Phones stop us glowing off to sleep

ALMOST nine in ten 18- to 34-year-olds have trouble sleeping because they use their smartphones at bedtime, according to new research.

The worrying figure is revealed after studies claimed that the blue glow emitted from digital displays may mimic daylight.

This then sends signals to the brain’s internal clock, tricking it into thinking it is daytime, and preventing the body releasing melatonin, the hormone which aids sleep.

Now a survey by phone manufacturer OnePlus shows that as many as 12million people may be affected.

By far the biggest number are millennials, where one in seven admits to using a phone between 11pm and 3am.

But one in ten aged 55-plus also said they had experienced sleep problems linked to phone use at night.

Technology firms have acknowledged the problem, with both Apple and Google introducing settings that reduce blue light.

Their operating systems also have ‘dark mode’ settings which are designed to be less harsh on users’ eyes in lowlight conditions.

Lisa Artis, head of The Sleep Council, said: ‘While these results are not surprising, it is eye-opening to read that taking a phone to bed is causing sleepless nights for so many.’

She added: ‘Blue light is beneficial in daylight hours as it boosts mood, reaction times and concentration but, in the evening, the recommendation is to avoid screen time for an hour before bedtime to help increase melatonin levels.’