Sunday, December 2, 2012

Do Electronic Devices Disrupt Sleep?



A recent study in the Journal of Applied Ergonomics suggests that the blue light from tablets and cell phones may disrupt an important sleep hormone in the body called melatonin.  Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center discovered that two hours of light exposure to the eyes from backlit electronic devices could suppress melatonin by about 22%.

Melatonin is an important hormone released in the brain at night that helps the body fall into a deep, restorative sleep.  Without proper melatonin release, it can be difficult falling and staying asleep.  If you feel like you have not been sleeping well, try limiting your use of electronic devices at night, and instead incorporate relaxing strategies like reading a paper book.


Reference:  http://news.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=3074&setappvar=page%281%29

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