Avoid screens at night?

Humans have been exposed to sunlight since the dawn of time, but technological advances have changed our habits for several decades now. In addition to its essential role in vision, light also plays a major role in the regulation of sleep and behavior.

The 2016 INSV/MGEN survey indicated that 91% of French people, with a predominance of young people, say they use their computers, tablets and smartphones at night, and 39% declare using screens in bed. However, we know that this use at non-physiological times alters the quality of sleep and alertness the next day. Moreover, it is also known that repeated sleep disturbances can have significant effects on health and well-being.

The effect of screen light on our sleep is largely due to an alteration in the production of melatonin. Indeed, this hormone is produced by the pineal gland in our brain during the night. Its production starts about 2 hours before the usual start of sleep and plays an important role in facilitating sleep onset. However, light inhibits the secretion of melatonin and delays the onset of sleep… It is therefore better to prefer exposure to light during the day, natural if possible, and be careful in the evening to preserve your sleep!