Well March is finally Here ! Where is Spring? Its not here in Glastonbury Connecticut, thats for sure. This morning at 10 am, the temperature is registering a brisk 17 degrees- and it is COLD...
Anyways, did you know that its Sleep Awareness Week from March 2- March 9th? The sleep foundation had a very interesting article on why electronics should be kept away from where you sleep. I have always known this. We do not have our cell phones or any clock radios near our sleep areas- and this also includes our 20 month's old son's room as well.
This biggest issue is appears is light. Any type of electronics play negatively with our circadian rhythms and numerous studies have shown that to be true.
When there is light, it promotes a sense of waking. Photoreceptors located in our eye ( retina ) sense light and dark- telling our brains of what is going on outside and making us aware of day and night.
With proper light and darkness allows us to follow our circadian rhythms. These circadian rhythms are known as our "internal body clock" and they regulates a 24-hour cycle of biological processes in animals and plants. There are patterns of brain wave activity including important functions such as hormone production, cell regeneration, and other biological activities that happen in this 24-hour cycle.
This signaling of light and dark helps us to be alert in the morning and be able to fall asleep at the appropriate time at night.
Studies have shown that even our small electronic devices such as a simple cell phone emits sufficient light to affect the brain and promote wakefulness. This disrupts our natural circadian rhythms. This can affect adults and affects children even more.
Source: Electronics in the Bedroom: Why it’s Necessary to Turn off Before You Tuck in
Additional Reading:
- Neck Pillows that Work if you have neck pain and are trying to sleep
- Why Sleep is So Important for Little Children
- Looking for A Soft Yet Support Pillow?
- The Skinny on Being Happier, Healthier and Lighter- Getting Better Sleep Everyday
- How Much Do You Sleep?
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