23-05-2013
A new US research paper has emphasised the negative impacts that light emitted from electronic gadgets such as smartphones and tablet computers can have on sleep quality. The study at Harvard University identified that usage of such devices in the late-evening can actually interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm by producing energising, wakeful hormones as a response to effectively recreating the conditions of daytime.
The specific types of light displays used in modern mobile devices were found to be worse in terms of sleep impact than other kinds of electric lights, underlining the potential dangers of using these products at night.
The various health effects of sleep deprivation as a result of excessive light exposure were noted in the paper as ranging from obesity through to heart disease, while productivity and concentration levels in adults and children were also highlighted.
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On the land and waters that we sleep, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their connection to the land.