2011 Sleep In America Poll
In 2011, there was a sleep poll take by the National Sleep Foundation, in which they surveyed 1,508 surveys were conducted among a sample of Americans in order to collect information to fulfill many objectives, one of which is to measure the impact of the presence and usage of technology on sleep and compare them across different age groups.
This graph shows the percentage of people in the various age groups that have their phones activate through text messages, emails, or phone calls. Gen Z'ers, or teeangers, are the second highest age group along with Gen Y'ers. This is not surprising considering that these two age groups were the most familiar with new technology in 2011. The result of this data is that teenagers are more likely to wake up in the middle of the night, disrupting the sleep cycle and deteriorating sleep quality.
"Generation Z'ers are heavy users of technology in the hour before trying to go to sleep in comparison to those aged 30 or older... In addition, generation Z'ers are most likely to be texting in the hour before trying to go to sleep, with 28% reporting that they sleep with their cell phone ringers on in their bedroom"
This chart to the right (Gen Z) emphasizes the effect of technology on sleep, as seen by the high percentage of rarely/never get a good night of sleep on weekdays due to extended use of technology. Not only is the circadian rhythm affected from late nights and early mornings due to school, technology increases brain activity and decreases the most productive sleep cycle, REM. As seen in the chart, almost a fourth of Gen Z'ers admit to sleeping two hours longer on weekends than week days, which completely throws off circadian rhythm and in turn hurts sleep quality.
Bright Lights and Stimulation
The Sleep Health Foundation reports that use of technology and bright light in the evening can block the release of melatonin by an astounding 1.5 hours. After five nights of such exposure, the circadian rhythm can be pushed back by the same 1.5 hours. Therefore, in order to get the required number of hours of sleep, one must sleep until later in the morning, which is impossible for many teenagers that have school and extracurricular activities.
Effects of Blue Light
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Suppressed melatonin
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Fluctuate circadian rythm
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Prolong sleep activity
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Damaged retinal cells
