It’s more than fair to say that most of us have a hard time keeping our hands off our digital devices. Emails and texts need to be responded to, movies need to be watched and photos need to be added to our Instagram. Our obsession with all things social media can easily diminish our relationship with sleep.
Exposure to electronics has been linked to disrupted sleep by numerous studies. Weight gain, anxiety, depression, heart disease and other medical conditions can all stem from poor sleep. The blue light that emits from most digital devices such as smartphones, TVs, iPads, e-readers and laptops hinders the production of sleep-inducing melatonin.
Our body’s melatonin levels naturally rise when it’s time for bed to make us sleepy. Blue light disrupts the process, confusing the body into believing it’s daytime. It is recommended that we power down our electronics at least an hour before our bedtimes to let melatonin do its job.
We know it’s hard to let go of your digital devices and resist the urge to play Candy Crush, but the benefits of sleep can’t be replaced. Try adding a relaxing activity to your nighttime routine such as listening to music, writing in a journal, meditating, reading or making a gratitude list. Give your body the opportunity to carry you off to dreamland tonight!
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