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Why and How Our Smartphones Work Against Us at Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnDfPpUC_jg

I can admit that I’m guilty of sending a few texts, and checking various social media platforms before going to bed not considering the blue light exposure. However, my seemingly harmless actions, along with those of the millions of other people who are doing the same, can have negative health consequences if performed on a regular basis.

Research has been confirming for quite some time that exposure to artificial blue light that comes from our favorite electronic devices, including smartphones, TVs, iPads,  and laptops, affects our body’s production of melatonin. This hormone is key to making us feel sleepy and stay asleep.

Business Insider
recently shared some valid points in why we should be mindful of our electronic usage at night.

In addition to helping us with sleep, we should also know that melatonin helps slow the production of serious diseases, including cancer. The US National Library of Medicine has officially linked low melatonin levels to higher rates of ovarian, prostate and breast cancers. Other research indicates that lower levels of melatonin can impact people’s mood, linking it to higher rates of depression.

It is also being reported that optometrists are seeing many young patients with high levels of retinal stress that could lead to serious conditions such as macular degeneration or even near blindness.

So how exactly does simply using our smartphones at night work against us? Check out the video posted above, courtesy of the American Chemical Society’s YouTube channel Reactions.  Put your electronics away at least an hour before your bedtime to enjoy a more refreshing sleep every night!

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