How Electronics Affect Your Sleep

While most people might realize the negative effects of having an electronic device nearby when they sleep, so many of us still do it! Why?

It’s likely that you, your family members, and your client, have at least one electronic device in your bedroom, especially since we are attached to our mobile devices and phones as they serve as not just a phone, camera, and source of entertainment, but an alarm clock, mobile banking device and more!

Here are some ways that the electronic device on your nightstand can affect your sleep in several ways:

It keeps your brain active and alert

There’s nothing more relaxing then the feeling of flopping into bed after a long day. It is unfortunately also one of the few moments of “me time” that you take advantage of to catch up on your missed texts, news alerts, and of course, social media. When you get on your phone or iPad in bed, your suddenly jolts and you’re not as relaxed as you may think. Our emotions are triggered, and as a result, you’ll find it much more difficult to fall asleep

It disrupts your circadian rhythm, or “body clock”

Your body runs on sleep, which is monitored by what is known as circadian rhythm or “body clock” that helps our brain feel awake during the day, and get sleepy in order to prepare for a good night’s sleep. It works hard to keep us energize at night and stay energized throughout the day. But the light from your iPhone signals your brain to stay away, even up to 2 hours before you choose to go to sleep, making it much more difficult to fall asleep.

Cuts down on sleep

As we get older, it is critical that we listen to our bodies and respond to its every need. Signs of fatigue and stress may not stem from a sudden illness, for example, but from a lack or loss of sleep. Our electronic devices take away precious hours that you should be resting, so keep that in mind!

Tough competition

We’re sure you’ve heard of how your bed should only be used for sleep and sex, right? Well, our brains know about this, so when we lay down in bed, it signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and call it a day. Yet many of us use electronic devices in bed, watch TV in bed, giving sleep with some tough competition. No matter how relaxing it might feel, your brain is being forced to stay awake to process data, thoughts, and emotions, which means that you’ll miss out on that quality sleep you’ve been craving.

So what can you do to reduce the negative effects these devices have on your sleep routine?

1. Charge your electronic devices outside of your bedroom.
2. Use a regular alarm clock rather than your phone.
3. Use a dim screen setting on your phone when using it two hours before bed.
4. Set the mood, and make your environment as dim as possible two hours before bed.
5. Get back in the habit of listening to an audiobook, relaxing music, or reading, whatever you enjoy doing to relax other than using an electronic device before bed!