Teenagers who can’t get out of bed in the morning or can’t get to sleep at night are a common problem we see in the clinic. They can be up late on their smartphones and tablets consuming content or interacting via social media. What impact does the light from these screens have on sleep? Does light from screens impact on the sleep of adults as well? We explore these questions with Dr Sean Cain, an expert in the effects of light on sleep and health from Monash University.

Dr Moira Junge (Health Psychologist) and Dr David Cunnington (Sleep Physician) host the monthly podcast, Sleep Talk, talking about all things sleep.

Leave a review and subscribe via iTunes

Audio Timeline:

• 00:00 - 02:52 Introduction
• 02:52 -  05:09 What's in the news about sleep?
• 05:09 - 36:45 Theme: Teens & Screens
• 36:45 - 38:16 Clinical tip of the month - Sleep diaries aren't a good measure of circadian function
• 38:16 - 39:20 Pick of the month: Moira - Patricia Merx- Won't go to sleep - New Yorker Radio Hour
• 39:20 - 40:02 Pick of the month: David - Australian swim team using blue-light blocking glasses
• 40:02 - 40:50 Pick of the month: Sean - Constraint associated with earlier circadian phase
• 40:50 - 42:16 What's coming up in sleep?

Next episode (Sept 5th 2016): Restless legs syndrome

Links mentioned in the podcast:

• Dr Sean Cain - Monash University
• Tips for getting back to sleep - Juice Daily
• Dr Moira Junge talking on insomnia - Today Extra
• Dr David Cunnington - Feature in Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
• Golden Door Health Retreat
• Increased sensitivity to light in teens - J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015
• Impact of 24 hour light on rodents - Cell Biology 2016
• C by GE - Smart Lighting
• f.lux app
• Night Shift for iOS devices
• Effect of camping for 1 week on sleep patterns - Current Biology 2013
• Circadian rhythm information - SleepHub
• Can't get your teenager out of bed? - Written information from SleepHub
• Patricia Marx - Won't go to sleep - New Yorker Radio Hour
• Australian swim team using blue light blocking glasses
• Constraint and early circadian phase - Personality and Individual Differences 2017
• Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness week
• Australasian Sleep Association annual scientific meeting - Adelaide Oct 20-22