stars and sleeping moon

Sleep Hygiene

Turn that screen off

Uh oh. The rumors are true. Your screens are robbing you of quality sleep.

Whether it's your computer, your cell phone, your tablet, your television or any other screen, chances are that they are emitting blue light. Your body perceives that blue light as similar to sunlight. Your body wants you to be productive in the day, and waits until the day grows dark (until the blue light stops) to start secreting melatonin. Melatonin helps you fall asleep. It also helps you have quality (restful, restorative) sleep.

So if you're internet-browsing, online gaming, finishing that last bit of work or even playing sudoku online, you're undermining your ability to fall asleep, and your body's ability to keep you healthy.

What can I do?

Defend yourself from all screens two hours before you go to bed. Read a book, play a board game, meditate, clean the kitchen, play with your pets. But turn off those screens. Stop texting. Call your mother-figure.

bright screen in dark bedroom
unsplash.com/jaywennington
stars and sleeping person