Did you know that your smartphone releases bright blue light enabling you to read what’s on its screen, even in the middle of the day when it’s perfectly bright?
This light is constantly emitted and it can’t turn off or adjust its level. It’s the same case with our TVs, laptops, and other similar devices.
This light mimics the natural sun’s brightness and leads our brain to think that it’s daytime even when it’s night. And here lies the problem.
This causes our brain to stop releasing the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin, so consequently, we can’t fall asleep. It’s because of this that experts advise turning off all screens at least 2 hours before going to bed.
The pineal gland is a tiny organ in the brain that releases melatonin a few hours before sleep. The recent discovery of the Melanopsin photoreceptor was due to the science of why this blue light keeps us awake.
We are well familiar with the various rods and cons that make our vision, but this precise photoreceptor was only discovered recently in the retinal ganglion cells sensitive to blue light. Ever since then, researchers discovered that using your smartphone before going to bed might cause difficulties in falling and staying asleep.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable to this blue light, because, during adolescence, circadian rhythm naturally shifts, and causes them to feel more awake even late at night. Therefore, watching your favorite series or starting up your favorite video game right before going to bed can make you stay awake for another hour or two, which will make your morning really difficult.
There’s More than just the Blue Light
A group of scientists from around the world, including Dr. Martin Blank from Colombia University, Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, make an international appeal to the U.S. concerning the dangers related to mobile devices, WIFi, and other electromagnetic emitting devices.
These devices are linked even to cancer, and the kid’s brain is able to absorb 4 times the radiation absorbed by an adult’s brain. This is quite alarming as nowadays kids are growing up with these devices next to them.
Actually, our addiction to these screens is a problem. This addiction is regarded as a clinical disorder in China, and there are various rehabilitation centers for young people with this addiction, where they are isolated from all media. The success of these centers is still not clearly established, but the fact that they are necessary highlights the dark side of the technological age we live in.
What Can You Do?
First, limit the time you spend on your smartphone before going to bed, turn off all screens in your room at least 2 hours before planning to go to bed. Instead, you can read some books.
Another option is to download and install the f.lux app, which adjusts the computer screen’s color according to the time of the day, brighter during the day, and is warm at night, and reduces the emitted blue light. Also, you can look up similar apps for smartphones.
Even if you don’t have sleep problems, you can still benefit from a daily break from your phone and all other screens.