Health specialist Marcio Atalla said that using screens before bed disrupts sleep by suppressing the hormone melatonin.
This guidance highlights a growing public health concern regarding how digital habits interfere with biological sleep cycles. As device usage increases globally, understanding the physiological impact of blue light is essential for preventive health and mental well-being.
Speaking on the "Jornal da Manhã" program on Jovem Pan News, Atalla said whether screen use hinders sleep. He said that the blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress melatonin and delay the onset of sleep [1]. This hormonal disruption makes it more difficult for the brain to signal that it is time to rest.
Atalla said that this interference does not only affect the time it takes to fall asleep but also the overall quality of the rest period. He said that reducing screen time before sleeping improves sleep quality, and decreases the feeling of fatigue upon waking [2].
To combat these effects, the specialist recommended a reduction in exposure to blue light during the evening hours. By limiting the use of smartphones, tablets, and computers before bed, individuals can allow their natural melatonin production to regulate more effectively.
Atalla's warnings align with broader medical observations regarding the impact of technology on circadian rhythms. The shift toward digital interfaces in every aspect of daily life has created a persistent environment of artificial light that contradicts natural sleep-wake cycles [1].
“A luz azul emitida pelos dispositivos pode suprimir a melatonina e atrasar o início do sono.”
The correlation between blue light exposure and melatonin suppression suggests that digital hygiene is now a critical component of preventative medicine. As screens become more integrated into bedtime routines, the physiological delay in sleep onset can lead to chronic sleep deficits, increasing the risk of long-term health issues related to insomnia and fatigue.
