A new survey found that 44 percent of adults in the United States use their smartphones to browse the internet within 10 minutes of waking up, either always or often.
This doesn’t sound very smart to me.
Why open your eyes and immediately begin ingesting the worries and nonsense of the world?
Don’t you deserve a more peaceful, thoughtful beginning to your day?
I put on my headphones when I awaken and often listen to music and sometimes an audiobook. If I have a text message, I’ll check to make sure no one needs me, but I wake up around 4:30 AM every day, so it’s rare to have one waiting on my phone that early.
If I do, it’s usually important.
But the internet? Social media? Even email?
I suggest that we all be kinder to ourselves. Avoid that nonsense until you’ve brushed your teeth, put on socks, and maybe fed the cats or taken the dog for a walk.
Happily, most are, since 44 percent is a lot, but not most Americans.
The 44 percent are probably the grumpy ones.
A similar percentage, 43 percent, said they use their phone to browse the internet within 10 minutes of going to bed.
Another significant number, but still the minority, and perhaps the same minority.
Again, why? Nothing good comes from this before bed. Not only does the blue light of a phone hurt your chances of falling asleep quickly — even if you’re using a blue-light diffuser like me — but why jam your brain with nonsense and disaster before sleep?
If I’m waiting for Elysha to get into bed, I might try to finish Wordle or complete a Duolingo lesson, but the internet? Social media? Even email?
You’re supposed to be powering down before bed. Give your soul a break from the world.
Again, be kind to yourself.
Not surprisingly, 32 percent of respondents said that their phone was “mostly negative” for their sleep habits.
No kidding.
Did you know that 100% of sleep experts know that using your phone before bed absolutely, positively has a negative impact on sleep?
Especially without a blue light filter.
Some changes in habits are hard. I get it. Losing weight by changing your diet is exceptionally difficult. Building an exercise regimen and sticking to it can be challenging. Reducing alcohol consumption or quitting smoking can be damn near impossible for some.
But this one doesn’t seem difficult.
Sleep better by putting your phone down 30 minutes before bed.
Leave your phone in your pocket for the first 30 minutes of your morning.
You will undoubtedly sleep better and will begin your day happier and healthier.
I think everyone can easily make this shift.
Especially if you’re among the 32 percent who believe their phone has mostly negative effects on their sleep habits.
Or if you’re among the rational, science-believing public who believes he 100% of sleep experts who tell us that browsing the internet or social media before bed is detrimental to your sleep.
Put the phone down before bed and after you wake up.
You deserve better.
