It’s 3:00 AM and I’m Still on My Phone

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Healthshots Blog

Screen-time can cause a lack of sleep

  Sleep deprivation is a huge problem for many teenagers and adults, especially during quarantine— a time when access to a bed is constant. You can lay there all day long, but when it’s time to sleep, the tiredness somehow disappears. This habit not only leads to a lack of energy, but also causes many negative changes inside of your body. 

  When you think of your body, think of a car. This car has many parts which have to work perfectly in harmony, otherwise it won’t start. Now, the fuel in the car is our sleep, it is exactly what gives us energy to get through the day. 

Healthline Blog states that during sleep, your brain forms connections that help you process and remember information. A lack of sleep can negatively impact both short and long-term memory. 

  A lack of sleep causes you to gain weight as well; during sleep deprivation, chemicals that signal to your brain that you are full, turn off. As a result, you are more likely to overindulge even when you’ve had enough to eat. 

  The lack of sleep also causes trouble concentrating, mood changes, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, as well as a high risk of getting diabetes. 

  The “internet” addiction is the main reason why many students and adults are staying up late. The blue light that smartphones and laptops emit causes the brain to think that it is day time, and as a result, you feel wide awake.  

  As stated by the Insider Blog, our bodies naturally follow on a cycle that allows us to stay awake and alert during the day and helps us get essential rest at night. But when we look at these screens as we’re getting ready to sleep, our brains get confused. Bright light can make the brain think it’s time to stop producing melatonin, a hormone that gives your body “time to sleep” cues.

  Sleep foundation claims that sleep benefits the brain and promotes attention, memory, and analytical thought. It makes thinking sharper by recognizing the most important information to consolidate learning. Sleep also facilitates expansive thinking that can spur creativity. Whether it’s studying for a test, learning an instrument, or acquiring job skills, sleep is essential for teens.

  It will not only make your body healthier, but getting a good night’s rest will also improve your mental health. Spartans, instead of laying in your bed with your phone throughout the night, get some sleep and wake up with a fresh mind.