We have become so addicted to modern technology that we even use our mobile devices when we go to bed. Many people use their phones to play a game, surf the internet, chat or check the weather forecast right before falling asleep. Experts claim that this habit is very unhealthy and can even lead to serious health problems.
The reason for the damaging effects of the phones on our health is the radiation they emit, particularly the blue light on the mobile phone screen. That light is a part of the light spectrum that we are exposed to during the day through the sunlight. However, being exposed to that light at bedtime can cause various vision issues. This light also affects the natural sleep cycles of the body because it impedes melatonin production.
Scientists have researched the effects of the phone radiation and have listed the following health issues that can be caused as a result:
Cancer
Besides affecting the natural sleeping patterns, the light from mobile devices also increase your risk of cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancer. Melatonin is an antioxidant present in our bodies that naturally fights cancer, but the blue light suppresses it causing it to become less efficient.
Insomnia
The body’s sleeping cycle is regulated by melatonin which is a hormone. As we already mentioned, the blue light impedes the melatonin production thus leads to insomnia. Other health problems that can occur include: slower response time, depression, weight gain, aging skin, cardiovascular problems etc.
Eye damage
Constant exposure to the blue light increases your risk of developing vision related conditions such as cataract, macular degeneration and retina damage. There was one case when a 35-year old patient had cataracts and cloudy vision that are very unusual for people at that age. The reason for that could be frequent exposure to blue light when using mobile devices before sleeping.
Now that you know how harmful it can be will you use your phone or tablet before you go to bed tonight?