Digital Insomnia: What It Is and How to Avoid It

Millions of people are sleep deprived due to wasteful use of technology. Before falling asleep, turn off your tablet, smartphone, and computer. And read a book.

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digital insomnia

Playing with your smartphone or listening to music on your tablet, keeping the TV on or your cell phone in your bedroom increases the risk of exposure todigital insomniaAccording to a study conducted in Boston, the blue and green lights of cell phones, PCs and tablets affect the quality of night's sleep. And new research from the Lighting Research Center in New York links the problems of sonno to the use of technological devices before going to sleep.

The researchers explain that this phenomenon occurs because of the backlit screens of PCs, tablets and cell phones: the light from these devices, used before going to sleep, inhibits the production of melatonin which is needed to get quality sleep.

Not resting well is a huge waste: of time and of health. While we sleep, our body is able to recharge to better face the new day, Sleep deprivation or partial lack of sleep leads to numerous health problemsLet's see how digital devices limit the body's ability to rest as best as possible.

Technology and sleep

Replying to emails, chatting with friends, or browsing social media before bedtime can all trigger sleep disturbances. Staying connected to your technological devices for 2 hours after dinner inhibits melatonin production by 22%Despite this type of information, there are numerous apps marketed to solve insomnia.

Children whose parents allow them to play with tablets and smartphones before going to bed are also affected by this difficulty falling asleep.

Beyond the studies and research on tips for a restful sleep, there are some universal rules, valid since the dawn of time, for relaxing before going to sleep.

Here are some simple tips to help improve your sleep:

An tisane A steaming cup of coffee, a good book, and a cozy blanket have always been synonymous with relaxation. Going to bed at the same time every night and eating light meals based on seasonal fruits and vegetables also improve the quality of your sleep.

And instead of giving the tablet to the little ones before bed, you could tell them a story bedtime story so that they sleep peacefully and soundly until morning.

Why don't you sleep with your smartphone next to your bed?

Many people have the bad habit of sleeping with their smartphone on silent mode on their bedside table. This is a mistake for two reasons. Mobile devices, especially smartphones, emit electromagnetic waves even when on standby. Second, any light, even dim light, coming from the screen hits the eyeball and prevents the production of melatonin at night, which is essential for quality sleep.

Where to keep your phone when you sleep

When you sleep, there's only one place to keep your phone: outside the bedroom. Maybe put it in the kitchen to charge, if necessary.

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