There are technologies that can help us sleep such as the Zero Disturbance Technology provided by Koala Mattress, however, some technology can sadly have the opposite effect. Although there are many positives to the amount of technology we are exposed to the truth is that some technology could be having a detrimental effect on our sleep. Whether it’s sending last minute emails, playing our favourite addictive game or keeping up to date with social media you’re likely to be reducing your chances of a good night’s sleep. Below are three ways in which your favourite gadgets may be keeping you from a restful night.
They reduce your melatonin levels
Melatonin is a natural hormone your body releases which makes you feel tired and controls your sleep pattern. Most of the devices we use such as smartphones, laptops and tablets emit blue light which can have a negative effect on your body’s production of melatonin. The less melatonin your body produces the harder it is to fall asleep. One way of reducing this negative effect our favourite gadgets may be having on our sleep is to ensure you allow yourself around an hour of screen-free time before bed. If possible try to keep all your devices out of your bedroom, this way you cut out any temptation to send that last text or email just before bedtime. There are also apps available for download which can reduce the amount of blue light we are exposed to at different points of the day.
They keep your mind alert
Many of us may think that there is nothing better than winding down with a movie or an episode of your favourite programme before bed. Doing anything that keeps your mind awake in this way can make it extremely difficult to switch off thus keeping you awake for longer. Keeping your mind alert and thinking of work or social related matters instead of taking adequate time to relax and clear your mind is the last thing you need after a hard at work. If you are desperate for some sort of entertainment or distraction before bed opt for a book (ensuring it’s a physical book) as reading can be an excellent way of relaxing and forgetting of the day’s stresses.
Devices wake you up
Even if you decide to give yourself time away from your devices before bedtime they can still have an impact on your sleep throughout the night. Even charging your phone or laptop in your bedroom can cause multiple disruptions whether it be Facebook notifications, calendar events or emails and text messages. If you, like most people, use your smartphone for your morning alarm why not try and use a no frills, traditional clock instead which will allow you to keep distractions such as your phone in a separate room overnight.
Our electronic devices and handheld gadgets are such an important part of our lives. The wealth of information we have at our fingertips is astonishing and many of us can find it hard to distance ourselves from our devices at times. But in order to ensure the gadgets we use are not having a negative effect on our sleep, it’s always best to try and moderate our use of such devices (particularly in the evenings).
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