Unplugging: Why Digital Detoxes Are Great for Sleep
In a world where technology is becoming increasingly integrated in our lives, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious, or even addicted to our devices. Contrary to what many people may think, constantly glancing at your phone in the small hours of the night can have a negative impact on your sleep. Regular digital detoxes can give the user the opportunity to rest their mind and create a healthier relationship with technology.
Being up late scrolling through your phone can disrupt the pattern of consistent bedtime, creating an unsettled sleep-wake cycle. The blue light emitted from electronic devices inhibits melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleepiness. Even if it feels like a good idea to catch up on emails or catch up with friends, exposing yourself to bright light at night-time has been clinically proven to reduce sleep quality. Even worse, screens aggravate our anxiety and stress levels.
Unplugging from technology for a few hours a day, or in the evening before bed is a great way to increase our sleep quality. This allows our bodies to reboot, rest and create a healthier relationship with digital technology, enabling us to spend more time on relaxing activities like reading a book, going for a relaxing walk, listening to calming music or having a hot bath – all great techniques to switch off before bed.
Establish A Healthy Digital Balance
What is important to remember is that there should be a healthy balance between time spent on the phone and time spent on more relaxing activities. Creating time in the day to switch off and unplug from devices will give you time to relax and breathe. You don’t have to do a total digital detox – there are still ways to digital detox without completely avoiding our devices. We can take mindfulness breaks, put our phones in another room or turn off our notifications.
The positive effects of taking regular breaks from our screens are far-reaching. Not only can it help to improve sleep but is also associated with more creative thinking, improved concentration, increased productivity and improved overall mental well-being.
Swapping Screens For Other Activities
Before bed, switch off your devices an hour or two before to give yourself time to relax. Staring at a screen keeps your brain active and alert. Instead, try doing something relaxing, like lighting some candles or incense and lighting some candles and reading a book, listening to calming music or having a hot bath.
Finding activities that don’t involve digital devices can give us the opportunity to relax and enjoy ourselves. Try meditation, yoga, cooking a meal or painting. There are plenty of activities that will help you get a restful nights sleep and will also help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Keeping devices out of the bedroom and away from your bed can help too. Removing them from eye-level will help to reduce temptation and establish a healthier habit.
Benefits Of A Digital Detox
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Improved concentration and productivity
- More creative thinking
- Improved sleep quality
Conclusion
Having a digital detox is beneficial to improving overall mental health. Doing this for a few hours a day, or in the evening before bed will enable us to relax and create a positive relationship with our digital technology. Even if you can’t completely switch off, there are still ways to enjoy a digital detox without completely disengaging with your device. Doing this will give you the opportunity to switch off and spend some time doing relaxing, non-visual activities.