05 Jul 5 Benefits Of Cutting Down On Screen Time Before Bedtime
Like most people, your mobile phone probably rests right next to you every night when you go to sleep. This way, you’re able to answer texts, emails, and calls at a moment’s notice, even during the wee hours of the morning.
However, these habits can adversely affect your sleeping patterns and your brain’s health. Whether it’s your phone, computer, or TV, any screen time before bedtime can be detrimental to your mental and physical wellbeing.
According to research, screen time can result in poor sleep, negative moods, and a greater risk of obesity.
Here are five benefits of cutting down screen time before bedtime.
1. Improved Sleep
The blue light that your technology device emits is bad for your vision and your brain. It suppresses the levels of melatonin in your brain, which is responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle.
Once your body runs low on melatonin, you have a hard time falling asleep and can experience sleep problems such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Luckily, you can avoid this by turning off any devices one or two hours before bedtime. However, if you can abstain from any screen time altogether, the better.
2. Reduced Stress And Anxiety
Studies show that there’s a correlation between anxiety, depression, and screen time. Generally, people who spend more hours on screen are more easily distracted and less emotionally stable than those who don’t.
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, and stress, you might want to cut down on screen time before bedtime. You’ll notice a significant boost in your moods the following day and a decrease in your anxiety levels.
3. You Wake Up More Focused
Cutting down on screen time one hour before going to bed ensures you’re more focused when you wake up. You’ll be less compelled to turn on your device first thing in the morning, allowing you to spend the first-hour accomplishing tasks that add value and meaning to your life. Also, it clears your mind at night, ensuring you can fall and stay asleep.
4. Reduces Eyestrain
Continued use of mobile phones can adversely impact your eyes. From the small text and imagery to the blue light, using technology often causes eye strain and eyesight problems. Fortunately, by reducing screen time, you give your eyes a chance to relax before bedtime, guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
5. Improved Mental Health
It’s simple, the less time you spend looking at a screen for recreational purposes, the more time you spend doing productive activities such as reading a book. This, in turn, improves your mental health.
Start promoting your mental health today by engaging in mindful and authentic practices such as meditation before bedtime.
Ultimately, cutting down on screen time before bedtime offers long-term physical and mental benefits. Contact us today to learn more about the relationship between sleep and your mental health.