Does using your phone/screens before bed really cause trouble for sleeping? According to LiveStrong using screens like phones, tablets, or computers before bed can make it harder to fall asleep, and the blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it is still daytime, which can mess up your sleep cycle.
For teens and kids, it can mess up their sleep patterns and make them feel tired at school. For adults, they might have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. The blue light from screens can stop the body from making enough melatonin which helps us sleep. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain’s pineal gland that plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It’s a good idea for everyone to put their devices away at least an hour before bed. This helps the brain get ready for sleep and improves sleep quality. Some people say that it doesn’t affect their sleep, but not only will it affect your sleep, but it affects the sleep quality, meaning you will likely wake up tired, even if you got 8-10 hours of sleep.
A student at Waltham High School says blue light 100% affects his sleep quality. He decided to read before bed and put the phone away for at least an hour prior, and he says it significantly changed his sleep quality. When he wakes up he is energized and his sleep is not interrupted. While another student says he uses his phone before bed, and he wakes up super tired everyday and has interrupted sleep.
Overall, health studies and the experiences of students at Waltham High School show that putting your phone away at least an hour before you go to bed can increase the melatonin levels your body produces and significantly improve sleep quality. Try it and share your experience with The Talon Tribune!
