Technology has conquered our present world. From the best beds, smartphones, computers to home appliances, these electronic devices and technologies are intended to keep us productive at work, amused or entertained, as well as connected to our peers, family, and to the rest of the world.

We are so caught up with these different kinds of technologies that we literally bring it to bed with us, for instance our laptops, smartphones and tablets.

In 2014, a survey was carried out by the National Sleep Foundation. According to the survey, 95% of individuals say that they use a certain type of electronic gadget within the hour to hit the sack. The survey also showed that approximately three-quarters of parents state that their youngsters snooze with at least one gadget or electronic device.

Despite of all its advantages, technology can badly affect or interfere with sleep. Consistent usage of electronic devices adversely influences the amount of sleep you get in the evening, how recuperative and relaxing that sleep is, as well as how well or satisfactorily you function or perform the next day.

How Blue Light Affects Sleep

The greatest hurdle technological devices bring about to sleep is the blue light intensity or level. Blue light is universal and prevalent in present technologies. Blue light exists in televisions, tablets, smartphones, computers, and even in fluorescent bulbs or lighting.

In terms of wavelength, blue light is the brightest and strongest. This indicates that it penetrates the photoreceptors found in our retinas most extremely.

When blue light from an electronic gadget is sensed by our brain, it recognizes it as light coming from the sun.

For that reason, our brain assumes or thinks that it is still morning or daytime; therefore the production of melatonin is postponed. The hormone melatonin is responsible for regulating an individual’s sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is released during the night to induce sleep. The more the brain suspends the discharge of melatonin, the more difficult it will be for an individual to doze off, and remain asleep.

To ensure ample and restful sleep, it is crucial for you and the whole family to set a curfew at which all electronic devices are to be turned off. Give at least an hour or two prior to bedtime to switch off all devices.