As we become more connected and integrated to technology, the more it seems that we just can’t get enough sleep. This is a correlation that has a causation. While your phone connects you with the world, it can’t connect you to a good night’s sleep, especially if there is blue light involved.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a type of light that has more energy than other types of light. Too much exposure to blue light can cause eye strain, headaches, and stop your melatonin production. As you probably know, melatonin is the chemical that regulates sleep cycles. By suppressing it, you can have a harder time falling asleep.
Before the invention of screens, the only source of blue light came from the sun. This does make since. The sun was our natural way of waking us up, and once the sun was gone, the melatonin production began and we could fall asleep.
Now, there is blue light everywhere, and it can do some funky stuff with our sleep schedules. It can affect you, your kids (click right here for some cool toys that don’t have blue light,) and everyone else you know.
Combatting Blue Light
The best way to combat the effects of blue light is to not use a device with a screen a few hours before bed. However, this is a tall order for many. Who doesn’t love unwinding with their favorite show, or checking their emails before bed?
Luckily, there are some decent ways to use your devices and reduce your risk of blue light. Here are a few ways.
Filter
Most modern phones have many settings, from changing your privacy to reducing the amount of unsolicited calls you get. One of the settings you can find, or download through an app, is a blue light filter, which helps filter out the blue light from your devices. Make sure that is switched on before you use your phone at night. If you don’t have one, try and see if you can download it.
Night Mode
Ever see a website or a browser that has a night mode? You click it, and what is white is now black. It’s not only looks cool, but it helps you rest better. Looking at dark colors as opposed to bright white can make you feel less awake, which is good if you’re just trying to get a good night’s rest.
Warm Colors
Many computers have night mode settings as well, where at night, their colors become warmer and much easier on the eyes. This can give you a relaxed feeling that makes you tired and helps you unwind if you need to use your computer at night.
Other Apps
There are many other apps that can help you fall asleep as well, from white noise apps that help you unwind to playing some pretty music. This can help you should you be unable to fall asleep.
Devices, while they do have problems keeping you awake, may help you combat sleeplessness if used correctly. Try out these settings and see if it works.
Seek Help!
If you’re still having problems falling asleep, it could be because of something more nefarious. Your anxiety, stress, and depression can keep you up at night. Luckily, there are ways you can combat this, and the best way is to talk to a counselor. Sites such as Regain.us offer online therapy on your own terms. You can speak to a counselor or a therapist when you are unable to go to sleep. Just make sure that when you do it, night mode is on!
Frances might be just at the beginning of her career, but after attending a technical school, she has a fresh perspective on today’s technology. She contributes to the site with tech news.