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Exposure to Backlit Displays Reduces Melatonin Production

alphadogg writes "Researchers have discovered that relatively little exposure to tablets and other electronics with backlit displays can keep people up at night by messing with their circadian rhythms. The study from the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute showed that a 2-hour exposure to electronic devices with such displays causes suppression of the melatonin hormone and could make it especially tough for teens to fall asleep. The study, funded by Sharp Laboratories of America, simulated usage of such devices among 13 people using special glasses/goggles and light meters"

5 of 192 comments (clear)

  1. N = 13? by schitso · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Should this even be considered relevant?

    1. Re:N = 13? by anom · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Furthermore, why didn't they just use actual backlit displays instead of some approximation? It's not like there is a shortage of them.

  2. And this is different from TV how? by thesupraman · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In breaking news:

    "Researchers have discovered that relatively little exposure to television and other electronics with backlit displays can keep people up at night by messing with their circadian rhythms."

    "Researchers have discovered that relatively little exposure to home lighting can keep people up at night by messing with their circadian rhythms."

    And finally:

    "Researchers have discovered tha tspending too much time reading obvious 'scientific' reports can keep people up at night by messing with their circadian rhythms."

  3. Uh, yeah. by russotto · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Exposure to light can reduce production of a hormone known to have its production reduced by exposure to light.

  4. Re:I can attest... by baker_tony · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Haha, solution is to pop a pill. I take it you're an American? No offence, but that seems to be the American way...