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  • Screens and Your Sleep
Content

Screens and Your Sleep: The Impact of Nighttime Use

Electronic-device screens stimulate the part of our brain designed to keep us awake.

Joanna A. Cooper, M.D.

Contributor

Joanna A. Cooper, M.D.

Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation

In our 24/7 society, cell phones, computers and other electronic devices play a large part in how we work, play and keep in touch. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 90 percent of Americans regularly use an electronic device in the hour before they go to bed. But all that screen time may be harming our sleep.

Joanna Cooper, M.D., a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with the Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation, says bright screens stimulate the part of our brain designed to keep us awake. Looking at a brightly-lit screen prior to sleep can make for a restless night.

“The timing of sleep and wakefulness is controlled by two areas in the brain. One is highly sensitive to light and drives wakefulness, while the other, called the pineal gland, secretes the sleep hormone melatonin when the light dims in the evening,” Dr. Cooper says.

Young Hispanic woman view mobile device in bed

Device screens produce blue light, Dr. Cooper says, which is the part of the light spectrum most active in our sleep cycle. Stimulation of this part of the brain suppresses production of melatonin, making it difficult for many people to “turn off” their brains and fall asleep.

“The light from our screens can delay our transition to sleep, even if we are engaged in some soothing activity online,” Dr. Cooper says. “But it’s more likely that our evening texting, television shows or video games are stimulating in themselves, keeping the brain busy and wound up, and even causing adrenaline rushes instead of calm.”

Not getting enough sleep or having poor sleep quality has been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and obesity, Dr. Cooper says. Ongoing sleep deprivation can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, a loss of the ability to concentrate and difficulty performing daily tasks. While no one wants these adverse side effects, it can be difficult to prioritize your health needs over sending that one last email.

How Much is Too Much

Studies show two or more hours of screen time in the evening can seriously disrupt the melatonin surge needed to fall sleep. Consider turning off all electronic devices at least one hour before sleep, at a minimum. Try reading a book, taking a bath or doing some other type of relaxing activity.

If you must use a gadget with a screen at night, reduce your exposure to its bright light by turning down the brightness in the late evening. There are downloadable programs that can help you adjust screen brightness based on the time of day.

Limiting screen time for kids is also vital for their sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping electronics out of children’s and teenagers’ bedrooms to ensure no late-night gaming or texting takes place. Set up charging stations outside bedrooms to help.

Still Sleepy

If you discontinue the use of electronics at least an hour before bedtime and are still having trouble falling asleep, consult this checklist for a better night’s sleep. A consistent sleep routine can help.

If a few weeks pass and you’re still struggling to get quality sleep, you may have insomnia or another type of sleep disorder. Call your doctor to set up an appointment. Before your appointment, use a sleep log to track your sleep patterns, including how many hours of sleep you get each night. This will help your doctor formulate the best treatment plan for you.

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