Technology does a lot of excellent things for your everyday life, but there are some ways technology can be a barrier to your overall success. Sleep is a vital element of being prepared for what life has in store for your day. When your sleep isn’t quality, your life will suffer as well.
Sleep deprivation can cause lower or stifled cognitive function, depression, and even hallucinations. Long term sleep troubles can really impact your life in a negative way, but there’s hope for your zzz’s.
Here are a few ways your tech may be affecting your sleep. Consider removing the issues, and let the results do the talking.
Your cell phone is an issue
Smartphones are freakin’ cool, but they are becoming too much a part of our daily routines. Too often, people play with their phones up until the time they go to bed.
Interacting with social media conversations, reading articles, and watching videos stimulates your mind, which is counterproductive to a good night’s sleep. Experts say that it is best to set your phone down at least an hour before you hit the hay to give your mind time to wind down.
The sounds of your cell phone are also causing an interruption of your natural sleeping patterns. Most people sleep with the sound and light notifications turned on on their cell phone, making way for a slew of interruptions throughout the night. It’s best to turn your phone on silent or even leave it in the other room as you sleep.
Extra lighting in your bedroom
Technology comes with a lot of extra notification lights and sounds. Your TV probably has a light that stays on even when the device is turned off. Your Roku has a power light that is constant, and those are just a couple of examples.
Exposing yourself to extra lights can throw off your natural circadian rhythm. Your sleep cycle could be confused and you’ll spend more time staring at the ceiling during the night.
There shouldn’t be a television in your bedroom
It may pain you to hear this bit of advice, but you don’t need a television in your bedroom. Hanging out in your bedroom confuses your body and mind. Your bed should be exclusively used for sleep (and a few other recreational activities).
Also, having a television in your bedroom makes it much more likely that you’ll sacrifice sleep to finish watching your favorite movie or show. Leave the TV in the common space, and sleep in peace.
Intensive electronic signals flooding the environment
Too many electronic waves floating through the environment in which you sleep can disrupt your brain’s natural sleeping cycle. The science on this claim is not yet complete, but it’s best to simplify the design of your bedroom. Less stimulation and light means better sleep.