Electronics

[MBA42]

I hear that if you watch TV or use a computer (etc.) about an hour before sleep, it suppresses REM sleep. If true, is there a way to increase the amounts of REM sleep? (aside from turning the electronics off, I do that)

[Robot_Butler]

The light from electronic devices definitely alters your circadian rhythm. UV and blue/purple light is the worst. I don't know if it actually suppresses REM, or just delays melatonin production, in general. If it just delays melatonin, it wouldn't directly relate to REM. For example, supplementing melatonin does not immediately increase your REM. I guess the opposite of using a computer late at night would be locking yourself in darkness during the day. Or, only use lights in the red/yellow spectrum. Less extreme would be to dim all your lights, or even switch over to candle and fire light as soon as the sun goes down. Anybody know how this actually works?

[zebrah]

Hmm I have never heard of it suppressing REM. And like RB said it could mess with your sleep cycles. It can also keep you awake. I try not to watch TV for an hour or so before bed. I find that this helps me fall asleep. If you can't fall asleep you don't have suppressed REM but you are losing valuable time you could be spending lucid dreaming.