health Technology and Indoor Lighting Affecting Sleep

[Phosphor 11,532]

I started having some issues falling asleep a couple years ago. There were a few things I found that worked for me. I installed an app on my phone that turns the screen red after dark, and I usually wear yellow glasses about an hour before bedtime, if I'm on the computer.

Another thing I did was replace my white LED lights with the antique style ones that have an amber color. They're much easier on my eyes. After doing those things, I noticed a big difference.

Has anyone else had trouble sleeping due to phone screens, white lights and such? If so, what solutions worked for you?

[Dreambiscuit 10,093]

I've never tried using lighting as a way to improve sleep, but it makes sense that dim lights, and especially red ones, have a positive effect. Red is supposed to be the color that eyes can see without getting night blindness. I'll have to try the yellow glasses and see how that works. LED is full spectrum so it makes sense that it would be harsh on tired eyes.

I never have lights on when I sleep unless it's light from my planetarium, which projects very subtle stars on my ceiling. And I always black out my windows for maximum darkness.

I use subtle means like trickling water sounds, nature FX and fragrances to augment sleep, and of course Melatonin to keep the body clock in rhythm.

 

Edited September 30, 2018 by Dreambiscuit

[碇 シンジン 27,433]

A while back I noticed that it was harder for me to get any sleep if I hadn't been on computer or phone recently 

[Midnight Solace 5,132]

I don't like to sleep with the lights on. My eyes are very sensitive to light because I stay indoors and close the windows most of the time.

[Kevin Tang 2,427]

In that night before school, when I am looking at my phone before I sleep, I'm pretty much screwed, because my eyes hurt

The darker your room, the better your sleep will be.

Also, turning off the lights really cuts the electricity bill right?

Edited November 30, 2018 by Kevin Tang

[Phosphor 11,532]

10 hours ago, Kevin Tang said:

In that night before school, when I am looking at my phone before I sleep, I'm pretty much screwed, because my eyes hurt

The darker your room, the better your sleep will be.

Also, turning off the lights really cuts the electricity bill right?

It's the blue light from the screen that keeps you awake. There are apps that will dim your screen and turn it red so it won't affect your sleep cycle as much. Yellow glasses can also help.

Turning off unused lights will cut the power bill. How much depends on the type of bulbs you use. 

[Celtore 2,770]

I've heard about blue light supposedly having an effect on your sleepfulness, but I can't say I fully believe it. Personally, I can fall asleep pretty much on a dime, so I don't think I've ever really experienced this issue.

At work though, I use f.lux to tint my screen a bit. I start programming at 7:00 AM, which can be a bit rough at times. It's circumstantial evidence, but I noticed that I've been having a little less red eye since I've started using it. Well, it's either that or my annoying "you should take an eye break" python script that fires every 45 minutes. My ebook reader also has a red light, but that's something that's baked into the device and not something I put there.

Edited December 1, 2018 by Celtore

[Kevin Tang 2,427]

4 hours ago, Phosphor said:

It's the blue light from the screen that keeps you awake. There are apps that will dim your screen and turn it red so it won't affect your sleep cycle as much. Yellow glasses can also help.

My phone has read mode which turns the screen to a yellowish like color, does that counts?

[Phosphor 11,532]

12 hours ago, Kevin Tang said:

My phone has read mode which turns the screen to a yellowish like color, does that counts?

That should help. 

[Sondash Studios 4,851]

Basically any little source of light in my room I either turn off or I take them out of there so I can sleep.

[RDDash 19,203]

Cellphone lightning affecting sleep, that kind of bizarre. My phone is ocasiinally set to auto lightning, when I can, unless it's starts to flicker.

[Hardway Bet 96]

I'm never on my phone unless I have no other option, but I do spend an unhealthy amount of time on the PC. I wouldn't know if it affects my sleep, since I've never been able to fall asleep very fast. Lately, I've taken to blindfolding myself at night, and that's kind of helped.

 

I've spent more money on food in one day than I spend on my power bill in a month, so that's never a concern.

[Phosphor 11,532]

9 hours ago, R.D.Dash said:

Cellphone lightning affecting sleep, that kind of bizarre. My phone is ocasiinally set to auto lightning, when I can, unless it's starts to flicker.

Not just cellphone screens, but really any kind of light source with a lot of blue light in it. It's not settled, but there seems to be a link.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side

[Lucky Bolt 35,085]

I actually have a blue light filter app installed on my phone that I use at night, I've noticed a major difference in my sleeping patterns since I've started using it. A good difference at that. I've been sleeping better. 

And plus, I really don't wanna hurt my eyes anymore than they already are. 

Edited April 22, 2019 by Lucky Bolt

[Jedishy 3,549]

On 9/29/2018 at 8:48 PM, Phosphor said:

Has anyone else had trouble sleeping due to phone screens, white lights and such? If so, what solutions worked for you?

I have struggled with my phone in this area. I use the filter apps and a sleep mask. I also know that a bedtime routine where you slowly lower light levels in the house is a great way to help break these issues. Well a sleep routine is a great way to break these issues in general. 

[The Historian 516]

Nothing works for me except medication. I have a serious case of chronic insomnia and if I don't take my OTC sleep aid and melatonin, I have a hard time falling asleep. It honestly sucks and I have been this way since I was a kid. I don't "get to sleep" easily.

[Cyclone 1066 3,621]

1 hour ago, Lucky Bolt said:

I actually have a blue light filter app installed on my phone that I use at night, I've noticed a major difference in my sleeping patterns since I've started using it. A good difference at that. I've been sleeping better. 

And plus, I really don't wanna hurt my eyes anymore than they already are. 

Hm, I might have to try that.

[EpicEnergy 23,224]

The brightness of screens is what keeps you up, I think it makes your brain think it's still daytime. Also, I've noticed that it is rather difficult to fall asleep right after being on technology.