Do you stare at your phone or tablet or tv before going to bed? Do you have trouble falling asleep?
Did you know the blue light from these devices suppress melatonin production making it hard to fall asleep?
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. The gland responsible for telling us when to fall asleep and when to wake up. Melatonin levels increase when the sun starts to go down, telling the body it’s time to prepare for sleep.
Melatonin levels depend on the amount of light we get each day. However, many of us are stuck inside working on the computer and sitting under fluorescent lights. Our work environments plus technology is impacting the body’s ability to produce adequate amounts of melatonin leading to a lack of sleep.
Sleep deprivation leads to a variety of health problems including obesity. The body needs a break. It needs time to break down and utilize the nutrients it absorbed all day.
Do you need to work on your sleep schedule? Try this!
1. Avoid watching tv and playing on your phone 2 hours before going to bed. Take this time to read a book or journal.
2. Have a nightly routine! Lay out your clothes for the next day. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Doing the same routine each night trains the body to wind down and relax, making it easier to fall asleep.
3. Still having trouble? Take a melatonin supplement.