Many people are finding it more difficult to sleep, and the problem could stem from their digital devices. That’s because computers, cell phones, tv’s, and tablets emit blue light. Even though people aren’t aware of seeing blue light, research shows it can decrease melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Several studies show that not getting enough sleep will negatively impact your health, so this is an important issue to address. Our Digital Correspondent Cash Payne spoke with Dr. Amanda Hoelscher of the Key-Whitman Eye Center about how people can keep using their digital devices before bed and still get a good night’s sleep.

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IT’S BEEN SAID THAT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN ADULT CONSUMES 5X AS MUCH INFORMATION AS THEIR COUNTERPART 50 YEARS AGO. AND YOU LOOK AROUND IT MAKES SENSE. ALL YOU SEE ARE SCREENS, SCREENS, AND YOU GUESSED IT MORE SCREENS.

NATS (movie clip)

SURVERYS VARY SAYING THE AVERAGE ADULT SPENDS 3 TO 7 HOURS A DAY ON TV’S, COMPUTERS, TABLETS, AND CELL PHONES. AND SOME OF THE IMPACTS AREN’T GREAT

"I would spend probably upwards of 5 or 6 hours at least on a daily basis in front of a computer screen and close to a computer screen so being on a computer and doing work or having my face up into a screen all the time would really make my eyes tired and make me feel tired."

ISSUES YOU DON’T WANT TO BE DEALING WITH DAY IN DAY OUT AND NOW THERE’S SOMETHING THAT CAN HELP

"a question that we ask all of our patients is ‘how much time do you spend on a computer?’ and anyone that spends four or more hours a day on a computer I’m recommending a blue light filter."

BLUE LIGHT IS EVERYWHERE. IN FACT, IT’S PARTIALLY WHY THE SKY APPEARS BLUE SO WHY WOULD WE WANT TO FILTER IT OUT FROM OUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

"you don’t see that blue light but we know from studies that it interferes with melatonin production. you need melatonin to aid in sleep.

DR. HOELSCHER SAYS IT’S A COATING PUT ON YOUR GLASSES AND THEY CAN BE WORN AT ANY TIME

"instead of having to take breaks sometimes where I would have to rest my eyes and re-calibrate my vision because I was straining to see things on the screen, these glasses have made it as if everything is fine and it’s been great and I haven’t had any weird headaches or dizziness or anything like that since I’ve had them."

AND WHILE HEALTH OFFICIALS SUGGEST NOT USING SCREENS 30 MINUTES BEFORE BED, THE BLUE LIGHT LENSES ARE AN OPTION FOR THOSE NOT JUST STUCK AT THE OFFICE BUT GEARING UP FOR SCHOOL AS WELL

"it’s important they have their yearly exam. It’s important they inquire about these blue light lenses. They’re protective for anyone who spends time on a computer, tablet, or handheld device."

WHICH IN SOCIETY TODAY SEEMS TO BE JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY.

FOR REAL NEWS… I’M CASH PAYNE