How the Internet is Affecting Sleep

Inside the article

The internet has become a significant part of our daily lives. In fact, it has made it difficult for you to put your gadgets down even before going to bed. However, technology and the internet are having a negative impact on your sleep.

A study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization stated that experts are concerned that the use of computers and digital devices with high-speed internet prior to bedtime can disrupt sleeping patterns. Thus, you get little rest and your cognitive performance will get affected.

You should know that excessive screen time can have a bad effect on your circadian rhythm and sleep.
Internet access can make it difficult for people to get 7-9 hours of sleep.
According to the ScienceAlert survey report, people having access to high-speed internet sleeps around 25 minutes less than people without high-speed internet. Thus, they are less likely to get 9 hours of sleep. In fact, some reported being less satisfied with their sleep quality.
Experts have to say that excessive media usage and the temptation to Instagram or Facebook feed is disrupting sleep quality.
High-speed internet is the reason behind it. With high-speed internet, users can check their social media posts or play games over the internet late at night. This is a growing public health problem. People need to be a little more mindful before they go to sleep at night.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

When you don’t get enough sleep, you tend to be cranky the next day. Not getting 7-9 hours of sleep every day can make you feel constantly grumpy and groggy. Here are a few health issues you experience when you don’t get proper sleep.

Memory Problems: When you sleep, the brain makes connections. This helps in processing and remembering new things that you have learned. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your long, as well as short-term memory.
Problem Concentrating: Your creativity and concentration aren’t up to the mark if you do not get enough sleep.
Mood Swings: When you are deprived of sleep, you tend to become moody and short-tempered. Chronic sleep deprivation can make you depressed or anxious.
Low Immunity: Getting little sleep might weaken your body’s immune defense against viruses such as flu or the common cold. Thus, you will fall sick more often.
High Blood Pressure: In case you are sleeping less than 5 hours in a day, it increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Diabetes: Not getting proper sleep can cause the body to release insulin. This is a hormone that lowers blood sugar. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Improper Balance: Lack of sleep will impact your coordination and balance. Thus, you are more prone to falling down.

Relax, Turn Off the Internet, an Go to Sleep

In order to sleep better and get that most talked about 7-9 hours of sleep, here are a few things you should follow.

During the day time, avoid checking the incoming notifications. It is not necessary to check your device whenever it beeps. If possible, turn off the notifications. Make a schedule to check the notifications. For instance, you can check every 15 minutes and then increase the time span gradually.
One hour before going to sleep, you should stop using all devices.
Instead of putting them in the same room where you sleep, keep them in some other room. This will keep you from checking your phone during the night. In case you want to keep it close in case of an emergency, you can keep it away from your bedside.
Before you go to bed, select an activity that your brain is going to find predictable and is not going to provoke anxiety. For instance, you can read a book or listen to music.

Final Words

The internet is a gift but we have to make sure not to overuse it. Digital temptations cause sleep deprivation and this can decrease sleep duration for people who have to wake up early in the morning. Remember, your body needs sleep just as it required food, air, and water. Click here to read more sleep tips and studies from Sleepstandards.com