It’s not a surprise that sleep is important – if you’ve ever stumbled through a day after a poor night’s sleep, then you know just how much it impacts you. In fact, a lack of quality sleep can even affect your oral health! Today, we want to share some of the ways that using technology can impact sleep and give you a few tips on how to make sure you’re doing all you can to get restorative sleep.
Blue Light
Most electronic devices emit blue light. Blue light keeps your body from producing enough melatonin, a chemical that helps us fall asleep.
To limit the effects of blue light before sleep:
- Switch to Night Shift mode on your electronic devices during the evening
- Turn off your devices an hour or two before bedtime
- Consider investing in blue-blocker eyewear
Overstimulation
A variety of activities can stimulate the brain and cause the release of adrenaline. Once this happens, it makes it even harder to fall asleep.
To limit being overstimulated before sleep:
- Most sleep experts suggest removing technology from your bedroom to avoid overstimulation and to ensure that falling asleep is an easier process
- If you must keep your phone in the room for use as an alarm, avoid surfing the internet and scrolling through your news feed while in bed
WiFi
Studies have shown that the WiFi signals that your devices emit can interfere with your sleep. There is additional evidence suggesting that the different strengths and frequencies of signal can impact your sleep in different ways.
To limit the possible effects of WiFi during sleep:
- Either remove your devices from the bedroom or turn them to airplane mode
Unexpected Sounds
If your phone is constantly buzzing, beeping and lighting up, you’re asking for your sleep to be perpetually interrupted.
To limit unexpected sounds from your phone during sleep:
- Let your friends and family know that calls and texts after a certain hour won’t receive your response until the morning
- Turn your device on silent mode and dim the screen or place it facing down
Limiting the Impact of Technology on Sleep
Following these simple steps will help limit the impact of technology on your sleep. Powering down your devices an hour before bedtime and leaving them out of your room during sleep can make a big difference. Additionally, try to establish a bedtime routine. Read a book, drink some herbal tea, or take a warm bath – all activities that are proven to help some people fall asleep.
Do you have any tricks for getting to sleep? We’d love to hear them! A consistent good night’s sleep is just one part of maintaining your overall and oral health. To ask Dr. Sitaram or the rest of our team at Dental Solutions of Columbus any questions about how to care for your oral health or to schedule your next dental appointment, call us today!