Some studies have also shown that blue light and a lack of melatonin can reduce time spent in slow-wave and REM sleep.
An interruption in the release of melatonin can lead to insomnia and poor sleep (5). Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for making us feel sleepy. Blue light has a short wavelength that is known to interfere with our circadian rhythm by delaying the production of melatonin (4) in the evening. Electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, readers, and computers emit blue light (3). The suprachiasmatic nucleus is very sensitive to even small changes in our environments. A part of our brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (2) uses environmental cues such as light to know when it is time to initiate sleep. Circadian rhythm is based primarily on the rise and fall of the sun. Our bodies run on a circadian rhythm (1), which is a biological process that takes place over a 24-hour period and controls when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. However, these devices can interfere with our body’s natural cycles and reduce our ability to get quality sleep. From cell phones and tablets to computers and televisions, we are surrounded by screens from morning to night. Technology has become an essential part of our lives.