Sleep disorders and disease risk linked to nighttime electronic usage

(NaturalHealth365)  Sleep disorders are affecting millions of people and Western medicine wants us to believe that the ‘solution’ is the need for unwanted (toxic) medications?  Well, any reasonable person can see that drugs are not the answer – as the CDC reports that about one third of all U.S. adults are not getting adequate sleep, each night.  And, that’s probably an understatement!

Anyway, with sleep disorders becoming a growing epidemic – throughout the world – there are several reasons why people would suffer with this serious health issue.  Unfortunately, too many people are quick to blame a ‘busy schedule’ or ‘racing mind’, but many health experts believe that sleep issues are getting worse due to wireless technology – specifically the use of mobile devices and electronics at night.

Major warning about sleep disorders: How modern technology is putting us at risk

More than 9 in 10 people admit to using electronics, such as tablets, smartphones or computers within one hour before bedtime – a few nights a week. But, what most people are unaware of is, the artificial light produced by these devices interrupt natural sleep cycles and affect both the quantity and quality of a person’s sleep.

Not only can poor sleep lead to daytime fatigue, but it can also lead to more serious health consequences, such as weight gain, adrenal fatigue and heart problems.

Artificial light from electronics threaten human health

The body’s circadian rhythms, which are responsible for regulating sleep, are directly affected by exposure to artificial light, such as LED lights. These lights contain blue light, which is known to be especially disruptive to the body’s natural sleep cycles.

There’s no doubt: technology is driving adults to stay up later than ever before, as the body interprets artificial light in much the same way it does daylight.  In fact, most people don’t know that, using electronics after sundown can suppress melatonin production – another major contributor to sleep regulation.

When melatonin levels are low, a person can develop a sleep disorder that causes difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep or getting adequate quality of sleep.

Unfortunately, lack of sleep and low melatonin production are associated with far more health problems than short-term drowsiness. In fact, low melatonin levels have been linked to many serious health conditions, including a higher risk of cancer, compromised immunity, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, people who do not get enough sleep are more prone to depression and motor vehicle accidents.

A great way to improve the quality of your sleep

Instead of looking to pills to cure a sleep disorder or using caffeine to compensate for a lack of sleep, unplugging from communications devices that produce artificial light may be the answer for a better night’s sleep.

For starters: avoid using cell phones and tablets or watching television in the last couple hours before bedtime.  If you’re using wireless technology – at home – consider a ‘hard wire’ connection to reduce your exposure to unwanted microwave radiation – which can place too much stress on cell function.

And, finally, (if possible) remove all types of media from the bedroom, including televisions; and take steps to darken the room for sleep with curtains or an eye mask and, in some case, a warm bath could do wonders for improving your sleep time.

Sources for this article include:

CDC.gov
WebMD.com
SleepFoundation.org