Turn Off Screens Before Bed
Dr. Brian Harris, MD
Sleep • Addiction • Anesthesiology
Turn Off Screens Before Bed
Dr. Brian Harris, MD
Sleep • Addiction • Anesthesiology
Turn Off Screens Before Bed
Dr. Brian Harris, MD
Sleep • Addiction • Anesthesiology
Late-night screens push your brain toward wake mode. A screen-free hour before bed gives your sleep system a cleaner runway.
Why it matters
Evening blue-enriched light suppresses melatonin and shifts circadian timing later. Content stimulation matters too: email, social feeds, and fast video keep cognitive arousal high when you want it dropping.
What to do instead
- Read a paper book or a non-backlit e-reader
- Do brief stretching, breathing drills, or guided relaxation
- Journal, talk quietly, or listen to calming audio
If device use is unavoidable, dim brightness and enable night mode. That helps a little, but it is not equivalent to unplugging. The goal is simple: reduce light and mental activation so your brain can transition into sleep.
Bottom line
Bottom line: protect the last hour before bed from bright light and high-stimulation content. Consistency here often improves sleep onset more than people expect.
Educational content only; this is not personalized medical advice. If you have urgent symptoms, seek emergency care.
Ready for a Clinical Deep Dive?
Dr. Harris offers personalized consultations for complex sleep and neuro-recovery cases.
Ready for a Clinical Deep Dive?
Dr. Harris offers personalized consultations for complex sleep and neuro-recovery cases.
Ready for a Clinical Deep Dive?
Dr. Harris offers personalized consultations for complex sleep and neuro-recovery cases.