Sleep Apnea Treatment Tip: Turn Off Your Devices!

If you’re like most Americans, then the last thing you probably do before getting ready for bed is turn off some type of electronic device, whether it be a phone, TV, laptop, or tablet. What you may not know is that all of these devices actually emit a soft blue light, one that can actually drastically lower your sleep quality. This is useful information for absolutely everyone, but it’s especially important for people who are using sleep apnea treatment in Jupiter. Why is this blue light so bad for sleep? Read on to learn why you should always unplug before you go to bed.

Beware the Blue Light

Most electronic devices with screens emit a pale blue light because it’s relatively easy on the eyes compared to colors like red or yellow. However, over the past decade or so, sleep quality has notably gone down across the country as device use has gone up.

Eventually, researchers discovered that this blue light actually disrupts the body’s ability to produce melatonin, which is a hormone that helps your body fall and stay asleep. Without it, people tend to spend more time in bed awake and not sleep for as long, leading them to not feel rested the next day. For someone already dealing with sleep apnea in Jupiter, this added obstacle can have a big impact on their overall health and wellness.

An Easy Solution

Fortunately, avoiding this kind of device-related problem is relatively easy: sleep doctors recommend that people should simply turn off/stop using all of their electronic devices about an hour before bed. This will allow your brain to relax and produce that much needed melatonin, helping you slip off into dream world nice and fast.

Of course, this brings on the question, “What should someone do in that hour so they can stay occupied and not mess with their sleep?” Doctors say that the best pre-bedtime activities are either reading or listening to music. The idea being that since your eyes won’t be exposed to light, your brain will instinctively go into “night mode” and prepare itself for sleep.

Many people think that going to sleep is like an “on/off” button, but it’s more like landing a plane—a slow and gradual process.  By giving your brain a break from your devices, you’ll be able to go to sleep much more seamlessly, plus you’ll have time set aside each night to catch up on your reading or listen to that new album you’ve been hearing about.

One More Thing…

Of course, it should be noted that if you have sleep apnea, turning off your devices shouldn’t be considered a substitute for getting professional treatment. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any persistent sleep issues, and they’ll help you get a solution that will enable you to sleep deeply and stay healthy for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a certified sleep dentist who has been serving Florida for more than 30 years. If you or a loved one is dealing with snoring or sleep apnea, he can provide a safe, simple, and proven solution using a custom-made oral appliance. To learn more sleep tips you can use tonight or get help with sleep apnea, he can be contacted through his website.