Do you know electronics can adversely affect sleep patterns and significantly affect young people? According to the Sleep Foundation, using electronic devices before bed can interfere with the body’s ability to produce melatonin, a natural hormone released to encourage sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends:
- Decrease Your Daytime and Nighttime Electronics Use: Using electronic devices for long periods during the day can negatively impact sleep, too, especially among adolescents. Talk to your teenagers about excessive electronics exposure and, if necessary, impose restrictions on their daily use.
- Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: A regular bedtime that ensures adequate rest is essential for healthy sleep. The hour before bed should consist of relaxing activities that don’t involve devices with screens.
- Make Your Bedroom a Screen-Free Zone: While many people prefer to keep a television in their bedroom, watching TV before bed is generally discouraged due to the negative effect it can have on your sleep. We recommend removing your electronic devices from your bedroom and encouraging your kids to do the same.
- Keep the Bedroom Lights Dim: Light intensity is measured in a unit known as lux. Some studies have shown that normal indoor light levels of 100 lux or more can suppress melatonin production and interfere with your sleep-wake schedule. Dimmer indoor lighting affects your melatonin production to a much lesser extent.
Call Us!
Saber Psychiatry specializes in evaluating and treating children and adults with sleep disorders. We are currently accepting new patients ages 2 to 65. Call 615.678.7839 to schedule an appointment.