Sleep Disorders: Apply It

  • Explain disruptions in biological rhythms
  • Describe the symptoms and treatments for common sleep disorders

Please read the following abstract from the peer-reviewed journal article “Self-luminous devices and melatonin suppression in adolescents” (Figueiro & Overington, 2016)[1]:

Self-luminous devices, such as computers, tablets and cell phones can emit short-wavelength (blue) light, which maximally suppresses melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that starts rising approximately 2 hours prior to natural bedtimes and signals darkness and sleep to the body. The present study extends from previously published studies showing that light from self-luminous devices suppresses melatonin and delays sleep. This is the first study conducted in the home environment that investigated the effects of self-luminous devices on melatonin levels in adolescents (age 15–17 years). Results show that 1-hour and 2-hour exposure to light from self-luminous devices significantly suppressed melatonin by approximately 23% and 38% respectively. Compared to our previous studies, these results suggest that adolescents may be more sensitive to light than other populations.

How would you summarize the abstract above?

A friend of yours tells you that she watches movies on her laptop every night before bed in order to “help her fall asleep.” Use evidence collected in this study to create an argument for your friend about why her strategy for falling asleep might be counter-productive.

Since the advent of electricity, the amount of sleep people get has declined. Why do you think this might be the case? What effects might this have on us and our society?


  1. Figueiro, M., & Overington, D. (2016). Self-luminous devices and melatonin suppression in adolescents. Lighting Research & Technology, 48(8), 966-975.