Sleep Study Shows Technology Prevent us from Good Night's Sleep

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Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they're not getting enough sleep and late-night computer use, texting and video games are a significant part of the problem, according to a national survey released today. Virtually all of Americans surveyed in the Sleep in America poll reported "very active" use of technology at least a few nights a week within an hour of bed. It is clear that we have a lot more to learn about the appropriate use and design of this technology to complement good sleep habits," said David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation, which conducted the survey.

The Sleep in America poll shows that the most sleep deprived age group are those ages 13 to 18, who stay up late at night texting before falling asleep. More than half of kids in this age group text an hour before bed most nights, and report an average of seven hours and 26 minutes of sleep per night. Sleep researchers suggest a minimum of nine hours and 15 minutes.  

While younger age group's use of mobile devices can affect their performance in school, their not the only ones losing sleep over late-night tech use. The survey says 42 percent of those ages 30 to 35 text before bed. Video games are another late-night activity that impedes on sleep time. More than a third of 13 to 18-year-olds play video games before bed, and 28 percent of 19 to 29-year-olds do the same.