Research suggests lowering light setting, holding phone
several inches from face help in-bed use
Smartphones and tablets can make for sleep-disrupting
bedfellows. One cause is believed to be the bright light-emitting diodes that
allow the use of mobile devices in dimly lit rooms; the light exposure can
interfere with melatonin, a hormone that helps control the natural sleep-wake
cycle. But there may be a way to check your mobile device in bed and still get
a good night's sleep. A Mayo Clinic study suggests dimming the smartphone or
tablet brightness settings and holding the device at least 14 inches from your
face while using it will reduce its potential to interfere with melatonin and
impede sleep.