How gadgets break sleep – and help to fix it

The modern way of living has given us a lot of positive things and improved our lives in numerous ways. However, the quality of our sleep has deteriorated substantially in recent years due to our new lifestyle. 

It’s no secret that technology is partly to blame. One of the reasons for that is that at least 95% of people use technology within one hour before going to bed. Consequently, it is estimated that around 1.2 billion people worldwide suffer for some kind of sleep disorder. 

The Negative Impact of Technology on Sleep

We know that technology can affect the quality of our sleep in a negative way, but how does it happen? The main culprit is the blue light emitted from smartphones, computers, and TV screens. 

Light from the blue light spectrum tells our brain to stay awake and exerts stress on it. We need red light to tell our brains that it should wind down and get ready to go to sleep. LED bulbs can also be to blame as some of them emit very intense white-blue light. 

During the day, the effects of blue light are not strong. However, problems begin when we start using technology at night. We should try to avoid looking at any screens and expose ourselves to any artificial light sources at least one hour before going to sleep. This will give our brain enough time to tell our bodies to start secreting melatonin and prepare to enter the world of dreams. 

Technology Can Also Help Us Sleep Better

We’ve mentioned all the negative effects technology can have on our sleep. However, not everything about technology and sleep is bad. Thanks to science and hard-working people with vision, technology can also help us sleep better and improve the quality of our lives. Here are some of the most common sleep disorders high-tech solutions can help us with.

Snoring

Everybody knows at least one person who snores. If you don’t, then we’re afraid that you’re that person. Snoring statistics say that around 40% of men and 20% of women snore, which makes snoring one of the most widespread sleep disorders. 

It happens when air cannot pass freely through the nose and the throat during sleep, so it makes a loud and annoying sound. Nudging the person who snores helps, but technology is a much better solution.

The three best devices to use include Hupnos Snoring Mask, Philips SmartSleep Snoring, and Urgonight EEG Headband. All three aim to detect snoring and remind the sleeper to change their position to allow a free flow of air.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea sounds more serious than snoring, but it is more common than you’d think. The problem is that a lot of people are not aware of suffering from sleep apnea, so it often goes undiagnosed. 

Around 20% of the world population suffers from this disorder, but 80% of cases go completely undetected. Due to the nature of this disorder, men are more at danger of developing it than women. 

Luckily, technology comes to rescue here as well. The best three devices you can use are called SlumberBUMP, BiPAP, and EPAP technology – Theravent. These devices use different methods to prevent breathing obstructions by training people to sleep on their sides or regulating their airflow mechanically. 

Insomnia

Insomnia is perhaps the most annoying sleep disorder after snoring. There’s nothing worse than being tired after a long day of dealing with daily obligations but not being able to fall asleep when finally in bed. 

Prolonged insomnia which can put one’s health and life in danger is rare. However, around 10% to 15% of people in the world have troubles falling and staying asleep. Insomnia is even more common with older generations, 30-60% of whom suffer from it. 

Most of the time, insomnia is short-term and lasts for a day or several days. But sometimes it might last for weeks or months, in which case it becomes a serious problem.

In any case, those who suffer from insomnia should try solving their problem with technology. The three best solutions are called Sleepio, Ebb Insomnia Therapy, Good Night Biological LED Bulb. These devices learn about your sleeping patterns, lower your core temperature, or use light therapy to help you fall asleep and are pretty efficient at doing it.