When we are about to go to bed, we like to check all of our social media apps, send a couple texts to our friends or loved ones, make sure we didn't miss the latest whatever, etc. All of these things, as you are about to go to sleep, really screw up a lot of the things that are suppose to help your body as well as your sleep schedule. Why does your smartphone disrupt your body?
The bright blue light that emits from your smartphone is essentially the same light that the sun radiates, which tricks your brain into thinking that it is still daytime right now. That's right, even when you think you're dead tired and you couldn't possibly hold your eyes open, if you look at your smartphone you will be wide awake soon afterward. As a consequence of this blue light from your smartphone's screen, it stops your brain from releasing melatonin, a hormone that is used to induce sleep, as well as preventing you from falling asleep.
The more science has explored this strange occurrence has given them the chance to find a photoreceptor that is called Melanopsin. This was discovered recently in the retinal ganglion cells, which are what makes your eyes so sensitive to blue light. Ever since this discovery, experimental research has uncovered that the average person who is using a mobile device before they fall asleep could actually have a very difficult time falling and/or staying fast asleep.
What's even more interesting is that this effect is way more prominent in teenagers. People who are in their adolescence are much more vulnerable to the effects of light than adults are. Circadian rhythm can naturally shift in at this age, allowing them to feel much more awake later on into the night. So, starting up a TV show, playing a video game, or just playing on their phone can prove early mornings to be one of the most difficult things to endure as a teenager.
What this all boils down to is that you should limit your time on all your devices in your household, or at least before you go to sleep. Science recommends that you turn off all devices with a blue lit screen for two hours before you go to bed. This is so your body can start releasing melatonin at the proper time and so that your brain doesn't think it's still day time outside. You will notice things will be very different after adapting to this way of living, but you will have some of the best rest ever since moderating yourselves!
