April 12, 2019
Let’s face it, the last thing most people look at before bed and the first thing they grab upon waking up is likely their smartphone. While its convenient to have within arm’s reach if using a smart device as an alarm clock, when it is that close the temptation to check social media sites, work email and the news headlines is often too strong to resist—even if it’s 1:00 a.m.
According to a U.S. Cellular survey, 67 percent of millennials spend at least an hour on social media every day, and 38 percent spend at least three hours – which can make it hard to put away when it’s time for bed. This habit is causing Americans to lose sleep. Smartphones, similar to laptops, tablets and televisions, emit something called “blue light” which is a type of light that the brain interprets as daylight.
“When your eyes see blue tinted light, like that from electronics, they signal your brain that it’s time to be awake,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Knoxville. “Many smartphone manufacturers have started to offer some kind of ‘night mode’ to get rid of some blue light, but there are also some old-fashioned ways smartphone users can help curb the effect of blue light before bedtime.”
U.S. Cellular offers advice on how to catch more zzz’s.
* Set a Cellphone Curfew: Stop using your smart devices 30 minutes to two hours before bed. The earlier the better, but even starting small may help you get a better night’s sleep.
* Substitute the Smartphone: Pick up an old-fashioned, printed book and read under lamplight instead of scrolling through your phone in bed.
* Move it Out of Arm’s Reach: Try using a traditional alarm clock instead of a smartphone or create the habit of leaving phones at a central charging station outside of the bedroom to avoid the distraction.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
