Getting a good night's sleep seems to be a rare event for a lot of people. A Michigan Medicine doctor is blaming our smart phones for the problem and is issuing a "sleep challenge!"
What's keeping you awake at night? Michigan Medicine Neurologist Dr. Cathy Goldstein blames the growing use of smartphones and iPads for introducing all sorts of problems in our sleep health.
She says often people check social media or work email before trying to go to sleep, and the light exposure tricks your body into thinking it's not time for bed. She says cell phone use also suppresses Melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it's time to go fall asleep. So, she is proposing we move all electronics, including your cell phone, out of the bedroom and plan to wake up using an old-fashioned alarm clock.
Dr. Goldstein says studies have shown people who get more sleep are more alert and healthier. The sleep challenge begins right now and runs through March 17th, which is "World Sleep Day."
*Are you up for the challenge? Let us know if you plan to participate on our Facebook page or email us at studio@wemu.org and mention "sleep study."
Good Luck!
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— Lisa Barry is a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU. Contact her at 734.487.3363, on twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her lbarryma@emich.edu
