just want to feel sleepy. This will stimulate your brain, keep you awake for longer, and as a result, you will be purely exhausted in the morning.
#6 – You Will Wake Up Tired
We sleep because it is our body’s way of recharging and gaining energy for the next day. But if we are in bed with a screen this probably won’t happen as smoothly as it should.
Reading from a screen before bedtime will implicate that you will take longer to fully feel awake in the morning, and this will result in tiredness as soon as you wake up. Sounds bad, doesn’t it? Well, chronic sleep deprivation can be really annoying, so don’t bring it upon yourself.
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