Effects of Phone Usage on Sleep Health When Lying Down
Professor Levent Öztürk, a researcher in sleep health, has highlighted the negative impact of smartphones on our sleep patterns. According to him, using smartphones before bedtime can lead to insomnia and disrupt the secretion of sleep hormones, making it difficult for individuals to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
One of the main reasons for this disruption is the bright light emitted by smartphone screens, particularly in the blue spectrum. This light suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for regulating sleep. As a result, even small noises or disturbances that would not normally wake us up can cause frequent awakenings during the night.
Furthermore, spending time on smartphones in bed can delay sleep and result in a shift in the sleep cycle. Activities such as playing games, watching videos, and scrolling through social media can stimulate the brain and prevent individuals from reaching a restful state necessary for sleep.
Professor Öztürk also warned about the electromagnetic field emitted by smartphones, advising against keeping them in close proximity to the bed. He recommended placing phones at least 2 meters away from the bed to minimize their impact on sleep health.
In light of these findings, it is important for individuals to be mindful of their smartphone usage, especially before bedtime. By creating a phone-free bedtime routine and limiting screen time in bed, individuals can improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.