MOOD & SLEEP
Light, Technology & Your Child's Health
Is your child moody or unfocused during the day? Have a hard time turning off their brain at night? A restless sleeper?
Always zoned out on their phone? Do they get angry when screen time is over or do they play bargaining games with you? Do they seem less focused after a lot of screen time? Have they ever taken melatonin?
A little over a decade ago, with the introduction of smart phones, tablets, and social media, we entered into a new relationship with technology. In addition to constant dopamine hits to the brain, our children's eyes also became flooded with artificial blue light all day and night, 365 days a year.
Research is now showing that excess artificial blue light can negatively impact sleep, learning, mental health, and eye health. Although this impacts everyone, children are particularly vulnerable because their eyes and brains are still developing.
Topics covered include:
- The science & current research studies about how light & circadian rhythm impacts your child's sleep and health
- Sleep recommendations by age
- The negative health effects of artificial blue light
- Light + eye health
- The importance of melatonin for cellular, gut, eye, & brain health
- Are melatonin supplements safe?
- Vitamin D: what it is, why it's important, & how to get more
- Sunlight as a nutrient
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, & skin cancer
- Your child's brain on screens - all about dopamine
- Tips to regulate circadian rhythm, sleep, & mood
What the Latest Science Says ...
“Results indicate that screen use has adverse causal associations with several cognitive & behavioral outcomes."
Source: “Causal Relationships Between Screen Use, Reading, & Brain Development in Early Adolescents.” January 2, 2024
“In ’08 and ’09, smart phones came on, & kids stopped living their lives & starting watching people live their lives. We saw the biggest spike & the highest levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, & suicide, since records have ever been kept. It’s just continued on & on."
Source: Dr. Phil on The View
February 26, 2024
"Many processes in the human body, including brain function, are regulated over the 24-hour cycle. Sleep disturbances and circadian disruptions are associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD & ASD.”
Source: “Rhythms of Life: Circadian Disruption and Brain Disorders Across the Lifespan.” 2019