E-book reading before bedtime affects sleep and health, warn doctors

A new study led by American doctors has revealed that reading an e-book at night instead of a hardcover or paperback can lead to sleeping problems and other health issues.

A team from Harvard Medical School conducted a comparison between the paperback and e-book reading and the length of time it took a person to fall asleep. Results showed the e-book led to less quality sleep.

Experts say our internal body clocks have been affected with the rise of smart technology. As human body naturally shuts down in the evening period, and our natural rhythm is disrupted through use of smartphones, e-books and other electronic devices. The disruption is caused by a blue light emitted while using smartphones, tablets and LED lighting.

Teenagers are said to be the most vulnerable group, as they are forced to rise early for school, but sleep late due to extensive use of these gadgets at bedtime.

At the University of Surrey, a study is being done on the impact of light on the body by Dr Victoria Revell. She believes teenagers need to put away their electronic devices a lot earlier in the day so that they may enjoy a quality sleep.

Revell said: “We should be advising people to minimise their light-emitting e-reader use in the evening, particularly teenagers who are a group that are using their phones and tablets late in to the evening.”

                                                                                                         Halimat Shode