As the influx of smartphones, tablets and laptops into every aspect of day-to-day life continues, many people use electronics right before they go to bed.
However, doing this could significantly impact upon the quantity and quality of sleep received, according to a new study from Monash University’s School of Psychology and Psychiatry.
Scientists found the average electronic device emits a light half as intense as a normal lamp and this seriously affects the level of melatonin secretion in the body, which is key to having a deep slumber.
The circadian clock, commonly known as the body clock, was also found to be thrown off by using electronics and researchers are now advising people to avoid using laptops and tablets while lying in bed and in the period just before they plan to go to sleep.
Professor Rajaratnam, who was behind the study, said: “We think that the advent of electric lighting has significantly impacted upon sleep-wake patterns, but with the proliferation of electronic devices that emit light we are expecting that these problems will increase.”
However, people that absolutely have to check their emails one more time can decrease the brightness levels on their laptop and this will lessen the impact on their circadian clock.
