Electronics are not affecting our sleep, scientists claim
12/12/2011
It has long been debated whether or not electronic devices are eating into our sleep time, but a team of scientists now believe this may not be the case.
Many experts have claimed that the light emitted from TV screens, computers, mobile phones and the wealth of other devices interferes with sleep, as it slows down the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.
However, according to a new research paper from the University of Sydney, there hasn't been any change in the amount of time people spend in bed over the past few years.
They undertook the study amid concerns that a reduction in sleep could lead to all sorts of health problems, including everything from obesity to cardiovascular problems.
Looking at data from 1992, 1997 and 2006, they found that the average amount of time spent in bed in 1992 was eight hours 20 minutes, compared to eight hours 30 minutes 14 years later.
After taking a range of factors into account such as the weekends and different seasons, the researchers found that there hadn't been any significant shift in sleep duration.
There were a number of factors that were found to shorten the amount of time people spend in bed. Those who were in higher education, with a substantial outcome and longer working hours generally operate on shorter working hours.
Having two or more children in the household is likewise a factor in how much time is spent in bed.
Adults were discovered to spend an average of 40 minutes more in bed at weekends and tend to rest for 12 minutes longer per night in winter than in the summer.
The authors of the report concluded: "Public health concerns over declining sleep duration do not appear to be warranted. Investigation of possible changes in quality of sleep is required."
Posted by Michael Ewing
