RESEARCH
DIARY_
02
Impact of sleep eye mask on sleep quality among adolescents; light on sleep
Every individual has an internal
clock that regulates their circadian rhythm, which is both activated
during sleep and while awake. One of the main factors that determine
when individuals sleeping and wake up according to this internal clock
is light.
The circadian system is established before the influence of artificial light. Even a small amount of artificial light can trick the brain into believing that nighttime is actually daytime. For example, a tablet placed next to the bed for watching a movie at night is 100 times brighter than being outdoors under a full moon. Similarly, watching a computer screen at night is 10 times brighter than a well-lit parking lot. This becomes a significant issue because nighttime light exposure disrupts the natural process that prepares the body for sleep.
The circadian system is established before the influence of artificial light. Even a small amount of artificial light can trick the brain into believing that nighttime is actually daytime. For example, a tablet placed next to the bed for watching a movie at night is 100 times brighter than being outdoors under a full moon. Similarly, watching a computer screen at night is 10 times brighter than a well-lit parking lot. This becomes a significant issue because nighttime light exposure disrupts the natural process that prepares the body for sleep.
The pineal gland produces melatonin when an individual is in darkness,
but exposure to light suppresses melatonin production, leading to
changes in sleep patterns. Compared to sleep in complete darkness,
sleep with light results in shallower sleep with more frequent
awakenings.
Moreover, exposure to light at night is associated with the development of depressive symptoms, as well as conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Light exposure also shifts the circadian rhythm.
Moreover, exposure to light at night is associated with the development of depressive symptoms, as well as conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Light exposure also shifts the circadian rhythm.
To address the problem of light exposure, wearing an eye mask is a
common solution. However, the effectiveness of eye masks in truly
improving sleep has been questioned. To explore this, Cardiff University
conducted an experiment involving 90 healthy young adults aged 18 to 35.
The participants were asked to sleep while wearing an eye mask or being
exposed to light at night. During the first week of the study,
participants wore eye masks that blocked light while sleeping. In the
second week, they wore eye masks that did not prevent light exposure.
The results showed that participants performed better on a
paired-associate learning task after wearing an eye mask that blocked
light, compared to when they were not protected from light exposure.
Additionally, a psychomotor vigilance test revealed that blocking light at night improved alertness. However, there was no difference in the amount of sleep between the two conditions.
Additionally, a psychomotor vigilance test revealed that blocking light at night improved alertness. However, there was no difference in the amount of sleep between the two conditions.
