Reading from a Screen at Night Might Kill You

A new study on reading from an electronic device before bed makes a startling new statement: reading from a screen at night might kill you.

The study builds on conclusions that were found with studies that were done previously. Those studies showed that reading a smart phone, eReader, iPad or other device in bed before drifting off to sleep can actually interrupt your natural inclinations and make it a challenge to fall asleep. The screen’s light impacts the levels of melatonin in one’s system, making it a challenge to fall asleep quickly and sleep as deeply.

This new study shows that reading those screens can actually make you less alert the next day, and that change can mean death in certain situations where reaction time is key. The study involved people who read books in print form or used an iPad before sleep, with some participants starting out with books and moving to iPads while other participants read the items in reverse order. Those who used the iPads got less sleep, were less alert and secreted less melatonin, despite the opportunity to get a full eight hours of sleep.

Apps that Block Blue Light Can Help

Android devices have an app that can help with that effort. Meanwhile, Apple devices require you to purchase a screen filter for that device. Meanwhile, an app exists for the computer as well. This is for cases where you can not avoid using your device close to bedtime. Otherwise, avoid screen time and try other methods to get to sleep, like soothing music, breathing exercises or even warm milk.

Sleep Deficiency Has Many Negative Effects

It has long been known that a lack of sleep can lead to stroke, diabetes and various other serious conditions. Since that is the case, it makes sense to avoid that final period of screen time unless you absolutely can not make yourself put down the phone.

People who have a significant sleep deficiency have a lot of problems concentrating and a potential for various health issues. Avoiding those may not only be as simple as putting down the phone or device, but it can be a huge step in the right direction anyway.

Death due to overusing your screen device does not make much sense. Instead, focus on the positives in your life and remind yourself that the email you are checking, the game you are playing or the book you are reading can all wait until tomorrow. Take the night off to relax and get a full night’s rest. Your body will thank you and you will be grateful to feel better and be healthier as a result of simply setting down the device sooner at night.

Sleep revitalizes the body in a way using your cell phone is never going to replicate. For that reason, respect yourself and make the effort to get enough sleep every night. That can save your life, and that is not an easy factor to ignore.

Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/23/reading-before-bed_n_6372828.html