Everyone knows that getting enough sleep is one of the most important factors in living a healthy life. Whether or not people choose to designate the recommended eight hours as part of their daily routine is up to them, but most people recognize the necessity of getting a good night’s’ sleep.
With the continuous emergence of technology available today, people are spending countless hours watching their computer screens and constantly checking their phones. Studies have come out that discuss how this over-exposure to light from these screens before bedtime can cause one to have a harder time actually falling asleep. Children nowadays are similarly exposed to an excessive amount of light from computer, TV, and tablet screens.
A new study shows that bright light exposure in young children surpasses their production of melatonin, the hormone that is produced by the brain to facilitate the sleep cycle. This study also shows that there is an increased sensitivity to light by younger children as opposed to those who are slightly older. This could be because these younger children are being exposed to this type of lighting at much earlier ages than ever before.
It is currently unknown exactly how this exposure to light will affect these children in the future, but many experts warn against allowing your kids to be too exposed to this artificial light in fear of them developing cancer or other illnesses. If you are a parent to young children, consider limiting the time that your kids spend on any electronic devices, especially prior to bedtime.