With technology now a regular part of our everyday lives, it’s no secret that it impacts our health — including our sleep. Whether scrolling through social media before bed or using our phones as an alarm clock, tech can be a sneaky culprit regarding our sleep quality. In this blog post, we’ll explore five sneaky ways technology may impact your sleep and offer helpful tips for minimizing its effects.
Vape Technology
Does vaping affect sleep? The short answer is, “It can.”
The nicotine in vape juice is a stimulant that can keep you awake and alert when trying to wind down for the night. If you’re a vaper, avoid using your vape right before bed or lower the nicotine strength to something less stimulating.
Blue Light
One of the most well-known ways technology can impact sleep is through blue light. Blue light, emitted by the screens of our phones, tablets, and computers, can suppress the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. To minimize the impact of blue light on your sleep, try turning off your devices at least an hour before bed, or use blue-light-blocking glasses.
Notifications
We’ve all been there — you’re trying to fall asleep, and your phone keeps buzzing with notifications. Not only can the sounds and lights from notifications disrupt your sleep, but the content of those notifications can also stimulate your brain and make it harder to fall asleep. To combat this, consider turning off notifications for non-urgent apps or placing your phone on silent or in another room altogether.
Tech Neck
Have you ever woken up with a sore neck after spending hours staring down at your phone or tablet the day before? That’s the result of “tech neck,” which is a strain on the neck muscles and spine caused by poor posture while using technology.
Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to poor sleep quality. To prevent tech neck, try to use your devices at eye level and take frequent breaks to stretch and move.
Interactive Tech vs. Passive Tech
Finally, consider the type of technology you’re using before bed. Passive tech, such as watching TV or listening to music, is generally more sleep-friendly than interactive techs, such as playing video games or scrolling on social media for hours on end. Interactive tech can stimulate your brain and keep you alert, while passive tech can be a relaxing way to wind down for the night.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, while technology may be a part of our daily lives, it’s essential to be aware of its impact on our sleep. By following some simple tips, such as avoiding vape devices before bed, minimizing blue light exposure, and opting for passive tech over interactive tech, you can help ensure a better night’s sleep. Remember — quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, so it’s worth taking the time to make some minor changes to improve your quality of life.
