Screen Time: Finding a Healthy Balance
Screen Time in Our Everyday Life The average American spends 7 hours and 4 minutes on screens per day, whether that be on the computer, smartphone, television, or game console. The Gen-Z population clocks in at over 9 hours per day. With today's dependence on technology to complete our work and school duties, these numbers are not a complete shock. We also rely on our devices for interaction, community building, and entertainment. While the benefits of technology are easily listed, it is essential to know how screen time can negatively affect your quality of life and learn methods for maintaining a healthy balance. Sleep Picture: Harvard Health A study outlined in the Harvard Medical Journal says that the blue-light from digital devices reduces the secretion of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates our internal 24-hour clock system, and a lack of melatonin can disrupt the amount of time spent in REM sleep. A decrease in REM sleep can cause issues in the consolidation an...