Switch off before heading to bed
21/10/2011
Keeping electronics switched off before going to bed could be an effective means of improving the quality of sleep.
Light is known to inhibit the release of melatonin, which is a hormone released in the body to regulate sleep.
As a result, staring at a computer or TV screen could be having more of an impact on resting habits than many people realise, which may encourage them to change their bedtime routines.
Instead, experts tend to recommend reading a book or listening to music, as this does not stimulate the brain to such an extent as watching moving images.
On the odd night that is spent watching TV or checking emails, it is important to ensure the following night's rest is less interrupted in order to restore some sort of order.
Research published at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Boston recently showed that sleep disruption experienced with breastfed babies is unlikely to last longer than six months.
Posted by Elizabeth Mewes
