Technology and good sleep hygiene usually don’t mix, and yet bedrooms are meccas for all the latest gadgets. It’s time to prioritize sleep and move a lot of that technology back into the living room. You may not realize it, but all those blinking lights can seriously interfere with your REM. After all, if you’re too tired to fully enjoy your gadgets, what’s the use of having them?
Of course, there are some forms of technology that are musts in the bedroom, such as CPAP machines for those with sleep apnea. If you’re concerned about your sleep quality, talk with a sleep specialist and consider undergoing a sleep lab test. This will help you see exactly what your sleep triggers are and how to optimize your time between the sheets. However, consider ditching these items from the bedroom for good:
1. Your smartphone
Using the excuse that your phone doubles as an alarm clock isn’t good enough. In fact, according to Health Day your phone might be transmitting waves that are making you fat while you sleep. At the very least, it’s a distraction and many people are prone to scrolling through Facebook before going to sleep or as soon as they wake up. Indulge yourself with a traditional alarm clock with a pleasing tone instead.
2. The television
Yes, it’s possible to keep the television in the living room and reserve the bedroom just for sleep and romantic activities. Consider the fact that RedOrbit reports a TV in the bedroom cuts down your sex life by 50 percent, and you probably won’t need any more encouragement. Plus, dozing off with the television on is going to seriously cramp your sleep style and render you the same as if you didn’t sleep a wink.
3. Night lights
Even high-tech night lights aren’t a good idea since most people are more sensitive to light than they think. Humans prefer total darkness in order to get into REM, and if you actively light up your bedroom you’re choosing poor quality sleep. Instead, invest in some blackout curtains to tap into your inner caveman or woman.
4. Carbon monoxide alarms with lights
If possible, swap out your fire and carbon monoxide alarms for options without a light. If that’s not feasible, create a pop-up reminder to test them monthly and then cover the light with an opaque tape. Every little big of darkness can improve your sleep hygiene.
