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Are you having more trouble sleeping since you got your iPad or Samsung Galaxy S II? That comes as no surprise to researchers at the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who've found that two or more hours of exposure to backlit devices suppresses melatonin.
This suppression, especially in teenagers, can lead to trouble sleeping at night, according to researchers led by Mariana Figueiro, director of the LRC's Light and Health Program.
"Our study shows that a two-hour exposure to light from self-luminous electronic displays can suppress melatonin by about 22%," Figueiro says in a statement. "Stimulating the human circadian system to this level may affect sleep in those using the devices prior to bedtime."
Wondering how this problem can be solved as we become even more dependent on our devices? Figueiro recommends dimming your backlit devices at night to minimize melatonin suppression.
Do you think your smartphone or tablet is causing you to lose sleep? Let us know in the comments.