Electronic Devices And Sleep Changes

Recently, we found some research on electronic devices and sleep changes. According to them, both factors are deeply related. Basically, it has been established that electronic devices have the potential to disrupt normal sleep patterns and as a consequence change the quality of our sleep.

This case is, to put it mildly, worrying. If you really think about it, the number of people who overuse phones, computers and other electronic devices on a daily basis is increasing . Similarly, the number of individuals who can only sleep with the phones on their bedside table or who take the laptop to bed to continue working increases.

There is evidence that all of these behaviors can pose problems in an individual’s life. There is undoubtedly a link between electronic devices and sleep changes. The National Sleep Foundation at the University of California has concluded that devices of this type lead to shorter sleep with poorer quality.

Artificial light and circadian rhythms

Diurnal rhythms are the processes that take place in living beings in less than 24 hours. These cycles always follow the same order, and not only that, but they follow each other in steps. Among many other aspects , these rhythms regulate sleep cycles. They correspond to what is often called a biological clock .

The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society journal published a study conducted at the University of Connecticut . This study concluded that artificial light had the potential to change circadian rhythms. In particular, it can affect the sleep cycle.

This research established a direct relationship between electronic devices and sleep changes. First, these devices work with artificial light. Secondly , sleep is very much conditioned by circadian rhythms. In fact, they make the organism more active when it is light and more passive when it is dark.

There are specialized cells in the retina that help determine the cycles of the day. When the screens of electronic devices are turned on, there is a distortion. This activates day functions at a time when it is necessary for them to be deactivated in order to rest properly.

Electronic devices and sleep changes

At the University of California , they reached similar conclusions to those indicated in the previous section. In fact, they went even further. First, they pointed out that blue light screens on computers and telephones reduced melatonin production. This hormone affects the quality of sleep. When it is low, it makes it harder to fall asleep  and reduces the duration.

On the other hand, the miserable habit of holding the smartphone or computer next to ourselves when we go to bed prevents a reduction in neuronal activity. These devices keep you awake, which is the opposite of what you want before going to bed, which is to relax.

Worst of all, while you sleep, your phone may still ring. Those who are very dependent on using it, wake up immediately to see who is calling. And even if it does not ring, it is a subjective tension because of the possibility that it does. This greatly affects the quality of sleep.

Undesirable effects

Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst David Dorenbaum states that electronic devices and sleep changes form a binomial that can lead to more results. He notes that intensive use of these devices makes it more difficult for individuals to remember their dreams. In other words, it will be an analogy between the world we see through screens and our actual dreams.

In fact, a study conducted with 1,000 students from Australia aged 13 to 16 years showed that these devices were associated with a lower quality of sleep, which in turn would have adverse effects on mental health. As a result, the adolescents in the test manifested greater signs of depression.

Electronic devices in themselves are not the problem. The real issue lies in their abuse. When well managed, they make life easier for us in many different ways. However, when poorly managed, they make people vulnerable and incredibly dependent on accessibility.