Night Time Phone Use Linked to Sleep Problems

Considering that everyone uses a cell phone nowadays, when you hear a ringing, its usually safe to assume it someone’s phone. But be careful. According to research undertaken by the Electromagnetic Academy based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, cell phones disrupt sleep patterns, especially the light phases of sleep.

Mobile phone radiation adversely affects the phases of sleep important for repairing the body and mind after the daily routine. Also, headaches were more prevalent in people exposed to cell phones during their sleep. Symptoms reported are anxiety, tension and tiredness. The researchers found no difference between people who claimed to be sensitive to cell phone radiation and those who did not.

This is a part of an ongoing controversy regarding cell phones and health. The FDA and FCC are concerned with these issues and to that end have posted a Web site to try and answer consumer questions. Cell phones have been blamed for a variety of illnesses including cancer and brain deterioration.

A new study by researchers in the US and Sweden suggests that using a mobile phone could interfere with your quality of sleep. The study is published in a peer-reviewed online journal that publishes new articles on all aspects of electromagnetic theory and applications.

Tips to improve Sleep problems and deprivation

Be aware of nutritional content. Know your vitamins and minerals, how much of each you need and what foods are rich in these nutrients.

Avoid fatty foods, especially those high in cholesterol. Have your doctor check your cholesterol level and try to keep it under control. And remember, fatty foods produce fatty people.

Turn off the TV at night. Some teens fall asleep with the TV on, and some are so used to the noise they think they can’t sleep without it. Not true! The TV noises and flashing lights will only keep you from getting a sound sleep. If you can remember things you heard during your sleep, you’re not sleeping well.

Try caffeine free drinks. Try reducing caffeine by switching to something healthier, like bottled water. Okay, okay, if that’s too much to ask, at least try a caffeine-free version of your favorite drink.

Turn off the cell phone. What’s so important it can’t wait until morning? Unless you have a really good reason–like your parent works at night and might need to reach you, turn it off and get some rest.

Sleep in the same bed nightly.

If important ideas and thoughts are filling your mind and keeping you awake, have a notepad beside the bed. Writing them down will allow you to let go of them until you can properly deal with them during the day.

Try a midday catnap; You’ll gain much needed sleep and feel rested.

Try some fresh air and sunshine during the day.

Sugary treats do taste delicious, but they are filled with empty calories, and not only supply little nutrition, but they also cause weight gain.

Eat three balanced meals a day. Don’t skip breakfast or you’ll spend the rest of the day feeling hungry.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Use these to replace greasy doughnuts, potato chips and sweets as snacks.

Rachel Broune writes articles for depression treatment. He also writes for home remedy and anxiety treatment.

What can you do about insomnia / not getting to sleep / sleep problems?

I have a really bad problem that I can’t get to sleep. Especially nowadays in Australia it is summer, and it is far too hot and I just can’t get to sleep. I’m on my laptop til the wee hours of the morning. I was wondering do you know any good way to induce sleep (apart from using sleeping pills)?

Answer
When the temperature is too high, that can great affect your ability to sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is roughly 65 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) so do whatever you can to bring down your room temperature.

Next, light affects your ability to sleep. The more light there is, the less melatonin (the chemical the brain produces to make you sleep) is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Instead, do something in dim light.

It’s good that you are against sleeping pills as they have many negative effects. Instead try some natural remedies.

Glass of warm milk + honey
Chamomile tea + honey
Valerian root tea
Kava

Do not drink alcohol as you will wake up not feeling refreshed because it breaks up your sleep (and gives you a hangover).

During the day, especially since its hot, be sure to drink lots and lots of water (more than 8 cups).

Don’t go to sleep o a full stomach or an empty stomach. Eat a big meal about 3 hours before going to sleep (some meat and carbs = tryptophan has greatest effect and makes you sleepy) and eat a light snack right before sleep (i like to have some yogurt or cottage cheese).

Make sure there is no noise (can use white noise machine to block out sound), no light (use eye mask), no bad smell (use lavender scents – candles/incense) in your room when you are going to sleep.