The Modern Technology Disorder: Sleep Disorders

In the age of advanced technology, the convenience brought by the connection and communication between modern devices helps us communicate, exchange, and entertain more easily. However, along with these conveniences, negative issues have arisen, one of which is the disorder of sleep.

The overuse of technology, the blue light emitted by electronic device screens, the constant work pace regardless of day or night, and the pressures of modern life can easily lead to sleep disorders.

“Modern life has many factors that affect sleep quality, such as night shifts, or working night hours, which disturb the biological rhythm,” said Dr. Vu Tran Thien Quan, Head of the Respiratory Function Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, at a seminar organized by the Tiền Phong Newspaper on December 20.

Previously, sleep disorders mainly occurred in older people or those with underlying health conditions, but now they have become a common problem, especially among younger and middle-aged people. The Ministry of Health has recorded a significant increase in the rate of people suffering from sleep disorders in recent years, estimating that about 20% of children, 15-20% of adolescents, 15-20% of adults, and 30-40% of the elderly are facing this issue. In Ho Chi Minh City, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Cho Ray Hospital received over 15,000 cases related to sleep disorders in 2023, a 35% increase compared to 2020.

According to Dr. Le Tu Quoc Tuan, Head of the Neurology Department and Deputy Director of the Chieu An Hospital, sleep is affected by many factors. Many people, before going to sleep, have the habit of watching horror or emotional psychological movies that cause strong emotions, consuming stimulants, excessive physical activity, or worrying about work and life. This can affect the quality of sleep. When treating certain health conditions, many people may experience difficulty sleeping due to medication use.

One of the leading causes of sleep disorders today is the overuse of technology, especially mobile phones. The blue light emitted from the screens of phones, tablets, and laptops has been proven to disrupt the body’s natural biological rhythms, causing difficulty sleeping and reducing the quality of deep sleep.

The habit of using phones before sleeping stimulates the brain, putting the body in a state of high alert. As a result, many people cannot relax to enter natural sleep. A recent study in Vietnam showed that 68% of adults admitted to frequently using their phones within an hour before going to bed. This number rises to 85% among adolescents.

Additionally, the era of technology brings many opportunities but also comes with pressure. The continuous work pace, 24/7 connectivity through email and messaging apps, makes the boundary between work and rest time blurred. Prolonged stress and tension increase cortisol levels in the body, a hormone known to disrupt sleep.

Staying up late to finish work or study also directly affects the duration and quality of sleep. A 2022 survey by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City showed that more than 40% of university students sleep less than 5 hours a night due to studying or browsing social media.

Dr. Dang Nhat Tam, Deputy Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, stated that sleep disorders lead to problems with memory, concentration, affecting life and work efficiency. Prolonged sleep issues can increase the frequency of diseases such as cancer, stomach issues, asthma, COPD, kidney, liver, musculoskeletal diseases, and immune-related conditions. Young people with sleep disorders are at higher risk for reduced work productivity, lack of concentration, and are more likely to develop psychological disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Sleeping less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours each day also increases the frequency of strokes, particularly hemorrhagic strokes. If sleeping on the right cycle, around 7-9 hours a day, the body’s organs will have time to rest, recharge, and reorganize for a new cycle.

Experts recommend limiting the use of phones and electronic devices before going to bed. It is advised to stop all screen activities at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Creating a habit of going to bed at the same time and getting enough sleep is important. Avoid arguing or worrying about work. Try to keep a relaxed mindset, because if you’re stressed and can’t sleep, the next day will be sluggish, work efficiency will be poor, and you won’t be able to solve any problems.

Maintain a comfortable, quiet sleeping environment, free from disruptions by light or noise. Follow a healthy diet and entertainment habits. Avoid consuming sleep-disrupting substances such as strong coffee, strong tea, or overusing alcohol and beer before bedtime.

Regularly check your health to detect any abnormalities early. If you notice signs of sleep disorders, consult a doctor or sleep specialist for diagnosis and appropriate support methods. Do not self-medicate as it may lead to dependency and dangerous complications. In some cases, patients may not need medication; adjusting habits and reorganizing life may improve the condition. Sometimes, sleep disorders stem from other underlying health conditions, and addressing the root causes is necessary to solve the problem.