Scientists warn: high-speed internet takes half an hour of sleep a day (Topic)

A new study looking at the link between high-speed internet access and sleep disturbance suggests that technology cravings do lead to less sleep. Scientists claim that with a high-speed DSL Internet connection, users are depriving themselves of at least half an hour of sleep per day.

The study was funded by the European Research Council and is titled “Broadband Internet, Digital Temptation and Sleep”. Its results were published in the Dutch academic journal Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization.

Just 30 minutes

It may seem to some that half an hour is not such a big loss, but scientists warn that due to the active use of technology, both sleep quality and overall satisfaction with lifestyle suffer. Of course, the Internet is far from the only thing that makes people deprive themselves of proper rest, but scientists from the Italian Bocconi University, the American University of Pittsburs and the German University of Economics and Labor were interested in high-speed Internet access. According to them, having a fast Internet connection and related activities is one of the main reasons for poor quality and short sleep in modern society.

Less melanin means less sleep

In the presence of the Internet, a person often uses smartphones, tablets and game consoles. If these devices are in the bedroom, it becomes more difficult for a person to control the time spent in pursuit of digital pleasures. An important factor affecting overall sleep quality is the effect of artificial light on the eyes. As already proved by doctors, glowing screens inhibit the production of melatonin in the body - the so-called sleep hormone.

Don't worry if you are under 30

With regard to age differences, the researchers found that in the group of subjects from 30 to 59 years old, the relationship between frequent use of gadgets and disturbed night sleep is most clearly traced. This assumes that users under the age of 30 cannot compensate for the consequences of falling asleep late due to the need to work and study.

Most of the research was conducted in Germany. Scientists chose this particular country because there is an extremely uneven distribution of high-speed network access on its territory. The control group was those countries that do not have access to high-speed Internet.

Large companies like Google are already looking for solutions aimed at improving the quality of life of people using high technology. Thus, there is a chance that in the future there will be high-tech ways to control the quality and duration of rest.

The Topic of Article: Scientists warn: high-speed internet takes half an hour of sleep a day.
Author: Jake Pinkman