If you want a better night’s rest, you would be well advised to banish your cell phone from your bedroom.
Dr David Claman, director of the Sleep Disorders Centre at the University of California: San Francisco (UCSF), points out that sleep disorders have become increasingly common over the last few years.
And, although there are many causes for poor sleeping patterns – including sleep apnoea, restless leg syndrome and a high caffeine intake – electronic devices could be an inhibitor as well.
Dr Claman points out that, before houses had electricity, the average US citizen probably slept close to nine hours a night on average.
“Now that everybody has electronics, and on average the population sleeps probably an hour less per night.
“There’s no way that humanity has evolved that quickly, so there’s a big impact of electronics in general,” Dr Claman says.
“I think that generally — whether it’s a computer, TV or a cell phone – the closer you use it to bedtime the more it tends to keep you awake and keep you going.
“If you are a good sleeper and you don’t have sleep issues, then maybe it doesn’t make as big a difference. But if the electronics interfere with you getting to sleep or staying asleep, then they’re definitely going to be a contributing factor, and then I do recommend that they are out of the bedroom as much as possible.”
