In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, social media is getting more pervasive. These types of platforms address the need of the people to transcend geographical boundaries and encourage virtual connection. Additionally, social media provides numerous entertainment, which is largely the reason why everyone is so caught up with it.
Internet culture is fun and exciting until the frailty of the human body comes into play. People cannot readily adapt to these advances, especially since modern technology involves certain types of radiation that negatively impact sleeping patterns. The use of electronic gadgets before bedtime is more common than most people know.
And because internet life seems too hard to quit, a lot of people get exposed to these inescapable dangers. Learn how electronics affect sleep.
They Keep the Brain Psychologically Occupied
It is extremely tempting to check on Tumblr about the latest update on your favorite rock band or momentarily watch an entertaining podcast. Although these may sound harmless, keeping the brain engaged will allow technology to trick it into thinking that it needs to remain awake; the brain can stay pretty active long after the phone has been turned off.
Falling asleep should be a calm and peaceful experience. Chronic use of electronics before bedtime negatively affects those feelings.
The Facilitate the Reduction of Melatonin Levels
Melatonin is a hormone associated with a person’s biological clock. Simply put, it plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle of every human concerning the circadian rhythm. This biological rhythm is consistent with light and dark—the very reason why one feels active during the day and feels tired at night.
When night approaches, the levels of melatonin in the body increases and makes a person feel drowsy. Conversely, when it is nearing sunrise, the melatonin level diminishes, restoring the body’s state of wakefulness.
Now, the blue light in electronic devices alters the circadian rhythm by suppressing the melatonin levels. As a result, the normal sleep cycle of a person gets disrupted.
They Minimize REM Sleep
Spending too much time on social media can stimulate a response that makes falling asleep a hard task. These feelings can leave a person endlessly counting sheep while staring blankly at the ceiling.
REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is the curative dreaming phase of the sleep cycle, which plays an important role in learning and retention. Exposure to electronic devices before going to sleep shortens this phase.
When the time spent in REM sleep is reduced, a person can feel unusually alert and less rested the next morning. This can make someone prone to health issues in the long run.
They Sporadically Disrupt Sleep
One of the aspects of smartphones that make them so handy is the notification feature. However, it can pose a serious threat to a person’s health when it makes a person get up from time to time.
Even if the notification is set on silent mode, keeping the phone around the room can tempt the user to check it once in a while.
Furthermore, all types of electronics give off an amount of light. Even when the user switches the device off, the power adapter’s LED light on most electronics can be amply bright to disrupt sleep.
So What Needs to Be Done?
As someone who has been experiencing sleep trouble due to the chronic use of electronics before bedtime, you have probably wondered how to solve the problem.
Here are the few ways on how to deal with it:
Consider Using CPAP Machines
For people who are heavily suffering from sleep deprivation, opt for CPAP machines to solve the issue. This device is used for people who are suffering from sleep-related disorders, typically OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. But don’t forget to pay a visit to the doctor first.
CPAP machines work by allowing more air to enter the airways through a mask. This causes the throat’s air pressure to increase, preventing the person’s airway from constricting. The machine yields other health benefits, which include lower blood pressure, less fatigue, and reduced risk of heart diseases.
Disconnect from the Habit
Getting more natural daylight can help a lot. Exposure to natural daylight can potentially counter the effects of the damaging light emitted by electronic devices.
It facilitates the reset of the body’s biological clock and restores its normal circadian rhythm. When the body is sufficiently exposed to natural light, the body becomes less sensitive to the influence of artificial lights.
Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of daylight exposure every day.
Connect with What Matters
While it’s true that the modern world requires people to become technologically engaged, people should never forget to explore nature and the world outside cyberspace from time to time. Spend more time with family members doing outdoor activities.
Limit the use of electronic devices before sleep. Self-control is the key. Enjoy the gifts of the modern age, but don’t let them compromise good health.
