Sleep Disruption

Articles tagged with "Sleep Disruption".

E-Readers with Light Disrupt Sleep and Circadian Rhythms More Than Paper Books

Tags: E-Readers, Blue Light, Sleep Disruption, Circadian Rhythms

October 22, 2025

Do Light-Emitting E-Readers Disrupt Sleep More Than Traditional Paper Books?

Yes, significantly. Research demonstrates that using light-emitting e-readers before bedtime disrupts sleep and circadian rhythms much more than reading traditional paper books. Studies show that people using backlit e-readers take longer to fall asleep, experience reduced REM sleep, have delayed melatonin onset, and feel less alert the following morning compared to those reading paper books. The blue-enriched light from e-reader screens suppresses melatonin production and delays circadian timing, creating a cascade of sleep disruption that extends into the next day.

Nocturnal Acid Reflux: How Meal Timing Affects Nighttime GERD Episodes

Tags: Acid Reflux, GERD, Meal Timing, Sleep Disruption, Nocturnal Symptoms

October 22, 2025

How Does Meal Timing Affect Nighttime Acid Reflux and Sleep?

Meal timing significantly affects nocturnal acid reflux episodes, with late evening meals dramatically increasing nighttime GERD symptoms and sleep disruption, this research demonstrates. The study found that consuming meals within 3 hours of bedtime increased nocturnal reflux episodes by 67% compared to eating 4+ hours before sleep, with participants experiencing more frequent awakening due to heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort. Late meals also prolonged the time required for gastric emptying and increased esophageal acid exposure during sleep, when natural protective mechanisms like swallowing and saliva production are reduced. The research reveals that the supine position combined with recent food intake creates optimal conditions for gastroesophageal reflux, making meal timing a crucial factor in managing GERD symptoms and sleep quality.

Room Light Before Bedtime Suppresses Melatonin and Shortens Sleep Duration

Tags: Room Light, Melatonin Suppression, Bedtime Lighting, Sleep Disruption

October 22, 2025

Does Normal Room Lighting Before Bedtime Affect Your Sleep Hormones?

Yes, and the impact is more significant than most people realize. This controlled study found that exposure to typical room lighting (approximately 200 lux) before bedtime suppresses melatonin onset by 90 minutes and shortens the total duration of melatonin production by 90 minutes. Even this relatively modest light exposure—equivalent to a well-lit living room or bedroom—significantly disrupts the natural rise in melatonin that prepares your body for sleep, demonstrating that our modern lighting environments may be chronically interfering with healthy sleep preparation.