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Wellbeing
Tired of Being Tired? Here’s How to Get Better Quality Sleep in the Digital Age
Are you tired of being tired? Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, unable to drift off into a restful sleep no matter how much you want it? In today’s digital age, technology and screen time can have a negative impact on our sleep. From blue light emissions to the stimulation of our brains to remain alert and active, screens can make getting quality shut-eye difficult. But there are solutions that can help reduce these detrimental effects so that we can get the restorative sleep we need in order to be productive during the day.
We’ve all experienced it – staying up late, scrolling through our phones, or watching TV instead of getting some much-needed rest. (If you want to attain digital well-being, our recent blog covers some useful tips to help you get there). But did you know that this impact on your sleep can be more than just feeling tired in the morning? Unfortunately, technology and screens can significantly negatively influence our ability to get the sleep that our bodies need.
Blue light emitted from screens can disrupt our circadian rhythms, which is our natural body clock that sets us up for sleep-wake patterns and other important bodily functions. This blue light prevents the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for helping us fall asleep. As well as disrupting normal nightly processes, screens distract us from activities such as reading, meditating or doing puzzles that promote natural restorative processes.
The stimulation of our brains to remain alert and active is also a major contributor to difficulty in sleeping; we become so used to being constantly switched on that it’s hard for us to “shut off” at night. We’re constantly trying to stay connected and keep up with the world around us. This hinders our ability to relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep.
But don’t lose hope! There are steps we can take to reduce this negative influence of technology on our sleep quality:
- Make an effort during the day to limit screen time; this will help your brain to better “unplug” at night.
- Before you go to bed, try and avoid looking at your phone or laptop, as the blue light emitted will stimulate your brain. Instead, do something calming such as reading a book, taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music – these activities can promote natural restorative processes.
- Try and keep your bedroom a technology-free space; this can help reduce stimulation to stay alert and active, allowing you to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
- Use natural remedies such as aromatherapy. Many essential oils are known for their calming properties and can help to relax your mind and body, making it easier for you to drift off. Download a free list of essential oils to help you sleep better tonight. Also, explore our range of natural home scents designed for restful night.
It’s time to take control of our sleep! By following these tips, we can reduce the detrimental effects of screens and technology on our sleep quality. So let us all try to use technology in moderation and get better sleep quality. Sweet dreams!
