With the advancement of technology, the future of sleep could be significantly improved by introducing sleep-related tools. Techniques like blue light filtering systems, advanced mattresses, and customizable bedding solutions undeniably impact how we rest nowadays.
However, as comforting as these new developments may be, it is crucial to consider the potential downside of technology when it comes to our bodies. Nowadays, the majority of individuals take their laptops, mobile phones, or tablets with them to bed to keep them company. This does indeed disrupt the quality of your sleep.
While catching up on your favorite show or scrolling through social media before bed may sound like the ideal way to relax before bedtime, these seemingly harmless activities can have an adverse impact on your sleep. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the negative effects of technology on sleep quality.
Negative Effects Of Technology On Sleep
According to studies, screen time before bed might make it harder to fall asleep, resulting in poorer sleep quality and adversely affecting attentiveness the following day. Over time, exposure to light at night may increase the risk of certain sleep disorders.
Technology can disrupt your sleep in many ways. They are as follows:
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Light exposure and circadian rhythms
The primary issue with using electronic devices before bedtime is the light exposure it causes. Light from electronic screens has been shown to reduce melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating our circadian rhythms. As we approach nighttime, our bodies naturally produce more melatonin in order to prepare us for restful sleep—but when we expose ourselves to artificial light sources like computer screens or TV screens, it can disrupt this natural cycle and make it harder to fall asleep.
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Sleep disruption
Another negative effect of technology use before bedtime is that it can lead to disrupted sleep cycles. When we’re exposed to blue light from screens late at night, it can send signals to our brain that suppresses melatonin production and make it difficult for us to enter deep REM sleep cycles—the most restorative type of sleep. This can lead to insomnia or other sleeping issues, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently throughout the night.
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Emotional stimulus
Studies have shown that people who use their phones or tablets just before bed tend to experience higher levels of brain activity during their slumber compared to those who don’t use any electronic devices beforehand.
While you play video games, you get an adrenaline boost, which keeps your brain too active to fall asleep. Even other seemingly harmless activities, like engaging in online conversations or watching hilarious videos, might keep your brain awake.
This heightened level of brain activity could lead to disturbing dreams and poor sleep quality overall.
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Noisy notifications
Usually, some people don’t have the practice of turning off their phones’ notifications when they go to bed. Some people may be able to sleep through the noise, yet for some, the bleeps and vibrations will wake them up too often. This increases the risk of depression, restlessness, and other psychological issues.