Want to find out another possible explanation for your sleepless nights? Numerous studies suggest that trouble falling asleep or certain degrees of insomnia could be caused by staring at your computer or phone before its time for bed. Have you found this connection to be true for you?
“Our bodies operate on circadian rhythms that play a role in how alert we feel throughout the day. And since our brains respond to light and darkness, that blue light emanating from your phone at 2 a.m. – when you are generally meant to be having the deepest sleep – messes with your internal clock and makes your brain tell your body you should be awake.”
Needless to say, lack of sleep can have numerous negative consequences, from weight gain to depression to slacking at work. What’s more, quality sleep is more important than quantity. One study suggests that just three years of poor sleep can cause someone to lose significant cognitive functioning, as much as someone with a serious brain disease like dementia or the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. In fact, one bad night of sleep can cause your brain to age significantly, reflecting the loss of mental clarity that often accompanies advanced age.
Thankfully, there are solutions to improving your bedtime routine. You could swap out an e-book for an ‘old-fashioned’ paperback and avoid going on your laptop, computer, or phone late at night (by taking it out of your sleeping space). And if you’re still having sleep issues, try these natural tips for insomnia and trouble sleeping.
Check out this infographic below for more information.