By Radley West
Let’s face it: we’re all a little too attached to our screens. Phones, tablets, laptops, TVs—if it glows, we’re glued to it. And while these magical devices bring us cat videos, endless TikTok dances, and online shopping at 3 am, they’re also robbing us of something critical: sleep. Yes, sleep—the thing your body needs to not feel like a zombie straight out of a low-budget horror movie. Let’s talk about how screen time is wrecking our beauty rest and what we can do about it.
The midnight scroll: a tragic love story
You know the drill. You get into bed, pull up the covers, and tell yourself you’ll just check one email. Then one email becomes a scroll through Instagram, which becomes a deep dive into a Reddit thread titled, “Is cereal a soup?” Suddenly, it’s 2 am, and you’ve not only failed to answer the question, but you’ve also failed to get any sleep.
The culprit? Blue light. This sneaky little devil emitted by screens messes with your brain’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep. It’s like inviting a DJ to your bedtime routine—instead of soft lullabies, your brain gets a party mix it didn’t ask for.
Sleep deprivation: the struggle is real
When you skimp on sleep, your body doesn’t just forgive and forget. No, it holds a grudge. You wake up groggy, irritable, and looking like you’ve just emerged from a cave. Your focus is shot, your reaction time slows, and let’s not even talk about your ability to make good decisions (yes, you did eat leftover pizza for breakfast). Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to serious health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of turning into the grumpiest version of yourself.
But what about Netflix?
I get it. Your favorite show just dropped a new season, and you NEED to know if the protagonist finally gets their act together. But here’s the thing: Netflix will wait. Those characters aren’t going anywhere, but your REM cycles are packing their bags and leaving if you keep pulling all-nighters. Proper sleep is what keeps your brain functioning like the well-oiled machine it’s meant to be. Without it, you’re running on fumes and caffeine. Mostly caffeine.
The bright side: sleep is pretty awesome
Here’s some good news: sleep isn’t just essential; it’s magical. When you get enough rest, your brain does some serious housekeeping. It processes memories, clears out toxins, and resets your mood. Think of it as a spa day for your mind. Plus, sleep boosts your immune system, keeps your skin looking fresh, and helps you tackle the day with the energy of a caffeinated squirrel. Who doesn’t want that?
How to win the battle against screens
Convinced you need more sleep? Good. Now let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to break up with your screens before bedtime without tears:
- Set a Curfew for Your Devices: Turn off screens at least an hour before bed. Yes, even the one you use to check the weather. The weather will still be there in the morning.
- Invest in an Alarm Clock: Stop using your phone as an alarm. Alarms clocks are still a thing, and they don’t tempt you to scroll through memes at midnight.
- Blue Light Glasses: If you absolutely must be on a screen, try blue light-blocking glasses. They’re like sunglasses for your bedtime procrastination.
- Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Make your bedroom a screen-free zone. Keep it cozy, dark, and inviting—basically, a place where sleep feels irresistible.
- Read a Book: Remember books? They’re like the internet, but with fewer pop-up ads. A good book can lull you into dreamland much faster than doomscrolling.
In conclusion: sleep like your life depends on it
Because it kind of does. Getting proper sleep isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. So, the next time you’re tempted to binge another episode or scroll through one more tweet, remember this: your screens will wait, but your health won’t. Prioritize sleep, and you’ll wake up feeling like the rock star you truly are. Now, put down the phone and get some rest. Seriously. I’m watching you.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
Though she’s a competitive athlete, she’s the first to say that fitness should be fun, and she never takes herself too seriously. Her passion lies in empowering clients to lead healthier, more active lives, whether that means easily climbing stairs or improving posture.
