Student discusses how modern technology ruins sleep cycles
Student discusses how modern technology ruins sleep cycles
https://hillsdalecollegian.com/2026/02/student-discusses-how-modern-technology-ruins-sleep-cycles/
Publish Date: 2026-02-07 15:26:00
Source Domain: hillsdalecollegian.com
The Students for Self Government Club hosted a lecture on sleep in modern times this past Tuesday at 6:30. Junior Madeleine Chloe gave a presentation titled “Broken Clocks: How Industrialization Changed our Sleep and Circadian Rhythms.”
“In one sense, industrialization maybe ruined our sleep, but in another sense, it could actually help us sleep better than before,” Choe said.
Choe argued the main issues affecting sleep today are lighting, especially blue lights or fluorescents. However, counteracting this sleep disrupting technology are artificial lights to improve your circadian rhythm during the winter, red light glasses, and a variety of sleep supplements.
“Not all light is equal,” Choe said.
The brain orients its sleep schedule around its circadian rhythm, according to Choe. This circadian rhythm is the same system that allows sunflowers to bend with the sun throughout the day and is dependent on the type and timing of the light one receives throughout the day.
Bright blue lights from phones or fluorescent overhead lights signal day and darkness, while dimmer light, such as candles, campfires, and redder light signals it is time to go to bed.
Melatonin will build up in the body as it prepares to sleep.
Choe said one of the most determining factors of a good night’s sleep is the sleep midpoint, which occurs midway through a sleep cycle. Bright light before the midpoint delays it, and after the midpoint advances the sleep phase.
“If you look at your phone and then you go to sleep, this signals to your body, ‘Oh, we actually anticipated things too early. It’s actually supposed to be day,’” Choe said. “So you will get that rising melatonin later in the day eventually.”
According to Choe, the body adjusts its sleep schedule based on when it typically receives or does not receive light.
Choe said students whose sleep schedules vary widely from weekdays to weekends may also experience social jet lag. Going to bed late and sleeping…
