I am sure I don't stand alone when I say that many nights (if not every night) I spend a while playing with my phone until my eyes can no longer stay open; whether I'm reading something really important or just browsing around and catching up on the latest trending news, I waste way too much time (and sleep) on this pointless act.
I have seen many posts from friends regarding devices that aid in limiting internet time and setting parental controls (ie. Circle with Disney), which tells me that a lot of families struggle with technology restrictions and other issues related to the overuse of it as well.
I can't count the amount of nights the girls get in trouble for hiding under their sheets to play with their phones past bedtime or the many times I've had to confiscate every device so they can get some sleep...and no, they're not rebellious kids that don't listen to their mom, they are simply technology junkies just like many adults. I know that using technology past bedtime is not the end of the world but I worry about how their sleep quality is negatively impacted by this behavior pattern.
A few nights ago I decided to turn off my phone at least four hours before going to sleep; I basically forced myself to skip my nightly social media binge and just take time to relax and clear my mind. I leisurely browsed some unfinished books and even wrote some notes and to do lists for the next day. I also spent some time praying and reading my favorite devotional, so I basically did away with technology for a night... I'm not exaggerating when I say that I hadn't slept that well in a long time; somehow avoiding my nightly phone use routine gave me the chance to experience the glorious sleep my body had been needing for a while... such a simple thing made such a great impact on my sleep.. I couldn't believe it..
But even with the positive experience, the conditioning that I have to use my phone before bed is really hard to beat so I was back at it the next night and I could feel it too... I really need to get better at this...
So because I love to read and find some creepy joy in researching things that come to my mind, I am going to share with you some incredibly information given to me by a representative from the "Sleep Institute" as well as "Tuck Sleep" that have helped me tremendously in understanding the importance of a good night's sleep and the negative impact of technology in our sleep quality. I particularly enjoyed a publication titled "How Technology Impacts Your Sleep and What To Do About It" and another one titled "A Parent's Guide to Healthy Sleep"; in these two articles I have found a wealth of information that I know will help me get better at improving my sleep and our family's sleep patterns and overall rest quality, and I hope it helps you too.
I am tired of dealing with cranky kids on school mornings, I am done with sleeping 8+ hours and feelings like I haven't slept in ages; I know it's my fault so I want to do better...
How is your sleep quality? Do you think technology has an impact on our sleep patterns? Do your kids get enough sleep?
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