Technology is all around and we are seemingly connected at all times. Is this bad for our sleep? If you’re like me, I have my phone next to me while I’m sleeping. I’ll just be drowsing off to dream land and I hear a notification. I can’t help but go see what it is. Now I’m awake. I might as well scroll through social media until I get tired again, right? Before I know it, it’s been over an hour and I’m more awake than when I went to bed.So how does technology affect our sleep? MelatoninMelatonin is a hormone that controls our circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle). The blue light from your cell phone actually suppresses the production of melatonin. Basically, it’s tricking your body into thinking it’s time to be awake. All while you feel tired – but just can’t get to sleep. The solution – give yourself at least 30-minutes of tech free time before bed. And if you’re like me and can’t resist checking that notification in the middle of the night, keep your phone out of the bedroom. Don’t worry, they still make alarm clocks. The BrainDo you ever lay down and just can’t shut off your brain? One thought leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another… Well technology isn’t helping with this either. Sending off a quick email or watching a movie before bed sounds harmless, but it’s tricking your brain into thinking it needs to stay awake. The solution – try meditating to unwind before bed. Empty your mind of the days thoughts. Close your eyes and picture your favorite beach with the calming cadence of waves. This is actually where technology can help us sleep. Turn on a sound machine or one of those 8-hour Youtube videos of calming ocean sounds. This will make your brain focus on the sound and quiet the other thoughts. If this was helpful and you want to know more about how technology affects our own lives and our families, I highly recommend The Tech-wise Family by Andy Crouch.