Learn Why You Should Reduce Screen Time Before Bed.

In 2007, internet use in Australia surpassed TV watching for the first time - 13.7 hours per week vs. 13.3 hours - and mobile use quickly approached saturation, according to Nielsen Online’s 10th Australian Internet and Technology Report. Prime time for viewing TV is from 6.00pm -10.30pm. This popular time for TV is also popular for internet usage with 60% of internet uses watching TV at the same time. This activity is happening right before bed time.

Understanding how this activity negatively impacts our sleep and understanding the significance of quality sleep upon our health may give us reason enough to change watching patterns.

A study at Osaka University in Japan shows that people who surf the internet or watch TV before bedtime report that they are not getting enough sleep—however, they are catching as many Z's as people who don't watch TV or surf the internet before hitting the sack. So internet and TV usage changes "sleep demand and sleep quality."

Using a light-emitting device before bed like a flickering TV or computer monitor stimulates the brain in a different way than the way the body was intended to move towards sleep (gradually as the sun sets). The exposure to light stimulates the brain and creates a false alertness and stimulation.: "The longer media use before sleep can trigger (self-perceived) insufficient sleep," lead researcher Dr. Nakamori Suganuma, of Osaka University, Japan, told Reuters Health.