There is little doubt that technology has brought about amazing changes in our lives. Think about all the advancements in medical technology that have led to people living longer lives. Also, think about the ways technology has made our lives more convenient, giving us more time to experience more things.
Another way technology has changed our lives is in the way we communicate with one another. Long gone are the days of the telephone and email. All of that has given way to us being able to have face-to-face conversations with family, friends, and coworkers at any place and any time we can secure a data connection.
For all the convenience electronic technology has brought to our lives, there is a downside. Our exposure to electronic devices right up to bedtime has had an adverse effect on our ability to get a good night’s sleep. No comfortable mattress can compete with technology. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
The Effects of Blue Light Waves
All of our electronic devices work on microwave technology. This microwave technology creates blue light waves. These blue light waves stimulate the brain. As you can imagine, stimulating the brain is not a good idea when it’s time to shut the brain down to sleep.
The science behind the way blue light waves affect our ability to sleep goes something like this. Blue light waves interfere with the brain’s ability to secrete melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for regulating the body’s internal clock. Yes, that includes regulating messages to the brain to secrete serotonin neurotransmitters, which are responsible for inducing sleep. The only way for someone to avoid the effects of blue light waves is to limit the use of their electronic devices at nighttime.
Keeping the Brain Active
The use of electronic devices affects the brain in another way. While watching movies, listening to music, writing emails, or reviewing the odds and payouts in Baccarat at casino.com/ca, the brain is getting stimuli. That stimulus is counterproductive to someone who is ready to go to sleep. What they find is their brain is still going at 100 miles an hour because of being bombarded by stimuli right up until bedtime. That does not create a good environment for sleep.
Also, the proximity of mobile devices can interrupt sleep. When people are conditioned to respond to every message or text alert, their brains are always in ready mode. Without ample opportunity to relax, it makes it difficult for the brain to generate enough serotonin and melatonin to induce good sleep.
How to Combat These Issues
The quality of your life depends a great deal on your ability to get a good night’s sleep. If you are too connected to your technology, the quality and quantity of your sleep will be compromised. To keep that from happening, there are a few steps you can take. These steps include, but are not limited to the following:
- Turn Off Your Electronic Devices – Doctors recommend you shut down all of your technology about one hour before it’s time to go to bed. If for any reason that’s not possible, you should keep your devices at least 14 inches from your brain.
- Lay on a supportive mattress – Having a super soft mattress may feel good when you fall into it but can also cause aches and pains when you wake up in the morning. This is where hybrid mattresses can offer a mix between comfort and support. Find a mattress that gives the right balance of firmness and comfort for your individual needs.
- Find Alternative Ways to Spend the Last Hour Before Sleeping – Prior to going to sleep, you need to do something to make your brain and body receptive to the melatonin your brain will secrete when it’s time to sleep. Some of the things you can do to create the feeling of being tired include getting exercise, taking a warm bath, reading a book or magazine, talking in-person to a loved one, or meditating.
- Eat Foods That Promote Sleep – During the day, you can actively fill your body with foods that contain melatonin. That should help your brain’s ability to control your sleep. Some foods you can focus on include kiwi, turkey, green vegetables, tart cherries, walnuts, and almonds.