Almost every adult and young adult today use some type of technology before bed. The possibilities to browse the web, email, post, work, and talk during the day increase, while devices that go “beep” during the night increase. These devices may be in a person’s room, but their effect on sleep is unknown. This article will examine some of the factors that may affect sleep quality. Here are a few examples:
Mobile Phones
Researchers have found that a recent study has linked the use of mobile phones to poor sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness. The researchers used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and MRSRF online questionnaires to measure participants’ exposure to mobile devices and their effect on sleep. The study also found that people with insomnia were more likely to be disturbed by mobile phone calls and texts than non-insomniacs. These results support the importance of monitoring mobile phone usage patterns and using blue light filter.
A recent study showed that cell phone use significantly decreased the amount of melatonin in participants, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. This blue light from cell phones interferes with melatonin production in the brain, which is responsible for sleep-wake cycles. Insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and irritability are all symptoms of low melatonin levels. Since blue light mimics daylight, cell phone use could affect melatonin levels and lead to a number of sleep problems.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers record movement using an accelerometer. These devices are most useful for tracking daily activity and are designed to assume that movement equals being awake, while zero movements is sleeping. Many sleep clinicians use this method to assess sleep, though there are limitations. The information on fitness trackers’ impact on sleep can be misleading and may not reflect your actual activity levels. You should always seek medical advice before trying a new device or routine.
Smartwatches
If you want to get a good night’s sleep, you should try to stay away from your smartwatch. The screens on these gadgets are incredibly distracting and, at times, even obstruct your vision. Smartwatches with built-in apps can help you set goals, such as how many steps you take a day, how long you sleep at night, and so much more.
If you think that wearing a smartwatch to sleep is a good idea, you might be surprised to know that it can cause skin irritation and disturb your sleep. While some smartwatches don’t produce any harmful radiation, they do emit a small amount of electromagnetic radiation. Smartwatches with interchangeable straps are a good idea for people who experience skin irritation.
When we talk about sleep these smart watched track. We must understand that sleep has various stages and each stage has its own significance, understanding and analyzing these steps are the key to a good sleep health.
Social media
According to the National Sleep Foundation, nine in ten Americans use a digital device before going to bed. While managing this usage may be easier for people who don’t have a problem, those who do may be surprised to learn that their screen time is detrimental to their sleep. Even though social media has become a major source of stress, it is also associated with poor emotional health.
Blue light
In a recent study, 188 college students were asked whether they had experienced sleep disturbances because of blue light technology. Most of them said yes. The study used the C1 sleep quality index to assess the impact of blue light on sleep. It also measured the number of hours and quality of sleep. It found that those with blue light technology had lower sleep quality. It also found a link between poor sleep and unhealthy sleep habits.
Researchers found that a high percentage of students used blue light-emitting smart devices before bedtime. Among those students, 88 percent reported poor sleep quality and 88 percent said their sleep had been interrupted at least once. The number of interruptions during sleep was even higher for students who placed their phones under their pillows. Moreover, more than half of them reported being more fatigued upon waking up. Even though these numbers don’t indicate a link between blue light technology and sleep, the findings suggest a possible link.
Besides all these adobe mentioned tech interrupted our sleep, our sleep is often disturbed by weird dreams that we see. There are various reasons why we see weird dreams but it is basically the psychological factor that is usually at work that constitutes these weird dreams.
Number of screens in the bedroom
The effects of screens on sleep are clear, and they can significantly affect the quality of our sleep. Screens can interrupt sleep by preventing the production of melatonin, a hormone necessary for the body to rest. They can also disrupt our dreams by teaching our brain that our bed isn’t for sleeping. Because screens are so distracting, they should be kept out of the bedroom. Even when we use the phone during the night, we should avoid looking at the screen before bed.
A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation in 2011 found that four out of ten Americans admitted to bringing their cell phones into the bedroom while they were trying to sleep. This rate was even higher among teenagers and young adults aged thirteen to 29. Additionally, six out of ten people claimed to have used a desktop or laptop computer within an hour of going to bed. In other words, it is difficult to imagine how many screens are in a typical bedroom.
Are Tech That Bad
The growing societal burden of sleep deprivation has led to a wide range of technological solutions to address this problem. In particular, new sleep technologies are enabling medical professionals to monitor patients remotely via an app or computer. While the technologies are available, they are not perfect and will need further investigation. However, many emerging solutions can address many of the problems associated with sleep deprivation. For example, a sensor-enabled pillow can provide valuable information about a person’s sleeping position.
Conclusion
Recent studies have investigated the effect of technology on sleep and found an association between the use of electronic media and decreased sleep quality. Similarly, a study published in 2014 by Lemola found a positive correlation between electronic media use and a reduced ability to fall asleep. However, the effects of technology on sleep are not limited to young people. A variety of reasons exist for sleep deprivation, including addiction, internal conditions, and developmental stage.