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Reading e-books leads to insomnia
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In the modern world, more and more people are abandoning paper books in favor of electronic ones. However, experts warn that this is not the best choice, since reading e-books before bedtime leads to insomnia.
Experts from Harvard Medical School conducted a new study on e-books. As a result, the specialists found that the backlight emitted by the device worsens the quality of sleep, and it takes a person longer to fall asleep after reading. The participants in the experiment also noted that they feel tired in the morning.
The problem, according to scientists, is precisely in the backlight, if there is none, then all problems with sleep should go away. It is for this reason that experts do not recommend using smartphones, laptops and other gadgets before going to bed. The blue light emitted by modern electronic devices prevents the production of the hormone melatonin, which is necessary for a full and high-quality night's sleep.
During their experiment, the specialists placed twelve people in a laboratory for two weeks. Each volunteer had to read a regular book for five days, then read from an iPad for another five days. The scientists regularly took blood samples from the participants, and it turned out that after reading the electronic version of the book, the body's production of melatonin decreased. The participants complained of difficulty falling asleep, shallow sleep, fatigue, and exhaustion on those days.
When the quality of sleep is impaired, as well as when the time a person spends sleeping is reduced, various disorders occur in the functioning of the body. Lack of sleep immediately affects the general well-being, affects the work of the heart and blood vessels, provokes metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), as well as cancer. Lack of sleep is especially dangerous for young people who have a habit of going to bed late and are forced to wake up early in the morning for school or work.
As research in one of the medical colleges has shown, sleep disturbances lead to cell damage, especially negative impact is observed on the cells of the lungs, liver, and small intestine. It is worth noting that these processes are reversible, i.e. after normalization of sleep, all cells are restored and the work of organs is normalized.
Earlier studies have shown that poor nighttime sleep is linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. It turns out that cell damage is the cause of this connection.
Due to the fact that DNA is capable of restoration, all changes that occur due to sleep deficiency are reversible.
Another study on nighttime sleep also found that people who like to go to bed late are more likely to be haunted by negative thoughts. People who prefer to go to bed late and sleep less are more likely to worry, focus on one thing, and tend to ruminate.
Experts warn that maintaining a sleep schedule is the key to good mental and physical health.