Loads of people find themselves sleeping with their phones, myself included. It could be a major case of FOMO, mindless scrolling on social media, or that latest Netflix series.
Spent the night tossing and turning? Had your phone fall right on your face? Your phone might be the reason for this. I'm sure you've heard this well-intended advice that the key to a good night's sleep is to avoid using your phone before you sleep. Have you ever wondered about the science behind that ever resounding statement?
True enough, there is a correlation between using your phone in bed and the amount of sleep you actually get.
Using our handphones late at night has made us an unknowing accomplice to the very thing that has been robbing us of our well-deserved rest. Blue light exposure, emitted by the digital devices we hold on to dearly.
Blue light itself is not inherently dangerous; it plays an essential role in boosting our attention, reaction times and even mood as we naturally get it from the sun. However, being exposed to blue light at the wrong time has a negative effect, it suppresses the melatonin hormones that help us sleep, leaving us more awake than ever.
If we insist on bringing our devices to the bedroom, prolonged exposure to blue light might result in impaired memories, lowered attention span and performance, which will affect us both physiologically and psychologically.
Having a sufficient amount of sleep allows our brain and body to recover. So when you're about to turn in, it is time to put your phone away! To help you get a good night rest, here are some practical ways to stop sleeping with your phone:
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Set boundaries and action plans.
Work and leisure simply never ends. You can find a healthy balance and boundaries between the two; it's how you spend your time without compromising your rest. Practical action plans can be helpful in this process, for example, designate a "home" spot for your phone, give yourself ample time to "rest", and engage in alternative activities like reading and exercising.
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Use a real single-purpose alarm clock!
While none of us may have an old school alarm clock due to the convenience of technology, that doesn't mean we shouldn't have one. Having one nearby would significantly reduce our blue light exposure while leaving us with no room to wiggle our way through the excuse of using our phones as "the only alarm". Plus, you can't snooze your way out of this real alarm clock when it rings!
If you really, really, really have to use your phone, we understand, so here are some other short term solutions you can consider:
- Wear anti-blue light glasses
As the name implies, it serves as a blue light blocker. Studies have shown that these glasses help to improve the melatonin hormone to sleep with ease even as one continues on their night digital routine. You too can wear one as you go about your day.
- Utilize your handphone's night mode
"Avoid looking at bright screens within two to three hours before sleeping.", that's the usual advice doctors would give. As an alternative, you can turn the night mode function on to cut down on blue light exposure.
At the end of the day, it is not just about the sleep you have, but the quality of life you should live in the process. It is your time, health and life. You can seize the best of your days and spend your time on the things you love and are passionate about, but all this can only happen if you first take care of yourself.
Say hello to a good nights rest, believe it, that a simple drop of the phone can be, life-changing!
