In today’s fast paced and connected world, technology is present everywhere in our lives. From smartphones to tablets to laptops, electronic devices have become an essential part of our daily routines. In fact, 89% of Americans check their phones within the first 10 minutes of waking up and over 66% of Americans use electronic devices during bedtime. Yet, the convenience they offer comes with a cost that affects our most basic need: sleep.

Sleep is a universal necessity regardless of age. The quality and quantity both play a crucial role in impacting our overall health and well being. Thus, it is important that people comprehend the effects of technology on our sleep patterns and make conscious choices to protect our physical and mental health.

One of the most significant impacts of technology on sleep is the exposure to bright screens that emit blue light. This light interferes with the natural release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. As a result, falling asleep becomes more challenging, leading to a potentially harmful practice known as bedtime procrastination. This is how people often find themselves in front of screens when they should be getting their much needed sleep.

The duration of screen exposure also impacts the quality of sleep. The National Institute of Health explains that just 1.5 hours of technology use in the evening can disrupt our body clocks and delay our sleep patterns by the same amount of time. While technology might make people feel temporarily more alert, this adjustment can lead to long-term sleep problems and overall fatigue.

Moreover, not all technology use impacts sleep in the same way. Passive activities such as listening to music or reading an ebook have relatively mild effects on sleep quality. In contrast, interactive activities like playing video games and engaging with social media can create more significant disruptions during sleep.

Joshua Sojan, a senior at the Academy of the Canyons, noticed that playing video games before bedtime left him feeling “a lot more tired and sleepy the next day”. Albert Zheng, a junior at Valencia High School, agrees with the importance of setting boundaries to the use of technology before sleep, suggesting that students “stop using phones and tablets before bedtime to make sure they get a good night’s rest”.

Given these concerns, people of all ages should rethink their relationship with technology and sleep. Setting screen time limitations and avoiding distractions during bed time are big steps in improving the quality of your sleep. As people navigate the digital era, there will be more technological distractions but they must remain alert about its impact on sleep. Afterall, good sleep leads to more productive, healthier and happier lives.

<Junhyeok Han Academy of the Canyons 12th Grade>